Audience Au24e vs Cardas Golden Reference


Can someone familiar with both of these cables describe the differences between them? I'm especially interested in speaker cables. Both Cardas and Audience are often mentioned together as great choices. I know Cardas, what can I expect from Audience? Your opinions will be much appreciated.
mike79

Showing 2 responses by podeschi

My ears must be different - I have a different experience with Cardas Golden Reference versus Audience Au24 cables in my system. From power cords to interconnects to power line conditioners, I have found nothing that compares as favorably to Audience. Audience cables are neutral, harmonically accurate, fast, dynamic, and throw a bigger sound stage compared to Cardas GR. I like Cardas -- it is a decent cable or I wouldn't use it, but it is not as accurate and musical as the Audience cables. There is a bigger more accurate sound with Audience. I have 2-3 Cardas cables in my system, but where it matters most I have Audience. My goal is to standardize all cables with Audience. In fact, Audience is #1. Harmonic Technology is #2. And then comes Cardas.
Cardas is a very good cable. The next step up for me in extension and control is my Harmonic Tech Magic Link 2. The Audience brings in more air and clarity and no coloration. More open and larger soundstage. One recent acquisition has my head spinning. When I bought my cinemag 1131 SUT from Robyn Wyett I also picked up some of Bobs Devices Vintage US interconnects - amazing for the money ($125). Not as open and extended as Audience but equal if not better than Cardas. That's after 2-3 hours initial listening. I had previously moved on from Zu, Analysis Plus, Audioquest etc and am upgrading all cables to audience (they leave nothing on the table) but I plan on keeping a few of these vintage cables from Bobs Devices.