Cable question .... how good Cardas Golden Refe...

Everything is system dependent. I had au24's for quite some time, then replaced them with cardas GR. To me the biggest difference is the GR was more holographic, had better deliniation of instruments in space, and overall had more finesse. The AU24's a bit more opaque, but also warmer,. more forgiving. Both had escellent bass.

At the time, my all solid state system with fairly revealing speakers in my "live" listening room, the GR were also too agressive sounding. Gearge Cardas will tell you himself that unless EVERYTHING is near-perfect, dont get the GR, since it can/will expose other sins (in my case things were too harsh/bright - i actually would have preferred the AU24's in my system at that time). George would tell you he would recommend the golden cross in most "real world" systems, esp if there's any residual bite/glare/harshness.

Dont limit your choices to Cardas. Tell us more about your system, dude.

CGR is better for a less than perfect system. Errs on the yin side of the spectrum. If you want great transparency, consider the Pure Note Paragon which reveals all. Also AU24's are worth a listen.

I've compared the Golden Ref. to some of the high priced spread from PAD, Siltech, Nirvana, Synergistic Research. The Golden Ref. remains between the preamp and amp while a PAD Venustas goes on source to preamp. I would describe the GR as essentially neutral, but somewhat forgiving and musical, slightly light sounding. This is one good cable regardless of price, I would think it would work in a wide variety of systems.

Have not heard the AU24`s but have read good things about them however, I do use Cardas Golden Reference in my system. They are warm sounding with great mid`s, smooth highs, big soundstage, very musical. That being said the Golden Reference is also revealing....not really ``hi fi`` revealing but ``live music`` revealing. They may not be for your system depending on your equipment and or room. Try a pair if you can, also the Cardas Golden Cross is a excellent cable that is warm sounding and musical and works very well with most systems just remember if you try any Cardas cable be patient with them because they do not like to be moved and take a long time to break/burn in....once they do they are wonderful sounding.
happy listening