Cardas Golden Cros vs. Cardas Golden Ref

I have been a long time user of Cardas cables and I completely agree with Et's post. I used Golden Cross for many years but began to feel that it was somewhat too forgiving and "slow". I took the plunge and tried Nordost Quattro-Fil and SPM ref but it sounded thin though had great detail and speed. I settled on Golden Reference which I feel combines the strengths of both the other two: gorgeous midrange (there's a body to go with the voice), rich and solid low end, natural extension, air and detail in the treble. It plays music.

Lkern...To my ears the Golden Reference is somewhat more dynamic, equal in cutting RF, but ultimately substantially more musical; and it is not due simply to the addition of more treble. The depth and detail of the soundstage draws you into the music. Instead of GC's euphony I hear subtlety and finesse. Where GRef really excels over GC is in pace: tempos are more toe-tapping; where GC is slow, GRef is quick (but not fast). Where GC is forgiving GRef is enticing. Very enticing...Very Very enticing...