Cardas Clear v Shunyata Python Speaker Cables/Interconnects

I am currently running Cardas Clear interconnects from my Marantz SA-11S1 SACD player to my Simaudio Moon Evolution P-7 pre-amp and again to my Moon Evolution W-8 power amp.  I'm using Cardas Golden Reference bi-wire speaker cable to my Revel Studio 2 speakers (Cardas says if I really want to step up in speaker cable I should be looking at a Clear bi-wire set up but that's pretty pricey!).
 
I've never tried Shunyata but I can say that in moving up from Cardas Golden Reference interconnect to Clear interconnect I'm getting increased frequency extension at both ends (particularly bass) and a little more width and depth in the soundstage.  I'd sure be interested in others' opinions of Shunyata, though.  Other than Cardas, the only other cables I've tried was Kimber Select KS1130 interconnect.  While at first I felt it was more resolving than the Cardas Golden Reference, after extended listening I found it to over-emphasize the low/mid treble and become somewhat fatiguing on my system.  The Cardas Clear offered the same increase in resolution over the Golden Reference but is more balanced in my system than the Kimbers, better balanced across the frequency range and not at all fatiguing over extended listening sessions.
 
I'm currently experimenting with the Cardas Clear M Power power cords on my SACD player and pre-amp.  It's a lot more open and balanced across the frequency range than the XLO Reference 3 that I was using before (which was really rolling off the high end frequencies), without any noise or digital harshness.  I've also tried Acoustic Zen Krakatoa, Kimber Kable and Nordost Vishnu power cords and the Cardas Clear M Power is my favourite so far in that it is the most balanced and realistic sounding.  It's also less expensive than the Cardas Golden Reference Power cables (although rumour has it that a Cardas Clear Beyond Power cable is yet to come and will become the top of the Cardas Power line).  It'd be interesting to hear how it compares to the simiarly priced Shunyata Black Mamba CX!
 
Good luck!
 
Cam

• Login or register to post comments