Inducing clarity: Cardas Clear Beyond interconnects

**Kuoppis** · May 2, 2020, 12:52 PM

While generally speaking happy with my interconnects, I have been pondering about Cardas Clear Beyond ICs since choosing the Clear Beyond as my phono cable. I have been very impressed with that cable since adding it.

Cardas cables are famous for their superb build quality, and George is also one of the few in the business making his own copper cable stranding and extrusion. This is necessary, as there is no supplier who could deliver a cable with the golden ratio propagation.

I like the build quality, the argument makes sense to me that while music signals travel on the cable surface different strand diameters also suit different frequencies best (while I cannot verify or falsify it), and they do sound really good.

I bought one pair first to test them in my system. Now the phono system is wired throughout with Cardas Clear Beyond.

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**Speedskater** · May 2, 2020, 01:47 PM

A phono cartridge to pre-amp input cable is different from a typical interconnect cable. In that the total cable capacitance can have an impact on the sound of the system.
In an interconnect system, the total cable capacitance of a reasonable length cable is of no significance.

Oh, at audio frequencies the signal doesn't just travel on the conductor surface. But at 100 megahertz the signal does travel at the surface.

* * * * * * * * * *
In short, input transducer cables (phono cartridges, microphones and musical instruments) are not just like interconnect cables.

**Kuoppis** · May 2, 2020, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Speedskater

A phono cartridge to pre-amp input cable is different from a typical interconnect cable. In that the total cable capacitance can have an impact on the sound of the system.
In an interconnect system, the total cable capacitance of a reasonable length cable is of no significance.

Oh, at audio frequencies the signal doesn't just travel on the conductor surface. But at 100 megahertz the signal does travel at the surface.

* * * * * * * * * *
In short, input transducer cables (phono cartridges, microphones and musical instruments) are not just like interconnect cables.

I think George Cardas knows that

Inducing clarity: Cardas Clear Beyond interconnects

.

Of course cables for different purposes have different properties. A Clear Beyond power cable has also technically little in common with a phono cable. That is self understanding.

Yet a family of cables typically share some sound similarities.

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**Kuoppis** · May 2, 2020, 05:53 PM

So, here they are:

So far, I really do like what I am hearing: very good reach at both ends of the spectrum, tons of detail, and the soundstaging is just amazing.

These ICs clearly are a departure from the earlier Cardas Clear cables, which were a little exchanging resolution for warmth. Gone is the excess warmth, these cables are dead neutral, and resolution just is impressive. I think George Cardas has really hit one out of the ball park with these.

I also do like the high quality Cardas XLR connectors. While having no traditional locking mechanism on the output end, they sit very snugly in the output/ input terminals on both ends.

Color me impressed, these cables are highly recommended.

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**Kuoppis** · May 3, 2020, 09:02 AM

The Cardas Clear Beyond keep getting better after settling in a bit: details, depth, soundstage.

Quite enjoyable.

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**UltraFast69** · May 5, 2020, 12:22 AM

I hear a lot of good things about Cardas.

Darryl here locally is loading up with them, someday we will get together again to check them out.

In the meantime, enjoy yours!

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**Alpinist** · May 5, 2020, 07:19 AM

I used to own Cardas ICs and speaker cables. They had a wonderfully natural sound and build quality was second to none.

Congrats and enjoy!
Ken

**Kuoppis** · May 5, 2020, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

I used to own Cardas ICs and speaker cables. They had a wonderfully natural sound and build quality was second to none.

Congrats and enjoy!
Ken

Thanks Ken, I thought I’ll try them out.

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**Alpinist** · May 5, 2020, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Thanks Ken, I thought I’ll try them out.

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Of all the copper conductor cables I’ve listened to and owned, I feel the Cardas Clear and Clear Beyond are amongst the very best. The quality of the copper utilized is a step above the typical OCC that most manufacturers purchase because Cardas manufactures it themselves to the tightest tolerances. As I said before, the build quality is just insane. You don’t realize how extraordinary it is until you actually hold it in your hands, install it and dress it in your system. Supple and flexible, yet as durable as you’ll encounter. As for the sound, relaxed and natural, always musical, never analytical.

