Cambridge Audio 500 (5m) review

Cambridge Audio's new HDMI cable line features the 500, which proves to be a perfectly acceptable cable for the money Tested at £69.99

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It's a good performer that just needs more dynamic punch

Pros

  • +

    Great crispness of images and motion tracking

  • +

    resolution is pin-sharp

  • +

    can dig deep with the bass

Cons

  • -

    Some noise

  • -

    lacks some punch

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The recently introduced 500 series of HDMI cables is available in 1.2, three- and five-metre lengths.

Priced £20 lower than the five metre version of the Chord Supershield award winner the snazzy and solid-feeling 500 proves to be a fast-paced and punchy cable from the off.

There's a pleasing crispness to images, while you'll get good insight and motion tracking to boot. Tones here appear quite neutral, and lack just a touch of realism with bright scenes.

Digs deep when needed
It's nice to note that the 500 is also able to really dig deep sonically when needed, although the sound is quite narrow, and lacks some colour and detailing in places.

Image resolution is up with that of close rivals and many finer details are well emphasised, although this is a cable that's prone to noise, with blocking apparent on images.

It's not quite a class-leader in terms of images or dynamic punch, but if you want a cheaper alternative to the Supershield, then we'd recommend this fine all-rounder.

See all our video cable Best Buys

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test