Panasonic RP-CDHX15 review

The RP-CDHX15 is put to shame by rivals costing half its hefty £100 asking price Tested at £100.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Forking out for this HDMI cable would be a mistake – a poor performer and even poorer value for money

Pros

  • +

    Cable has a slim profile and chunky, solid connectors

Cons

  • -

    Images lack clarity

  • -

    edges are poorly defined

  • -

    poorly judged colours

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 last Panasonic HDMI cable to feature in What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision was a huge disappointment and did well to escape our testing rooms with a one-star review.

Nevertheless, the Japanese manufacturer seems determined to make an impact in this sector of the market, for it is now back with a new flagship cable.

Unfortunately, Panasonic needn't have bothered. This HDMI cable's slim black jacket and chunky connectors are the only real highlights of what is otherwise a cable to forget.

Colours lack richness, while sharpness and detail levels fall way short of what we'd expect from an HDMI cable at this price.

The usually pristine image on our Quantum Of Solace Blu-ray disc lacks depth and Daniel Craig's chiseled face undoubtedly appears softer than it should.

Little better with sound
Sonically, the 'CDHX15 doesn't fare much better, either. The cable digs up a decent level of detail, but dynamically it can be bettered.

During the opening forest battle of Gladiator the score and on-screen carnage doesn't display enough clout or drama. The cable doesn't give low frequencies enough weight.

The harsh reality is that the 'CDHX15 is put to shame by rivals costing half its hefty £100 asking price.

So, if you're looking for an upgrade, then we'd suggest you skip this opportunity and take a look at massively superior alternatives from the likes of QED and The Chord Company.

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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.

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