Ken

**Kuoppis** · May 6, 2020, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Of all the copper conductor cables I’ve listened to and owned, I feel the Cardas Clear and Clear Beyond are amongst the very best. The quality of the copper utilized is a step above the typical OCC that most manufacturers purchase because Cardas manufactures it themselves to the tightest tolerances. As I said before, the build quality is just insane. You don’t realize how extraordinary it is until you actually hold it in your hands, install it and dress it in your system. Supple and flexible, yet as durable as you’ll encounter. As for the sound, relaxed and natural, always musical, never analytical.

Ken

Agreed, this is pretty much what I’m hearing. Increase in micro-details without being in any way aggressive. Yet, the Clear Beyond does not achieve this by adding extra warmth.

And as you say, Cardas is controlling the entire production chain for the cables from start to finish. This allows for an extraordinary technical level of sophistication, exemplified by the golden-ratio propagation, and yields a build quality second to none.

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**mep** · May 6, 2020, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Of all the copper conductor cables I’ve listened to and owned, I feel the Cardas Clear and Clear Beyond are amongst the very best. The quality of the copper utilized is a step above the typical OCC that most manufacturers purchase because Cardas manufactures it themselves to the tightest tolerances. As I said before, the build quality is just insane. You don’t realize how extraordinary it is until you actually hold it in your hands, install it and dress it in your system. Supple and flexible, yet as durable as you’ll encounter. As for the sound, relaxed and natural, always musical, never analytical.

Ken

So did you switch over to silver cables?

**Alpinist** · May 6, 2020, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by mep

So did you switch over to silver cables?

Hi Mark,

Yes, I did switch over to silver conductor cables. It wasn’t a conscious plan. I purchased the Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps and they came with proprietary fixed length silver speaker cables manufactured by AudioQuest. To match the speaker cables, I followed up with AudioQuest Wild Blue Yonder silver interconnects. To match the rest of the system, I recently started adding AudioQuest Dragon silver power cords.

I previously didn’t care for silver cables until I listened to the AudioQuest. They gave me more information but in a non-fatiguing way. They claim it’s due to their use of perfect surface silver and solid core conductors that avoid traditional strand interaction. I don’t know if this explanation is true but I can certainly hear a difference. Much more ease than other silver cables to my ears.

Best,
Ken

**mep** · May 6, 2020, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Mark,

Yes, I did switch over to silver conductor cables. It wasn’t a conscious plan. I purchased the Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps and they came with proprietary fixed length silver speaker cables manufactured by AudioQuest. To match the speaker cables, I followed up with AudioQuest Wild Blue Yonder silver interconnects. To match the rest of the system, I recently started adding AudioQuest Dragon silver power cords.

I previously didn’t care for silver cables until I listened to the AudioQuest. They gave me more information but in a non-fatiguing way. They claim it’s due to their use of perfect surface silver and solid core conductors that avoid traditional strand interaction. I don’t know if this explanation is true but I can certainly hear a difference. Much more ease than other silver cables to my ears.

Best,
Ken

Thanks Ken. Silver ICs and speaker cables used to have a reputation for sounding bright. I'm glad you are happy with the results you are getting from the AQ silver products.

**Kuoppis** · May 6, 2020, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

I previously didn’t care for silver cables until I listened to the AudioQuest. They gave me more information but in a non-fatiguing way. They claim it’s due to their use of perfect surface silver and solid core conductors that avoid traditional strand interaction. I don’t know if this explanation is true but I can certainly hear a difference. Much more ease than other silver cables to my ears.

I have owned (and am actually still owning) great sounding silver cables as well. The Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II are now in my summerhouse, playing with the Pass INT-60.

Based on my experience, as with many audio things, it’s hard to judge gear by the specs. Similar material ICs do often sound completely different, and it always depends on system synergy what the actual end result is.

Nice to hear you have found a good match with your Vandersteens. With power products I’ve also switched to AudioQuest due to better clarity.

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**Alpinist** · May 7, 2020, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

I have owned (and am actually still owning) great sounding silver cables as well. The Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II are now in my summerhouse, playing with the Pass INT-60.
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Hi Kuoppis,

If you’ve found great sounding silver cables then hold onto them. In my experience, they are few and far between.

Enjoy,
Ken

**Kuoppis** · May 7, 2020, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Kuoppis,

If you’ve found great sounding silver cables then hold onto them. In my experience, they are few and far between.

