@jl1ny
+1 what paulcreed said. Those who’ve owned several pairs of different Cardas ICs over decades, know.
The comments about movement are spot on too. Once I tried a backwards test experiment, coiled up and re-boxed a pair of my better well-used Cardas ICs, let them sit that way in the box for 30 days. Did this while evaluating other ICS, [Belden 8402s with Switchcraft connectors by the way]. Went back and uncoiled them, plugged them in for 14 days. Re-played those same Cardas ICs at day-1, then played them again a day-14. Once the cable and wire inside is much more relaxed, with little to no tension, they do transform to sound more open, more transparent, and that strange focused midrange spike at center stage goes away. Other aspects of texture picks up too. Had to try it to prove it and believe it. Started as a skeptic long ago, and became a believer later.
While there is controversy by some about actual burn-in, I can share in every case with Cardas ICs [owned several pairs], they sounded different at Day 30-45 than what they sounded like originally new at day 1-7.
I thought it was bad with Cardas having to wait to settle 30-45 days, geez my Analysis Plus Crystal Solos with OCC copper took 3x as long, almost gave up a few times. Never thought it would get there. Finally did.
Had one pair fully settled in and two other brand new pairs. Compared all three sets. Give it time before drawing conclusions. And, BTW; had new Belden 8402s with Switchcraft ends, they were okay, neutral yet kinda grainy at times. Worth about the $89/pair I paid for them. Resold.
Results will vary one cable to the next. This is how CableCo came up with their "Lending Library"
https://www.thecableco.com/lending-library service offering. They also maintain a knowledge base for reference.
