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Review: Cardas Golden Reference Interconnect

Category: Cables

I have just completed comparing the Cardas Golden Reference interconnects with the Cardas Golden Cross interconnects from the cd player to the preamp. The Golden Cross interconnects have a warm, but detailed sound. The voices and the instruments all blend to make a nice overall presentation. On the other hand, the Golden Reference had incredible detail, but the sounds did not blend. It had a higher and overall separated sound. It seemed to be bright on my system for a Cardas cable. The midrange stood out more noticeably and just didn't seem to blend for an overall presentation. I do tend to like my music a little on the warm side, but detailed. I felt the Golden Cross was more appealing and much more balanced. I did several different comparisions using several different types of music, from jazz to rock over a week period. I bought the Golden Reference a few weeks ago and it seemed to change the sound in different ways than I expected. Therefore, I decided to compare the two interconnects before passing judgement. My overall opinion is as good as the Golden Reference is, for my system and tastes, I choose the Golden Cross.

Associated gear
YBA CD1 Blue Alpha CD player
Kora Eclipse Tube preamp
1960's Siemens Gold pin tubes
Monster Cable AVS2000 Voltage stabalizer
Pass Labs X250 amplifier
Martin Logan Assent Speakers
Cardas Golden Cross interconnects and speaker cable
Cardas Golden Reference power cords

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btstrg

Showing 1 response by artmaltman

artmaltman
769 posts
 
Redkiwi got it exactly right when he says "For me the Golden Reference ICs are faster, more immediate, more neutral, and have better pacing than the Golden Cross."

But the Golden Cross can be a better match for some systems than the Golden Ref. The Golden Cross has a sweetness and refinement that can work wonders with systems that are a bit dry sounding. Speakers with metalic tweeters or pure solid state systems are good candidates for CGC.

So if you are looking for a fast, clean detailed cable extended top and bottom that will perhaps add a hint of refinement to your system, go with Cardas Golden Ref.

If you need more refinement and sweetness than the CGR offers, then I'd go with the Cardas Golden Cross.

Both are wonderful in the right applications, IMO.
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