Cardas Clear Beyond XL PC vs The Rest
Hello all,
I'm in need of an additional PC, and I am intrigued by Cardas. I currently have Audioquest Hurricanes and Audience Front Row. There seems to be very little about the Cardas XL in search engines or reviews, and very few are listed for sale (Are they so good that no one wants to part, or are people not buying?). I would appreciate any input you may share (or any other recommendations). This cable will power my Innuos Pulse.
Thanks!
What drove you to Cardas PCs? I too have been looking for PC upgrades and have not seen any Cardas PC reviews. My list of PCs I’m interested in up to ~$5k
2.5 ZenWave PSR-14,11.
PC shootout here |
I have extensively auditioned Cardas powercords (for a year) and now own AudioQuest Hurricanes on my amps… Audio Research Reference 160m monoblocks and Ref 160s. In my system, see my virtual systems, I was looking for absolute transparency with the lowest noise floor possible and the greatest dynamics. I tried about every Cardas power cord for long periods of time (as well as others). I also, recommend Cardas interconnects and powercords all the time. But in my system they do not work.
After really struggling for the right pc for my amps I tried the Hurricane. Huge improvement. Every Cardas imparts a very small amount of warmth and attenuates the high frequency ever so slightly… it is really a small amount. On many systems this is all good… but on mine, I needed absolutely zero change. The Hurricane, is just a lot better. The AudioQuest Storm series took the audio community by (sorry) storm a couple years ago, for a really good reason… it is a tremendous power cord. I use transparent powercords on all my other components. They are perfect.
So, it will depend on your system. With the exception of the Dragoon I would say you have the very “best” cord… assuming you are looking for the same thing I was. |
I have always been interested in the Cardas, especially because the Clear Beyond interconnects are so highly praised. I do prefer a warmer presentation. Yet the XL PC's do not appear to have a big following. I would love to hear the AQ Dragon also, but I think the biggest bang for the buck would be the Dragon from the wall into my Puritan 136 conditioner. I know you are interested in the AQ Firebird, but I was told by a dealer to go Hurricane or Dragon. The Firebird's performance is a small increment above the Hurricane and not worth the price of admission. Thanks for the advice! I do love AQ, but I hate how inflexible they are. I do agree that the AQ Hurricane's presents one of the best values in PC's today. They are truly outstanding.
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I’m a Cardas guy but never owned the CBXL primarily because my amps are not high current enough to really justify them. I do use the Clear Beyond cords and I have always been extremely happy with them on my amps and preamp. They are neutral for the most part but do have that very slight touch of warmth, which I like. If you do try the XL be sure to post your findings. |
