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Too much of a good thing...
I've always been a "Cardas guy" and they're always worked great in all my setup. I recently replaced my Thiel CS2.4's with Audio Physic Avanti III, which are stunning speakers. When an opportunity to get a Pass Labs XA60.5 at a very reasonable price came up, I couldn't pass it up. The combination of the AP and the PL is just plain amazing. Now to the challenge, I'm starting to think that the speaker/amp combination which are both on the warmer side and the warmth of the Cardas Cross (and Golden Cross interconnects) might be too much of a good thing.
What other speaker cables should I be looking at?
Rest of the system consists of a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (connected via XLR directly to Pass amps) with Auralic Aries streaming (connected via AQ Carbon USB).
What other speaker cables should I be looking at?
Rest of the system consists of a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (connected via XLR directly to Pass amps) with Auralic Aries streaming (connected via AQ Carbon USB).
27 responses Add your response
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Ok, so I guess I should've been clearer... it's been over a month of listening. I've owned all cables for at least 5 years, so they're burnt in. The speakers are about 3 months by now and although the amp was only added about a month ago, it was used (although never abused). After month of listening ~2 (or more) per day, by now they should be pretty much settled in. |
I too am a Cardas, Cross specifically, guy who loves that cable for the very reason you have stated, when looking for a cable to get away from that darker signature I have found the Audioquest Colorado’s to meet that need. There are some available from Music Direct for 50% off and they show up used as people move up to the newer models. Please note my experience stated is mainly with the ICs. Enjoy the music. |
Why not stay within the Cardas universe? You may be surprised at how different the Clear or Clear Beyond are from the Cross / Golden Cross series. A cable loan from The Cable Co. will let you hear the differences, which I believe will fit your new needs, without getting too far off from what you liked about Cardas in the first place. All the best. |
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@david_ten sounds like it might be a good time to try out the newest Cardas line. I do love the Cardas I have and they have always performed well, but I do need a bit more top end sparkle and probably a bit leaner (!) bass (can't believe the Audio Physic Avanti can even produce that much bass with those small drivers, but they can POUND when required). |
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audiojan OP216 posts12-17-2018 9:01am@ audiojan I assume all the above power cables and PS audio Power Plant was used with the previous speakers and amp. Before you go out and buy new speaker cables and or ICs cables I would first try connecting the Pass amp directly to the AC wall outlet using the OEM power cord that came with the amp. I believe Nelson Pass recommends his amps be connected directly to the wall outlet. As for the Shunyata power cord you are using on the Pass amp, if it is shielded that could very well be causing what you are hearing. A good non shielded power cord that mates well with Pass amps is the 6’ Kimber Kable PK10. . |
@jea48 You are correct. All of the cables and power conditioner were used with previous speakers. I tried plugging the amps directly into the wall outlet and it made a subtle difference, but unfortunately not to the better... I might give the Kimber a try. I'm not convinced the Shunyata's are ideal for the Pass. I am changing to Cardas Clear XLR and Cardas Beyond Clear SC (got a great deal on it!). The Clear XLR is already in the system (and it made a huge difference!) and the SC is at Cardas for retermination. |
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audiojan Did you use the stock OEM power cords, that came with the amps, when you plugged them directly into the wall outlet? |
@jea48 So what did this Clear Beyond SC bring to the table ? My Gryphon SC are a little bright for ma taste with my Thiel speakers. Would like to keep the gryphon resolution and air but with more meat, musicality and a more solid bass. Hope the Clear Beyond SC can bring all these qualities.
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Sorry this post was for @audiojan |