Initial disappointment with 1st set of “expensive’ IC’s...

@dletch2
So if the Cardas wire is so good and superior, why does it need an authenticity card? Shouldn’t it be obvious? :-)

"Superior", that’s up to your ears. No, not "obvious" to an untrained eye and unknowing buyer. It’s an actual serial numbered cable and registered library with Cardas for repairs, warranty, and re-termination of ends if necessary. Some owners keep them for 20+ years, and buyers want to know they are authentic too. Send them back to Cardas to authenticate if someone is uncertain and needs help. :-(

FAKE COUNTERFEIT imposter cables are out there.  Watch out! Idiots make them and uninformed people buy them thinking they got a deal. And, yes, it becomes very "obvious" when fakes sound like crap. Buyer Beware!
They are one of the most counterfeited cables out there. See all the links and articles with photos below. 

counterfeit:
https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.18172-8/11056052_10156892349565131_9067457819617729795_...

counterfeit:
http://www.element-acoustics.ca/archive/audio_visits/43-1.jpg

counterfeit:
http://www.element-acoustics.ca/archive/audio_visits/43-2.jpg

counterfiet:
http://www.element-acoustics.ca/archive/audio_visits/43-3.jpg

counterfeit:
http://www.element-acoustics.ca/archive/audio_visits/43-4.jpg

counterfeit:
http://www.element-acoustics.ca/archive/audio_visits/43-5.jpg

counterfeit:
http://www.element-acoustics.ca/archive/audio_visits/43-6.jpg

Cardas verification, Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CardasAudio/photos/we’re-often-asked-to-verify/10156892349565131/

Article by Element Acoustics in CA:
http://www.element-acoustics.ca/audio_visits.php?aid=43

Best of Luck

I’m surprised no one suggested placing the cables in the freezer for 72 hours..

Well actually I do. Not the freezer in your mommas basement, and not for 72 hours, but cryo treatment. 

" I’m surprised no one suggested placing the cables in the freezer for 72 hours.."

Because there is no reason to do that, however, if you are talking about cryogenics one needs to be at least  -150 degrees C.

I’m just going to leave this here.

https://www.audioholics.com/audio-video-cables/audio-cable-break-in-science-or-psychological

An article about psychology written by somebody with zero medical or psychology credentials? LMAO ...