Cardas or Nordost???


Currently I have all Nordost Cables in my system (SPM interconnects and Red Dawn Rev 2 speaker wire) My system is very basic and consists of a Wadia 850 run directly into a Mark Levinson 331. I am thinking about trying out the Cardas Golden Reference interconnects and Neutral Reference Speaker cable. I know these cables are totally different. Any thoughts on what would be the best fit? Thanks in advance...John
jla
Stay with the SPM interconnects. The SPM speaker cables are a great product also. If you are looking for dynamics transient response and speed of attack Nordost is the best and mate well with solid state electronics and ESL loudspeakers. Removing the SPM interconnects is a mistake in my judgement. I've had Cardas and they make a good speaker cable but I think you would be happier with the SPM or Kimber "focal" series speaker cable. If you decide to change your interconnects, I'll buy your SPM's!
I've tried both with magnepan speakers and a mesa baron tube amp and liked the cardas better. Of course Cardas is supposed to be a good match with tubes and Maggies. Which brings up a good point. Even with cables getting the right ones is very system dependent right now I have a pair of Newform Research R645s for home audition and could see where the Nordost could sound good with them. I also like the Nirvana SX interconnect and Analysis plus speaker cables. Call the Cable company and try some out. And please when you decide to make a purchase go through them so they will be around the next time you decide to upgrade cables.
First, try out SPM speaker cables, then decide to go with Cardas. Nordost has the best fit for solid state / digital information. Cardas Golden seems to be a better fit for tube applications. With your equipment, the Nordost will produce a faster, punchier sound as dictated by the Wadia. For some reason, the Nordost cables are more "transparent" with solid state equipment / digital equipment.
They are both over hyped over priced cable scam rip offs.Its a piece of wire that niether of these companys make.They buy it from Belden,Pirelli,Shawflex.I really feeel sorry for people who have spent money on Qattro Fil and the likes.Go to www.high-endaudio.com go to the Audio Critique section and go to recomended componebts section read on the cable.Dont cry in your beer to long when you realize just how badly you have been had.Cardas and Nordst are both not value for your $.