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Hi
I have been a user of Cardas interconnects all my life ranging from the Quadlink 5C, Golden Cross, Golden Presence to Golden Reference.
I am currently looking for a XLR interconnect between Krell FPB 200c power amp and Cary SLP 05 preamp and auditioned both the Cardas Clear and Transparent Ultra MM2. The Clear was a step above the Golden Reference in terms of speed, openness and top end extension and air. It was as if a veil had lifted. What was different was less midrange bloom. The Transparent Ultra MM2 was even more open and surprisingly had more inner detail in the midrange and treble, also with better imaging and soundstaging, albeit leaner and more analytical while being natural sounding at the same time, with less bloom than the Clear. The Clear seemed more musically coherent - details blended to create a musical whole while not standing out in themselves in any way like the Transparent Ultra MM2. Ideally, what I would like is a cable that is in between the two in most attributes perhaps with a bit more midrange bloom.
Any advice on this is appreciated especially from those familiar with many cables out there, particularly Cardas and Transparent. I am guessing the Transparent Reference may fit my preferences but they are beyond my budget. I was wondering if anyone has tried Cardas Clear Reflection and what you thought of it. Alternatively, if you could suggest something else, that would also be appreciated.
Thanks and regards
Follow Ups:
Mikey- an update?
You should try the Clarus Crimson. Honestly if you have separate pre & power I'd recommend audition with two sets, one from source to pre & pre to power. It was my experience the Clarus seems to sound better the more I added to the system. I'm using Pass separates with Levinson digital, I find the Clarus nicely balanced with a dark quiet background. You mentioned the importance of midrange, as I mentioned the cable response is balanced but the midrange portion is very nice, it's resolving while remaining natural, I found the cable to add to the engaging presentation of my system.
Nice! Mr Peabody-
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Tell us more...
The new Clear Reflection is, according to Cardas, fast like the Clear but with more body like the old Golden Reference.. and it's priced a bit less than Clear.
Erik-
I have listened to the Cardas 'Clear' series. they are okay. I will add the those cables are complemented w/ Stage III Concepts power cords. That is a nice combo.
I have Clear Reflection between my Bryston B100 and 4B-SST2. It's absolutely beautiful. Had Golden Presence there previously. CR is GP + superb imaging + added clarity.
My spkr cabling is Clear.
I highly recommend CR for a high performance system. It probably gives 90% of Clear's performance in my system (I have Clear RCA from my BDA-1 to the B100).
Welcome! Canadian Maestro.
In these pages, I have already reviewed the Cardas Clear interconnects (both balanced and single-ended), as well as the Clear Beyond speaker cable. Do a search.
As with all cables, you absolutely MUST use a proper cable burn-in device.
I do not have any experience with the Transparent Ultra MM2, so I am not at liberty to comment.
You do not state what your sources are, so your Cardas vs. Transparent Cable comparison cannot be answered. Everything depends on the source(s). Cables only introduce errors.
The Audiophiles' DJ,
-Lummy The Loch Monster
Lummy knows that I am a Transparent 'guy' for sure. Outstanding! cables.
For power cord(s) I do endorse Stage III Concepts offered by Aaudio Imports.
Mikey-
I am a Transparent fan. If you tried the Ultra, you must audition the ReferenceXL and Opus for comparison. Each time you move 'up the chain' you will be musically rewarded. Transparent offers a generous trade-up policy or you can buy used/demo cables/cords. Keep me posted.
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