AudioQuest vs Cardas XLR

but is there anything out there that will keep my midrange/mid-bass/bass and improve upon the highs? 

So, I have the Acoustic Zen Silver Reference ll interconnects and they offer the sound characteristics you’re looking for.  They won’t shortchange you in the bass or mids, which is surprising for mostly silver interconnects, but they will likely give just a bit more in the highs but without going too far and never harsh sounding.  What may be even better, and much cheaper because they’re used, is this used pair of AZ Absolute Silver interconnects that were at the top of the AZ line and at $750 are less than half their $2000 original MSRP.  My strong recommendation would be to give them a try, and if they don’t blow you away just turn around and sell them for little/no loss as AZ cables have a very fluid used market and are always in demand.  Hey, if they work for you you’ll save a bundle of $$$ with very little risk involved.  Best of luck. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649955854-acoustic-zen-absolute-silver-one-meter-xlr/

I have Cardas clear beyond interconnects in my system with C53 and 611’s and love them. Audioquest are made in China so that’s a deal breaker for me. 

@spearl8 

not all Audioquest cables are made in China. Their entry level and lower end models are indeed made in China but their middle to higher and models are made in USA. 

spearl8

Yes, I agree that most of AQ cables/cords are sourced to china. At one time not long ago, Cardas was guilty of this practice as well. I hope that both Companies have re-thought their positions in 2023.

Happy Listening!

1. @jafant

Please post your reference source wherein you claim CARDAS somehow flogged made-in-China product anytime in the past. Illegal fake crap POS build counterfeits are flogged out of China and slammed by CARDAS… these are not genuine OEM legit brand models.

https://www.cardas.com/counterfeit

….nowhere can I find such any allegation of them selling Chinese origin product.

Rather

(2); George Cardas has two US patents (4,980,517 & 4,628,151) for his cable & conductor designs.

(3) CARDAS is an exclusively a made-in-the USA cables company in BANDON OREGON for the past 30:years.. George Cardas initially founded his company in Southern California in 1987 working out of his garage while employed there. He then slowly expanded his production business in SoCal until 1992. From there he expanded into the present factory in Oregon. CARDAS also sources their proprietary Cu Material from the USA.

CARDAS is not to be confused with AUDIOQUEST