I single-wire using spades, and replaced my Cardas Cross with Satori going from my VTL MB-185 200w tube mono's to my Thiel 2.2 3-way 8" floorstanders. The choice was pretty easy in my system, but I can't speak for the Cardas cables above Cross, though I have a feeling they would do much better in this comparision, albeit for more money (much more money in the case of the GR).
The Satori is a great-sounding cable IMO, with a very refined yet complete presentation. It opened a clearer window on the performance, while also lowering grain and hardness. Images 'inhabit' their soundstage environment to a greater degree while remaining well-individuated, with less background grunge in between and fine dimensionality apparent in all directions, but these are not forward cables, and I experienced increased freedom from the speakers being perceived as obvious sound sources. Bass took on a more tactile and authoritative quality, conveying weight and texture without bloat or overhang, and treble purity is outstanding, with cymbals sounding more natural and less tizzy. Air is naturally abundant without being emphasized. Tonally, this cable seems nicely palpable through the midrange, and so is not lean in any way, but otherwise feels quite neutral and unhyped while still being extended. Dynamics are notably uncompressed and and complex material remains uncongested; competing events within the soundstage don't impinge upon each other. Quietness is excellent, likewise coherence and overall ease. Vocals are more believable than before, with a less 'electronic' character, yet more low-level detail is also unmasked, so the Satori strikes me as being transparent in the truest sense. I can't detect any noticable blurring or etching of outlines, and transient definition and cleanliness sound unimpeded on both attack and decay. As you can see, I have no complaints pending ever hearing something better at home, but in fairness it took me a longer time than I've yet lived with the Satori so far for me not to feel that way about the Cross.
In some systems I suppose the Cross could sound initially more exciting, but ultimately I felt they were 'zippier' and had more glare without actually revealing as much, and weren't as even-handed across the spectrum, or as easy to listen to without fatigue at higher levels. Manufacturing quality on the AZ is fine, while the appearance is distinctly more attractive. I am not thinking about any other options here at the moment, although one member who has used and liked Satori (in biwired guise) has told me that he switched when he got the Audience wire. Even though I haven't tried anything more expensive than these cables in my system, I feel the Satori has got to be a wonderful value for its cost whether or not it's really the 'giant-killer' some have said, and would recommend auditioning it to anyone interested.
The Satori is a great-sounding cable IMO, with a very refined yet complete presentation. It opened a clearer window on the performance, while also lowering grain and hardness. Images 'inhabit' their soundstage environment to a greater degree while remaining well-individuated, with less background grunge in between and fine dimensionality apparent in all directions, but these are not forward cables, and I experienced increased freedom from the speakers being perceived as obvious sound sources. Bass took on a more tactile and authoritative quality, conveying weight and texture without bloat or overhang, and treble purity is outstanding, with cymbals sounding more natural and less tizzy. Air is naturally abundant without being emphasized. Tonally, this cable seems nicely palpable through the midrange, and so is not lean in any way, but otherwise feels quite neutral and unhyped while still being extended. Dynamics are notably uncompressed and and complex material remains uncongested; competing events within the soundstage don't impinge upon each other. Quietness is excellent, likewise coherence and overall ease. Vocals are more believable than before, with a less 'electronic' character, yet more low-level detail is also unmasked, so the Satori strikes me as being transparent in the truest sense. I can't detect any noticable blurring or etching of outlines, and transient definition and cleanliness sound unimpeded on both attack and decay. As you can see, I have no complaints pending ever hearing something better at home, but in fairness it took me a longer time than I've yet lived with the Satori so far for me not to feel that way about the Cross.
In some systems I suppose the Cross could sound initially more exciting, but ultimately I felt they were 'zippier' and had more glare without actually revealing as much, and weren't as even-handed across the spectrum, or as easy to listen to without fatigue at higher levels. Manufacturing quality on the AZ is fine, while the appearance is distinctly more attractive. I am not thinking about any other options here at the moment, although one member who has used and liked Satori (in biwired guise) has told me that he switched when he got the Audience wire. Even though I haven't tried anything more expensive than these cables in my system, I feel the Satori has got to be a wonderful value for its cost whether or not it's really the 'giant-killer' some have said, and would recommend auditioning it to anyone interested.