Low-cost connector apparatus for passing electrical signals from one device over another via a cable. In one embodiment, the connector apparatus comprises a coaxial type connector that mates with a host device, such as via the motherboard thereof. In one variant, the connector further comprises a plurality of electrical components including an integrated circuit adapted to condition (e.g., equalize) the signals being transmitted over the cable. The connector (and hence internal electrical components) is shielded so as to mitigate the effects of EMI or RFI on the host device circuitry itself. In another variant, the signals comprise IEEE-Std. 1394 “FireWire” high speed data signals, and the use of the shielded connector in the signal pathway allows the use of lower cost cabling than would otherwise be required with a non-shielded (non-integrated) connector.