very curious about your findings!!
@holco
I was able to compare the Cardas and FST channels in mono
over the weekend. Not an apples to apples comparison because I used the Cardas
in biwire configuration, so changed two variables at once (actually three
variables: hookup wire, binding posts, and biwire cabling). I do have jumpers
and will compare biwire to single speaker cable later (in stereo instead of
mono) but wanted to maximize any differences for this test.
One thing I did *not* hear was increased bass impact as you
reported. There was one song where I *did* hear much more prominent bass (and a
less than pleasing glow on vocals and such) but it turned out that I failed to
disconnect the FST channel, so was hearing the output from both speakers (the
FST speaker was behind and slightly to the side of the Cardas speaker at the
time). Laughing out loud.
First off, the FST channel sounded great and I would have
been happy if that were the final configuration. The Cardas didn’t reveal FST
wire to be “broken”. That said, the Cardas wire/binding posts bring what I
would call an ultimate level of refinement. The differences were subtle in mono
but important for the sound I’ve been seeking. I heard more immediacy/presence,
more flesh. A bit richer tonal saturation. This was most apparent on vocals and
instruments sharing the frequency of human voice (guitar, violin, woodwinds,
etc). Also, acoustic bass, kettle drums and toms. I did *not* hear any
differences on cymbals, chimes, and bells.
Yesterday I installed the Cardas in the second channel. Listening
in stereo revealed that this effort and expense was well worth it. It’s hard to
describe the sonics, but I’ll try. The Cardas wire/posts (and biwire speaker
cables) “snapped everything into focus”, gelled the sonic picture into a
cohesive whole. I would say more openness and clarity, more immediacy, denser
images, more holographic, and a sweeter/richer midrange. I had been considering
an ultra bypass cap to sweeten the midrange – no longer on my to-do list.
There is no end to combinations to investigate. My
configuration came mostly from the mind of Tom Thiel who brought his wealth of
knowledge and experience, and spent many months researching the possibilities
for the CS2.4. With more time and money, I thought I might further investigate
some “ultra” possibilities (Clarity CMR caps, possibly mixed with Jantzen
Alumen Z; Jupiter copper foil or Audyn True Copper Max bypasses; Path Audio
resistors in the coax and woofer feeds). But that was before I heard my
configuration with the Cardas. The sound I am getting is astounding. Other than
low bass, I really can’t ask for better performance. Just, WOW!
