Cardas Clear vs Nordost Frey 2 vs Chord Sarum T Speaker Cables

It is entirely bespoke system dependent….full stop.

I had the full NORDOST FREY loom that I was happy with …. Until I changed speakers. The rest of my  $50K system remained intact, but now an annoying and fatiguing  digital “edge”, ‘brittleness”, “irritating upper end ” and (insert your your disappointment metaphor ) was a PITA that needed to be addressed .

So I upgraded to an all-Cu premium build CARDAS CLEAR cables loom  ..,,,and voila ….. system synergy restored ….AND…. a further welcome step up in detail, slam, and dynamics…… and it was not  a subtle and insignificant step up. ,.

TAKEAWAY 

Lessons learned:

(1) All audio components have their own sonic signature influence. Cables are not tone controls , but Ag-over-Cu build options like NORDOST can be markedly different in audio performance than premier build all-Cu builds like CARDAS . The silver overlay content in NORDOST cables can be either a boon or bust depending on the synergy (..or not…) with all the other components in your system. 

(2) “One size does NOT fit all.” Poor personal bespoke system audio experiences can occur…sure….BUT Don’t drink any anecdotal KoolAid that CARDAS CLEAR or CARDAS CLEAR BEYOND are somehow automatically a pathway to an overly “smooth” “ buttery” or ? tamped-down audio performance option. There is a reason why (a) CARDAS CLEAR / CLEAR BEYOND and (b) NORDOST VALHALLA / ODIN are the largest choices used at the audiofests

(3) You are just gonna hafta roll up your sleeves and experiment hands-on for yourself like the most of us did. Visiting a trusted local bricks and mortar dealer and attending an audiofest are both a good first step down your Yellow Brick Road to Audio OZ. 

I find AI (Not the steak sauce) to do a pretty good job of characterizing:

Each of these speaker cables has a distinct sonic signature, catering to different listening preferences and system requirements:

• Cardas Clear: Known for its warmth, smoothness, and organic tonality, this cable delivers a full-bodied midrange, rich bass, and refined treble. It excels at reducing harshness while maintaining musicality, making it a great choice for systems that need a touch of warmth and fluidity.

• Nordost Frey 2: This cable is fast, transparent, and highly resolving, offering tight bass, extended highs, and a dynamic presentation. It leans towards an analytical and precise sound, making it ideal for systems that benefit from enhanced clarity and speed.

• Chord Sarum T: Recognized for its exceptional detail retrieval, spacious soundstage, and natural tonality, this cable provides deep bass extension, articulate mids, and airy highs. It strikes a balance between musicality and resolution, making it a versatile option for various setups.

If you're looking for warmth and musicality, Cardas Clear is a solid choice. If you prefer speed and transparency, Nordost Frey 2 excels. Chord Sarum T offers a balanced approach, combining detail with a natural presentation.

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.  

I would not characterize any Cardas cables as highly transparent... this is not a dig. I recommend these all the time. They are great cables and often add naturalness and take the edge off of systems that all to often lean towards too much detail and fatigue.

There can be two meaning to transparency... first neutral... not tipping the tonal balance even slightly. But also, it can refer to a kind of high frequency slightly etchedness that brings out detail. I think both these meanings are in common usage. 

"@ghdprentice ...I would not characterize any Cardas cables as highly transparent... this is not a dig. I recommend these all the time." ...

• Are you including the new version of Clear and Clear Beyond in your findings?

Also now referring to interconnects too, not just speaker cables.  As part of transparency review I’m also bringing attention to micro-detail being surfaced. When I started paying attention to this again recently, it caused me to listen again, many times, fwiw.  I don’t have Clear Beyond at this time, only sets of Clear btw.