Cardas
Neutral Reference & Golden Reference Cables

New from Cardas Audio are their Neutral Reference and Golden Reference series of interconnect and speaker cables. These cables ware born out of two separate and dissimilar R&D projects at Cardas. The first aim was to produce a new high performance phono cable, the second was to design a cable for reviewers and manufacturers that could be used in critical equipment evaluations that would not contribute a sound of its own. The work culminated in a single design approach that succeeded in both applications. Neutral Reference was the first of the series to emerge, followed shortly thereafter by Golden Reference.
        According to information received from Cardas, "Neutral Reference can be used at any length, between any component, without compromising its neutrality… It has impressed everyone who has heard it".
         Yes, friends, I can say these cables have impressed me too. This cable casts a brilliant soundstage. It is clean, open, transparent and FAST. The Neutral Reference, as its name suggests, hides nothing. If the system needs to be tonally adjusted with interconnects, this is not the cable to choose. I don’t mean to suggest it’s "analytical," but it is certainly revealing. A fine distinction in terminology, I know, but appropriate here.
         Cardas suggests that Neutral Reference gets along well in long runs, and that has been our experience as well. Their information states that the cable sounds the same at 3’ or 30’. $500.00, 1M.
         Cardas cables have long been prized for a specific mix of richness and warmth. This Cardas trademark "sound" was clearly evident in early releases (Quadlink, Hexlink and Golden Hexlink), less obvious is the newer Cross series of cables, and has vanished in the Neutral Reference. Many listeners felt that a cable that could capture the strengths of both products was called for, and thus the Golden Reference was born. Indeed, the Golden Reference seems to be able to combine the speed and openness of the Neutral Reference with slightly more fullness in the midrange ala the Golden Cross Series.

CARDAS 
RCA Caps

         Unused RCA inputs on the back of a component (primarily preamps and integrated amps) are prone to pickup stray Radio Frequency Interference and Electro Magnetic Interference. This can cause a higher level of background noise, haze and grain. For years audiophiles have used shorting plugs or (gag!) aluminum foil, to remedy the situation. Unfortunately, many preamps do not like to have their inputs shorted. What to do? Cardas to the rescue!
          Cardas RCA Caps fit over unused female RCA connectors in your system to eliminate EMI and RFI noise absorption. Unlike traditional shorting plugs, these caps do not short the inputs. This is a more elegant and probably more effective solution than shorting plugs and certainly a much more attractive alternative to wrapping the plug in aluminum foil!  Cardas RCA Caps completely cover the RCA input with a solid shield of nickel and brass to prevent both EMI and RFI from entering the chassis through the RCA dielectric. Further, the caps protect the RCA from dust and corrosion. Sets of 12 are $36.00. Cheap tweak, give them a try.

CARDAS 
Golden Cross Cables

         The Golden Cross brings a warmth and fullness to the midrange that can be a miracle tonic for the lean and threadbare sound many people experience.              
         Golden Cross is a cable that brings out the richness if tone and timbre we find in tubed electronics. Don't get me wrong, GC is not a grossly colored cable, or one that is lacking in detail and resolution, but it does offer just a subtle touch of midrange warmth that helps to flesh out textures and restore balance.