About the AI comparison description - I'm comparing two sets of cables now between Cardas and a boutique custom made set very close to how the Nordost cables are characterized above.
The AI response about the use of the word "transparency" is a larger question the more I listen in this particular test. Yes, while the Cardas is a bit smoother, more organic, and rich sounding - I was questioning which cable set was actually more transparent, and focused again on what was missing with each set around transparency. How we listen for transparency was a question I hoped to evaluate in a different way, and to understand what is really more/less transparent, and how so.
At first, I thought the custom cable set was more transparent because the upper midrange seemed more open sounding, almost an enhanced lower treble and very top end of the midrange frequency. Seemed more open and transparent, at first.
Then, with further listening sessions [replaying the same sections of the same audio track] back to the Cardas, I realized I could hear more out there in the sound stage, revealing more micro detail in the distance even though the overall sound impression is a bit softer, less harsh, more rich sounding.
The goal of the test for fun comparing different cables to Cardas again was to evaluate and learn if there are cables "good enough" to settle with at 5-10% the cost. Nothing super close found yet, however a few recent and interesting surprises for me that could encourage new audiophiles to try some of the lower cost boutique maker cables too. Some of these hand made boutique builder cables might just work for some new folks without having to overspend on cables.