Thirty years ago a small company started selling extra thick, see-through, coated, shiny copper speaker cable that promised to make your system sound better. Most audiophiles already had their special formula for speaker cables and interconnects, but Noel Lee's introduction of his cable product to the general consumer market turned the accessory world upside down overnight. Soon, Monster Cable became synonymous with improved quality speaker cable and now the company features more than 3,000 products, ranging from speaker cable to Dr. Dre- and Lady Gaga-inspired headphones and earphones. This interview was made during a private party in a suite in the Paris Hotel. Who was there? Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre, Miles Davis' family, and Diddy. Why? All were there to publicize the high-profile celebrity link that Noel built into the Monster name including Dr. Dre headphones and Lady Gaga earphones.

The next day, Monster sponsored a high-profile concert for their dealers and friends. At last year's Consumer Electronics Show, Monster hosted a private concert by Diana Ross, and this year's CES, John Legend was the invited headliner, with a surprise appearance by Stevie Wonder. Over the last 30 years, Monster has become the monster branding for consumers worldwide who are seeking audio solutions. All celebrity aside, in the digital age of HDMI, does the quality of a digital cable interconnect really matter? Is the extra cost justified? Listen to this story to hear Noel's view of the controversy. Recorded during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, in January 2010 by Harris Fogel.

Harris Fogel, Posted 7/6/2010

For more information on Monster Cable visit: www.monstercable.com

Photographs of Noel Lee and John Legend by ©Harris Fogel 2010

Photographs of Noel Lee and Harris Fogel by ©Elmo Sapwater 2010