Cardas Clear Beyond Interconnects ?

@mikey8811  I have the Clear Reflection XLR ICs between the DAC and Preamp and between the Preamp and Amplifier.

These have been in-system for close to a year and I HAVE NOT HAD any issues with them regarding those you list (specifically: highs tipped with sibilance and hardness).

Hope this helps.

@mikey8811 :

Saw your post on the Audience thread, so cycled back to this one.

For me, the Clear Reflections offered the right balance for my needs and system. There are surely more resolving ICs and surely warmer ICs...but for my system and needs, they strike the right balance. And they are 'relatively' well priced, especially compared to some of the other dealer based alternatives. I think Cardas' description and positioning of these cables is pretty spot on.

I don't know your system components, but I wouldn't be surprised if they achieve what you are looking for: great "mid-range with full bodied sound and with more openness" across frequencies. 

I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions once you have them in your system.

@biggy79   Just re-read this thread you started. Have to say it was good to do so, after a few months break. I'm currently comparing some USB cables and the latest Cardas High Speed Clear is one of them. 

Any updates on your cabling journey?

@biggy79   Thank you for your update. I'm in the process of evaluating ICs and stepping up in the Cardas line from my Clear Reflections is an option. 

Are there other points / impressions you can share about the Clear Beyond ICs, within your system?  Beyond : ) what you already have, in your previous post. It would be good to know for my upcoming evaluation.

@mikey8811   Do you have any updates on your the Clear Beyond ICs? Do you still have them?

@mikey8811    Thank you. That's good to know.

I will report back once I have the loaner Cardas ICs in system. 

My SCs are the Audience Au24 SX and I've been evaluating the SX RCA/XLR ICs with a Lyric Ti 140 Mk2 amp and Pass pre/amp separates.

Since the Cardas will be coming after the loaner Audience ICs are shipped back, I will have to go by memory and my notes. I will let you know.

@mikey8811

Which Pass separates are you trying the Au 24 SX XLR’s with and how do they sound so far? I wonder if they have a leaner sound than Cardas does.

My current ICs with the Pass XP-20 and XA-30.8 are the Cardas Clear Reflection XLRs.

I compared these with the Audience Au24 SX Single Ended RCA as well as XLR ICs.

Both the Audience Au24 SX -- SE and XLR ICs DO NOT SOUND LEANER than the Cardas, within my system...to answer your question specifically. And neither does the Cardas (sound lean).

The Audience SX ICs have a ’bigger, bolder sound’ with greater dynamics, more slam and impact and energy. Bass is heftier and tighter. They also offer more air and bloom and also convey a greater degree of venue information and ambience.

The Cardas Clear Reflection sounds more polite and refined in contrast and with an overall more delicate presentation. It moves the stage back a few rows. It sounds ’cleaner’ and less energized and less resonant (Note: these terms are not meant in the negative).

I like the Audience A LOT. But I do believe (within my system) that it accentuates the lower frequencies and the aspects that make it so very engaging and enjoyable (air, bloom, dynamics, etc).

The Cardas Clear Reflection steps away from accentuating and to my ears is ’perhaps’ more accurate (relatively). However, for me, this comes at the cost of being less engaging and exciting (THAN). I also like the Cardas A LOT, but for different reasons than the Audience. It remains engaging and exciting and enjoyable...but when compared to the Audience it is less so.

Both of these cables are very good. It will come down to your preferences and system and goals.

@fsonicsmith   Thanks for sharing your findings with the Clear Beyond ICs in your system. 

Good points regarding what is not often said:

"Strict neutrality" is one of those concepts that sounds undeniable to the brain but in earthly practice is not necessarily a good thing. My point; my system needed a little manipulation and I think that Cardas would never admit it, but Cardas Clear and Clear Beyond to some degree manipulate the sound to create a sense of reality-all things being system-dependant of course.