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AudioQuest vs Cardas XLR

Hello all,

Looking to upgrade my interconnects from my McIntosh C2700 to MC611 monoblocks. I am very interested in AQ Tbirds or Firebirds vs. Cardas Clear Beyond XLRs. I want an end-game cable and would appreciate some feedback. I'm open to any additional suggestions. I do enjoy the prodigious bass/midbass and the smooth midrange that the combo provides. It's a little light on top, though (as McIntosh is). I think Cardas and AQ will preserve my wishes, but is there anything out there that will keep my midrange/mid-bass/bass and improve upon the highs? I think I may be asking for too much, though! I would be very grateful for some direction. 

128x128jeffreyw

Showing 5 responses by spearl8

spearl8
37 posts
 

I have Cardas clear beyond interconnects in my system with C53 and 611’s and love them. Audioquest are made in China so that’s a deal breaker for me. 

spearl8
37 posts
 

Actually according to my dealer all Audioquest cables are made in China except he wasn’t sure about the very highest model. 

spearl8
37 posts
 

Cardas clear beyond works great with my McIntosh system. You can justify Audioquest however you want but Cardas clearly says Made in USA down the entire length of the cable. My dealer was really pissed Audioquest is outsourcing more to China. That is not the values I want when I’m spending big money. 

spearl8
37 posts
 

I don’t want to buy a product from a company if I have figure out which country/ factory/ model cable I need to avoid China. I think the point is very on topic actually. Cardas makes every product in the USA, no matter where you buy it or how much you spend. 

spearl8
37 posts
 

@garebear i agree. Cardas clear beyond just sound right to me. 

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