AudioQuest vs Cardas XLR


Hello all,

Looking to upgrade my interconnects from my McIntosh C2700 to MC611 monoblocks. I am very interested in AQ Tbirds or Firebirds vs. Cardas Clear Beyond XLRs. I want an end-game cable and would appreciate some feedback. I'm open to any additional suggestions. I do enjoy the prodigious bass/midbass and the smooth midrange that the combo provides. It's a little light on top, though (as McIntosh is). I think Cardas and AQ will preserve my wishes, but is there anything out there that will keep my midrange/mid-bass/bass and improve upon the highs? I think I may be asking for too much, though! I would be very grateful for some direction. 

128x128jeffreyw

@lollipopguild Anyhow, this is now moot as I've ordered the Cygnus

Good deal. Should be good to go. 

I'm enjoying trying Cygnus with different components. Some times I interchange Cygnus with Clear Reflection. Both are nice for different reasons. You definitely can hear a little more with the 4-wire Cygnus, when compared to prior generations

@decooney 

The Cygnus's arrived today, and already after only an hour of listening the detail and transparency they're offering is remarkable.  Though, to be honest, they're a touch harder and brighter than I was hoping for.

I noticed in an earlier comment you remarked on their burn-in. Can I ask how they are likely to change?  

@lollipopguild

Hard and bright are terms normally associated with new equipment before breakin. Run it 24 hours a day for at least 100 hours… and it should soften. But do not judge until at least 200 hours. 

 

@lollipopguild I noticed in an earlier comment you remarked on their burn-in. Can I ask how they are likely to change?  

They relax and settle in after they've been uncoiled out of the box, rested in place plugged in, and there is a form of discharging affect that occurs as part of the dielectric itself, and won't go into the wire-usage aspects. A few things happen, change does occur.  It's been posted many-many times on Agon. Sometimes we feel like a broken record on this topic...  

As @ghdprentice mentioned, I'm from the same camp of giving them 21-30 days, no joke.  You'll hear it smooth out, more depth, mild texture comes in, and  oddly enough becomes more engaging to listen to.  More on the Cardas site. Enjoy.