Cardas Clear phono cable

[dan31]

Does anyone have any experience with the Cardas clear phono cable? I'm shopping in the $1200 range and the clear is the front runner. I may consider the Audience SE "low" phono cable but it lacks any shielding. Any experience would be helpful. Lyra Kleos is the cartridge into a Aesthetix Io signature phono preamp.

Thanks

[Rob]

ive used Clear speaker cable and ICs but not for phono. Cardas tends to be more capacitive than other types/brands, o'wise I like Clear very much.

[Analog21]

I have all Wywires Platinum cables (phono, interconnects, speaker cables) etc. My dealer sent me a Cardas Clear Reflection cable to swap out one of my Wywires cables. one cable swap (leaver all the other Wywires cables in) changed the sonic character considerably. The sound has a lot more body and weight but it was at the expense of sounding more sluggish. The wywires were more open, tighter, more sparkle on the treble. The Wywires made it more neutral, which was better for me because my system of tubes and Sonus Faber speakers made my system already extremely rich and warm. I think it also depends on which cartridge you use too. Try to balance things out. My dealer is dealer for both cables and would be happy to pass on his info if you are interested. I ultimately stuck with the Wywires and returned the Cardas.

[MylesBAstor]

I didn't have any problem with Audience phono cable in NYC. Given all the RF here, shielding wouldn't seem to be an issue.

[dan31]

Thanks for all the feedback. I have a new Spiral Groove SG2 turntable with the integrated Centroid tonearm. I just need a cable from the RCA block to my phono stage. I think the Audience AU24se "low Z" version may lead the pack as they at least make an attempt to tune the cable to the output. I can't afford the high end transparent or the like. Difficult space to shop. Nordost phono cables look like repurposed interconnects. It looks like audioquest will not sell Lyra's phono pipe cable in the US.

I will set up the table/arm this weekend.

[Rob]

sounds like you have an SG2 with the junction box, Allen did offer your table/arm with a continuous run from cartridge clips to integrated ICs. Ironically he stopped doing it because owners wanted to use their own ICs. He probably still offers the continuous run, it might make sense to have it done depending on your budget.

[dan31]

Thanks Rob!

I was just speaking with Allen today, he really is great to work with. One of the best in the business. I am going to try the Spiral Groove grooveline interconnects this weekend. If they are a great fit then I'm set. I'm just thinking ahead if I need to grab something else. I do use Audience Au24se for my CD player and I really like it. Having choices can be a conundrum, but we should all be so lucky.

[jfrech]

I have your Centroid arm, but on a Grand Prix Audio turntable. It's a excellent arm. One of the very best. And likely a best buy given it's reasonable price. If you don't go for the Spiral Goove cable...I think you should consider going to Transparent Ultra. It's $1600, so just above your budget, but I think you'd be impressed. You may also be able to get a certified used cable via their dealer network.

Arm cables can be a huge improvement. Nearly like a better cartridge. Good luck ! Let us know your thoughts on your SG cable trial...

[MylesBAstor]

+1

[jeffk]

I'm looking for a new tonearmcable as well. I'm running a Dynavector XV1-T into a Ypsilon MC-16 SUT then to a Lamm Lp2. I have the audience low Z and a Nordost Tyr. I like them both but prefer the detail and interplay of the tyr, and the bass and groove of the audience. Tyr also accentuate some sibilance, but it the one I run most often. Looking for advice on upgrades. I like detail and music interplay, but also value a thick emotional midrange. Rock/ jazz almost exclusively. Probably going used, up to 2k. Cheaper is fine.

Jeff

[bonzo75]

ive used Clear speaker cable and ICs but not for phono. Cardas tends to be more capacitive than other types/brands, o'wise I like Clear very much.

HI what does "more capacitative" mean for a phono cable - just want to understand how more or less affects sound

[MylesBAstor]

See this thread post 10.

https://www.audionirvana.org/forum/the-audio-vault/audio-cables/1291-cables-matter

[dan31]

I thought I would check in on my phono cable search, I have decided on a phono cable from CHacoustic. I ended up with the CHacoustic X20 power cable and it was transformative on my Aesthetix Io Signature. I was asking Craig about phono cables and he mentioned they have made a few in the past and he would be happy to make one for me.

The cable arrived today and I am so happy! The CHacoustic cables are so linear, no emphasis in any range. The cable is absolutely expansive dynamic range, extended frequency from top to bottom and step into transparent. I'm so happy I persisted in researching my options.

[jeffk]

I found a good deal on a Valhalla 2, just installed it tonight. Seems to be quite an improvement over the Tyr and the Audience.