Cardas or Audioquest for this System


I have the system listed below and I am about to purchase interconnects (XLR) and speaker cables. 

I’m on the fence between Cardas Clear interconnects and cables OR Audioquest Thunderbird interconnects and cables - can you guys offer reasons why to pick one over the other? 

If I go the audioquest route I’m planning to get the full spectrum thunderbird speaker cables with audioquest jumpers. Not going to do the biwire configuration.

 

EVERSOLO A8 Streamer

PASS LABS XP-20 preamp

PASS LABS XA30.8 power amp

Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers

hifi_jed_1986

Showing 3 responses by hifi_jed_1986

This is the info I was hoping for. Thank you all. Placing an order for AQ Thunderbird ZERO Full Range speaker cables and thunderbird interconnects 

Any experience that would suggest I should look at a different cable other than thunderbird line?

Nagel, great points you've made. Let me say this and maybe it will help.

I have tried Cardas Clear Reflection interconnects with my system paired with cheaper $200 speaker cables and was disappointed. 

I then borrowed a pair of Clear Reflection Speaker cable and it sounded WAY better - BUT, it seemed to not be quite as dynamic as I'd hope and there could also be a little to much harshness (occasionally, not all the time) on the top end. I spoke to someone at cardas who told me that the reflection cables were designed for low efficiency speakers and that he wouldn't reccomend it for klipsch high effeciency cornwalls. 

Then i started looking into the audioquest stuff because i wanted more dynamics. But what you said about losing top end, that doesn't seem like something I want.

You mentioned you liked cardas - what cardas interconnect and speaker cable would you suggest with these components? 

additionally and separately, THe dealer i purchased the pass labs amp from had suggested "Synergistic Research" cables. I don't think he even sells them. But said they were his favorite speaker cable and would be good to look into them for this system. 

Anyone have experience with these cables?