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  3. 141155-1301

Too much of a good thing...

I've always been a "Cardas guy" and they're always worked great in all my setup. I recently replaced my Thiel CS2.4's with Audio Physic Avanti III, which are stunning speakers. When an opportunity to get a Pass Labs XA60.5 at a very reasonable price came up, I couldn't pass it up. The combination of the AP and the PL is just plain amazing. Now to the challenge, I'm starting to think that the speaker/amp combination which are both on the warmer side and the warmth of the Cardas Cross (and Golden Cross interconnects) might be too much of a good thing.

What other speaker cables should I be looking at?

Rest of the system consists of a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (connected via XLR directly to Pass amps) with Auralic Aries streaming (connected via AQ Carbon USB).
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Showing 9 responses by audiojan

audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
Ok, so I guess I should've been clearer... it's been over a month of listening. I've owned all cables for at least 5 years, so they're burnt in. The speakers are about 3 months by now and although the amp was only added about a month ago, it was used (although never abused).

After month of listening ~2 (or more) per day, by now they should be pretty much settled in.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
Another option would be to start with the balanced cable and replace that. The Cross speaker cable is probably less warm then the Golden Cross XLR...
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
@david_ten sounds like it might be a good time to try out the newest Cardas line. I do love the Cardas I have and they have always performed well, but I do need a bit more top end sparkle and probably a bit leaner (!) bass (can't believe the Audio Physic Avanti can even produce that much bass with those small drivers, but they can POUND when required).
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
@elizabeth Forgot to add that to my notes, already have good power cords all the way around (Shunyata) all connected to a PS Audio Power Plant.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
So I'm going to give Cardas Clear a try. The speaker cable will have to stay Cardas Cross for the time being, but I'm replacing the Cardas Golden Cross XLR with a Clear XLR. If that gets me closer to where I want to be, then I'll start the process of getting a Clear speaker cable as well.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
Testing the Cardas Clear XLR right now and its spectacular. Everything that I always loved about Cardas but without any of the drawbacks.

Next up is a Cardas Clear Beyond speaker cable
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
@jea48 You are correct. All of the cables and power conditioner were used with previous speakers.

I tried plugging the amps directly into the wall outlet and it made a subtle difference, but unfortunately not to the better...

I might give the Kimber a try. I'm not convinced the Shunyata's are ideal for the Pass.

I am changing to Cardas Clear XLR and Cardas Beyond Clear SC (got a great deal on it!). The Clear XLR is already in the system (and it made a huge difference!) and the SC is at Cardas for retermination.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
@jea48 No, I do not have those, but I did try some other cables (basic stock cables from other amps) and it made it worse.
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
390 posts
 
@jea48 Yes, power cables are 10awg.

I don't have a 20 amp circuit, but it is a dedicated 15amp line with a standard (i.e. nothing special) outlet.
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