Enjoy,
Ken

Ken, also my observation. That’s why I still have the Silver Reference II’s I bought almost ten years ago. All other cables are copper though.

But I need to test the AQ’s you’re using, when I get a chance.

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**Thieliste** · December 29, 2021, 11:06 AM

I'm looking for new IC and SC for my rig because i have come to the conclusion that my Gryphon cables are not a good match for my Thiel speakers, they are way to bright for my taste or at least for my speakers.
I am planning to demo Cardas Clear Beyond IC and SC very soon, they are supposed to be much more musical en engaging.
Can you guys confirm ?

**Kuoppis** · December 29, 2021, 04:12 PM

I do have a loom of Cardas Clear Beyond. They’re great.

But beware, that while Cardas Clear are musical, the Clear Beyond are pretty much neutral in tonality and also more resolving.

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**Thieliste** · December 29, 2021, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

I do have a loom of Cardas Clear Beyond. They’re great.

But beware, that while Cardas Clear are musical, the Clear Beyond are pretty much neutral in tonality and also more resolving.

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Hi Kuoppis, do you think i should look at Clear or Clear Reflection ? because my problem is glare in the treble right now that gets fatigueing in the long run.

**Kuoppis** · December 29, 2021, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Hi Kuoppis, do you think i should look at Clear or Clear Reflection ? because my problem is glare in the treble right now that gets fatigueing in the long run.

I don’t think the Clear Beyond will add any glare. But also, they are unlikely to add warmth as the Clear did.

Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with other Cardas cables.

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**Thieliste** · December 29, 2021, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

I don’t think the Clear Beyond will add any glare. But also, they are unlikely to add warmth as the Clear did.

Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with other Cardas cables.

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Thanks i will try do demo 2 different Cardas cables to hear the differences.

**GSOphile** · December 29, 2021, 06:50 PM

A Cable Company rep advised that the Cardas Clear Reflection was on the warm side and Cardas' best option for reducing glare.

**u-sound** · December 29, 2021, 07:32 PM

i d rather change the speaker if it is the cause of the brightness

**stereogeek** · December 29, 2021, 11:04 PM

Cardas cables are in two different groups. The original group is warmer overall which was George's response to bright sounding digital. The newer group is more neutral and more revealing, the website discusses this. For years my Tara Labs speaker cables and interconnects were my reference. I got a wild hair one day and bought two pairs of Cardas interconnects and a pair of speaker cables. The Tara's never got back in the system.

**Alpinist** · December 30, 2021, 09:22 AM

I would try the Clear Reflection. They add some midrange warmth and smoothness on top, similar to earlier Cardas models that brought them notoriety. You could try The Cable Company’s lending library first before purchasing.

Ken

**Thieliste** · December 30, 2021, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

I would try the Clear Reflection. They add some midrange warmth and smoothness on top, similar to earlier Cardas models that brought them notoriety. You could try The Cable Company’s lending library first before purchasing.

Ken

Thanks but they don't lend to European peolple.
I'm going to ask a Cardas dealer in my country.

**imprezap2** · December 31, 2021, 05:36 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

I'm looking for new IC and SC for my rig because i have come to the conclusion that my Gryphon cables are not a good match for my Thiel speakers, they are way to bright for my taste or at least for my speakers.
I am planning to demo Cardas Clear Beyond IC and SC very soon, they are supposed to be much more musical en engaging.
Can you guys confirm ?

IMHO if a system is bright, most of the time it's caused by "sub-optimal" electrical power network, in the past I experienced this with Focal speakers I owned, too bright for long listening sessions but after adding a separate electrical group for audio, better (system matching) powercords and power distribution block all off the brightness went away.

**Thieliste** · December 31, 2021, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by imprezap2

IMHO if a system is bright, most of the time it's caused by "sub-optimal" electrical power network, in the past I experienced this with Focal speakers I owned, too bright for long listening sessions but after adding a separate electrical group for audio, better (system matching) powercords and power distribution block all off the brightness went away.

I already have an Audioquest Niagara 3000 in which all my digital, Switch, LPSUs and internet box are plugged in.
Only my Diablo 300 is directly plugged in the wall with and Audioquest Firebird PC.
I don't have a dedicated power line for my system yet, will have to wait a couple of years when i can build a dedicated listening room.
Meanwhile if i can find smoother cables for my speakers that should do just fine.

