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Cardas Golden Reference upgrade to what?

Hi.

My system currently runs all Cardas Golden Reference RCA cables between sources and preamp, and between pre and power amps. Never been an issue. Loved the Cardas full bodied and rich tone. Recent system reconfiguration forces the need to have longer RCA IC between pre and power. Good opportunity to upgrade or move onto something else rather than just a longer pair of Golden Reference. And if I can get a good deal on multiple pairs of IC, can upgrade all the other Cardas GR IC in my system also.

Any comments or suggestions?

I have tried AN-Vz cables and in my system they sound thin and with no body. I have some tried Cello String IC and although they have nice tone similar to the Golden Reference, they are harsh and less refined big time in comparison. I like the Cello better than the AN-Vz.

The following is what I have been considering:
Ocellia Reference (*)
Cardas Clear
Silent Source Musical Reference

Also considering, but less (due to price and less information):
Kondo LP, LPz - will cost an arm and a leg
Shindo - have no idea how they will sound

I have been recommended:
Basis Audio PSTT

* Anyone done a direct comparison between Cardas Golden Reference and Ocellia Reference?

Thank you all in advance for your expertise and advice.

Best regards,
David
linnmaster
25 responses Add your response
jallen
502 posts
 
At this level, the point of diminishing returns is at play here. I say keep the Cardas, and invest in something else. They are superb cables, get out of the way, and are musical.
theo's avatar
theo
2,681 posts
 
You state:
'Never been an issue. Loved the Cardas full bodied and rich tone."
I'd say "if it ain't broke don't fix it"

But if you really have to scratch that itch, stay with Cardas. You like the sound. Maybe a slight variation is all it would take to satisfy your need. I have all but my speaker cables are Cardas GR's as well and have wondered what a change to either the Clear or Golden Presense would do. But I like that Cardas sound and would myself stay with Cardas.
linnmaster OP
45 posts
 
I am keen on the ocellia reference cables as my speakers are ocellia. I run ocellia speaker cables, and compared to othe cables, the ocellia cables with their speakers makes a world of difference. Kondo cables to the ocellia calliope speakers sound worse.

Based on this is it logical to think that running ocellia cable throughout will make a really good match.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,467 posts
 
Jallen....At this level, the point of diminishing returns is at play here" I question this statement. I found that ALL cables sound different with different gear...and that it has absolutely nothing to do with cost. ..for instance... I absolutely love Audioquest SKY/EVEREST cables with my system. I thought that if I move up to the "Signature" line (much more expensive) that they would bring more thrills to the party. Actually, when I substituted the Signatures for SKY/EVEREST, the sound took a dramatic nose dive. I could never listen to the system with the Signatures. ...and these were used for days just before in the New York Audio Show...so they were well broken in.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
Quit while your ahead. Just my two cents.
linnmaster OP
45 posts
 
Hifihvn: I have to agree with you at times. This hobby really kills the finances LOL ... but it is just sooo addictive.

Theo: Point taken ... Maybe just one of those itches ...
tpsully
10 posts
 
I recently compared the Tellurium Q speaker and IC cables to Cardas Clear, and found them to be very comparable (at about 1/3 the price). If you can find them to try out, I'd say go for it. BTW, I bought the Tellurium's
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
I went from Cardas Gold , which I very much liked to Shunyada's top line stuff , big improvement . I don't know much about judging diminished returns , but I'm more than satisfied with the per dollar results .
linnmaster OP
45 posts
 
Tmsorosk: Thank you for your input. Can you go back to the Cardas Gold? Regards, David
nglazer
846 posts
 
AQ Sky will give you the body of Cardas GR with more detail and air. Whenever I plug the Sky's into a source I find myself saying: Ahhh, now that's how music is suppsoed to sound -- without spending an obscene fortune, just a small one..

Neal
linnmaster OP
45 posts
 
Nglazer: Thank you for your advice. I will see if I can find a pair to trial. Best regards, David.
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
" could you go back to the Cardas Gold "
Yes I could , and sometimes do , just to get some prospective on cable worth .
pani
1,219 posts
 
Crimson R.M Musiclink. They are the best cable I have heard till date. I cannot say what it does well because till date I do not know what its weaknesses are. Pure copper design with multiple solid core wires. No shielding yet super quiet.
Comes with a 30 days trial period.
rsf507
2,313 posts
 
I'm now a believer of Ocellia reference IC and AC cords.......just an eye opener in detail and naturalness but have not heard the speaker cable yet.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
I think you should put Fusion Audio Romance on your shortlist. Best IC I have heard or owned but have not heard a ton of high dollar cables. A buddy of mine had the Golden Refs and liked them but ended up liking other cables better. Of course like anything it depends on the system and ones ear. Do a search here for Fusion Audio and judge for yourself. Eric is a great guy to deal with and talk to. He will NOT steer you wrong. Goodluck.
linnmaster OP
45 posts
 
Thank you all for the input. Opened my horizon big time. So many of the ones mentioned above I have never heard before.

I have till the end of the year to make this happen, so I want to make the correct decision - hopefully.

David
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
Good luck Dave .
rsf507
2,313 posts
 
Keep all posted on what you decide and why.
Good luck.
alexs's avatar
alexs
46 posts
 
WyWires!
linnmaster OP
45 posts
 
Got the chance to audition ocellia interconnect cable in my system. Replacing the one cardas golden reference interconnect link from preamp to power amp was like removing a thick blanket from in front of the speakers! It was an amazing improvement. Although the cardas is still very nice sounding, the ocellias are so much clearer and so much more defined. The amount of detail was amazing. As a result, the presentation became so realistic and so textured.

I believe I have found the right cable for me.
rsf507
2,313 posts
 
Yes it is so much "cleaner" than other cables I've had, as stated previously I'm a big believer in their cables, glad you found a good match.
linnmaster OP
45 posts
 
Full loom of ocellia reference interconnect cables are on their way soon. Can't wait... Might have to wait some time for the ac cord
rsf507
2,313 posts
 
Linnmaster, you are in for a treat and not because Halloween is approaching, do they celebrate that over in your neck of the woods? I have found the AC cables are now a must to hear what Ocellia is really about in my own system.
linnmaster OP
45 posts
 
Yes they do celebrate it here, but I do not anymore. When I was younger, went trick-or-treating and that was about it. Yes the AC cord is a must I agree, but funds do not allow at the moment. I do think the signal IC cables have a higher priority over the power cord.

Regards David
firochromis
18 posts
 
Hi, Does anyone compared the Ocellia Reference series RCA and speaker cables to Ocellia's "normal" series? Due to budget reasons Reference series are hard to reach for me. Especially the speaker cables since I need a pair of 7 m.

Regards
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