NORDOST vs CARDAS USB cables

The following comment is NOT intended to spark yet another debate on whether cables make a difference in sound quality.  It is merely a report on what MY ears heard on a particular system and offered only in case someone else might want an opinion on this comparison. Thanks.

Spent an enjoyable day at JS Audio (Bethesda, MD) who kindly allowed me to not only audition the new Wilson Alexa V speakers, but to the point of this discussion, compare a Nordost Valhalla 2 and Cardas Beyond USB Cable.  The source was a MacPro notebook running Audirvana with ripped CDs and downloaded CD quality files.  The amp/preamp were Boulder and as stated the speakers were the new Wilson Alexa V.  The speaker cables were Nordost Valhalla as were the interconnects.

Two DACS were used:  Chord DAVE and a dCS Rossini. 

To the point: The Nordost was clearer, more articulate, better timbre, "faster" and had a better soundstage with more separation of the musicians/instruments, regardless of which DAC was used.  The music was a collection of orchestral classic, orchestral "modern" classic, jazz, organ classics, brass ensembles and guitars (classical). (No vocals, pop, rock, metal). The Nordost revealed the venue better.  On the other hand, the Nordost was unforgiving of poorly recorded tracks.

With the cardas my comments regarding the speakers were harsh-- bright trebles, articulate without excitement or visceral character, no engagement, distinct bass that lacked timbre or character of say a tympani or double bass, clinical if you will accept the term.  I was surprised and disappointed at a system near $200,000.  Then we switched the USB Cable. The Wilson's change character becoming both articulate and tonally more accurate, transparent and not harsh or grating in the treble.  The bass remained articulate but now had some fullness and character.  Nothing other than the USB Cable was changed. 

As an aside, with the Nordost cable, the DAVE seemed to equal the Rossini in terms of clarity, articulation, tonal character and timbre, etc.  I had pondered "upgrading" to the Rossini, but couldn't hear enough difference in the musical presentation to justify the move. 

Perhaps this comment will be useful to others.  Hope so. Stay safe and healthy and enjoy the music!