**imprezap2** · December 31, 2021, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

I already have an Audioquest Niagara 3000 in which all my digital, Switch, LPSUs and internet box are plugged in.
Only my Diablo 300 is directly plugged in the wall with and Audioquest Firebird PC.
I don't have a dedicated power line for my system yet, will have to wait a couple of years when i can build a dedicated listening room.
Meanwhile if i can find smoother cables for my speakers that should do just fine.

Have you tried plugging your amp in the Niagara 3000, just for the sake of it. It might pin point the "problem".

**Thieliste** · December 31, 2021, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by imprezap2

Have you tried plugging your amp in the Niagara 3000, just for the sake of it. It might pin point the "problem".

Yes i did, it sounds better plugged into the wall.
Usually Gryphon don't recommend to plug into power conditionners.

**imprezap2** · January 1, 2022, 04:35 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Yes i did, it sounds better plugged into the wall.
Usually Gryphon don't recommend to plug into power conditionners.

I understand dynamics might suffer a bit pluggin the amp into the power conditioner, but did the harshness in the high frequencies disappear ?

**exupgh12** · January 1, 2022, 04:57 AM

Congratulate on your new interconnects, thank you for the review.
i love Cardas cables (i use Cardas Clear cables for the whole system). Unfortunately, so far i didn't have the opportunity to hear or test Clear and beyond cables, so it's great to read your impression of the cables.

**Thieliste** · January 1, 2022, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by imprezap2

I understand dynamics might suffer a bit pluggin the amp into the power conditioner, but did the harshness in the high frequencies disappear ?

There is less, but i think the room has a lot to do with it since i moved into a new home and my new living room i bigger and less bright.

**imprezap2** · January 1, 2022, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

There is less, but i think the room has a lot to do with it since i moved into a new home and my new living room i bigger and less bright.

If there is less harshness with the Diablo plugged into the Niagara 3000, it does look like the harshness is coming from the "wall" power. Offcourse room acoustics can be a factor also.

Maybe something like an Isotek Titan V3/V5 might work well on a Gryphon Diablo 300, it might be even less expensive then different speakercables and interconnects.

Plugging power amps to the Wall power socket I understand, but as the Diablo is an integrated you are also plugging the Pre-amp section to the unfiltered wall socket.

I listened a few times to the Thiel CS 3.7 when the were newly released, always really liked them, but never found them harsh in the high frequencies, same for the Diablo, IMO a very neutral (maybe even slightly darker then neutral) presentation.

By the way, my intention is not to push you in any direction, but I think you have a great set, and should be able to sound great with the cables you have.

Best wishes for the new year

**u-sound** · January 3, 2022, 03:51 PM

are gryphon vip cables known to sound bright? before changing anything i would really find out whats the real cause.
from my experience vibration control at the digital rig (everything, streamer, dac, switch psu) has tremendous impact on compression. more than the cables, to my own surprise. (doesnt mean you can skip the cable side)

**Thieliste** · February 11, 2022, 03:36 PM

Well guys guess what, the Cardas rep came to my place last monday for me to demo Cardas Clear Beyond SC and Clear IC in my system.
I was blown away by the sysnergy between the Cardas cables and my Thiel speakers, glare has completely disappeared and the sound has become so much more engaging with much more density.
I have heard micro details in the bass region that i never heard before with my VIP cables.
I can't imagine how the Clear Beyond ICs would sound in my system

Now i know that my problem comes from my Gryphon silver cabling, i just have to get rid of them after having tried 2 pure Copper brands.
I will try one more combo the Tellurium Q Statement SC and IC and make a decision after that.

**Rnrmf** · February 11, 2022, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Well guys guess what, the Cardas rep came to my place last monday for me to demo Cardas Clear Beyond SC and Clear IC in my system.
I was blown away by the sysnergy between the Cardas cables and my Thiel speakers, glare has completely disappeared and the sound has become so much more engaging with much more density.
I have heard micro details in the bass region that i never heard before with my VIP cables.
I can't imagine how the Clear Beyond ICs would sound in my system

Now i know that my problem comes from my Gryphon silver cabling, i just have to get rid of them after having tried 2 pure Copper brands.
I will try one more combo the Tellurium Q Statement SC and IC and make a decision after that.

Cardas Clear Beyond vs TQ Statement is a comparison I look forward to reading! Good Luck!

**Kuoppis** · February 11, 2022, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Well guys guess what, the Cardas rep came to my place last monday for me to demo Cardas Clear Beyond SC and Clear IC in my system.
I was blown away by the sysnergy between the Cardas cables and my Thiel speakers, glare has completely disappeared and the sound has become so much more engaging with much more density.
I have heard micro details in the bass region that i never heard before with my VIP cables.
I can't imagine how the Clear Beyond ICs would sound in my system

Now i know that my problem comes from my Gryphon silver cabling, i just have to get rid of them after having tried 2 pure Copper brands.
I will try one more combo the Tellurium Q Statement SC and IC and make a decision after that.

I do agree, in the level of micro-detail retrieval and bass depth the Clear Beyond really stands out.

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**Mcsnare** · March 18, 2022, 10:34 PM

I have a full set of Clear Beyond including power cables, and tonearm cable. I can attest to their neutral, yet musical vibe.

**Thieliste** · March 19, 2022, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Rnrmf

Cardas Clear Beyond vs TQ Statement is a comparison I look forward to reading! Good Luck!

I much preferred the Cardas Clear Beyond SC and IC as opposed to the TQ Statement in my system.
IMO regarding the Statement IC you really don't get what you pay for, there is a serious difference in overall performance between the Statement SP and the IC.
The Statement IC is the weak link of the two, i did like the Statement SC very smooth sounding but not as much resolution in the bass region as the Cardas Clear Beyond SP.
At the end of my cable shootout the Cardas Clear Beyond were the clear winner and i therefore ordered the SC and XLR IC, should receive them pretty soon.

**Rnrmf** · March 19, 2022, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

I much preferred the Cardas Clear Beyond SC and IC as opposed to the TQ Statement in my system.
IMO regarding the Statement IC you really don't get what you pay for, there is a serious difference in overall performance between the Statement SP and the IC.
The Statement IC is the weak link of the two, i did like the Statement SC very smooth sounding but not as much resolution in the bass region as the Cardas Clear Beyond SP.
At the end of my cable shootout the Cardas Clear Beyond were the clear winner and i therefore ordered the SC and XLR IC, should receive them pretty soon.

Nice Comparison. Thank you.
I 100% agree on the TC IC and it was the same for their power cable. I was interested in how you heard in the speaker cable and you summed up the difference nicely. I'll have to hear the Cardas cables in the future

**Thieliste** · March 20, 2022, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Rnrmf

Nice Comparison. Thank you.
I 100% agree on the TC IC and it was the same for their power cable. I was interested in how you heard in the speaker cable and you summed up the difference nicely. I'll have to hear the Cardas cables in the future

Clear Beyond has the best balance between resolution, musicality, body and deep bass.

**Dizzie** · March 20, 2022, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

I do have a loom of Cardas Clear Beyond. They’re great.

But beware, that while Cardas Clear are musical, the Clear Beyond are pretty much neutral in tonality and also more resolving.

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Which cables were you comparing (e.g. interconnects or speaker cable)? I a particularly interested in Cardas Clear speaker cable compared to Clear Beyond.

Thanks.

**Kuoppis** · March 20, 2022, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

Which cables were you comparing (e.g. interconnects or speaker cable)? I a particularly interested in Cardas Clear speaker cable compared to Clear Beyond.

Thanks.

Unfortunately I only compared the ICs, as I have different speaker cables (InAkustik Reference AIR LS-4004).

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**Donald D** · December 28, 2023, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

The Cardas Clear Beyond keep getting better after settling in a bit: details, depth, soundstage.

Quite enjoyable.

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I just got the Clear Beyond XLR interconnects to be used from the DAC to the HeadAmp and have the Clear Beyond balanced headphone cable to the Utopia22 and totally agree. These cables keep getting better by the day. Initially I had treble boost presets for a number of tracks but am in the process of taking them out now. There are certain songs , though, where the Tunami Terzo V2 with its imperfections (overhang of notes, slow transient speed) delivers amazingly sounding vocals that the Cardas cable can‘t match for chills. So, I switch interconnects and listen to about 12% of my playlist with the Tunami Terzo V2 and to 88% with the Clear Beyond.

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