Cardas Crosslink Interconnect
Brilliant!
Whatever the scientific
reasoning for and against taking cables and interconnects seriously, anybody
who has experimented with two or three interconnects of different designs will
know that they definitely make a difference.
The Cardas Crosslink interconnect
doesn’t look that much different from the plethora of interlinks available on
the market. Designed and manufactured in the USA, this cable has a dark blue
sheath and fair-quality connectors.
However, most of the interesting
technology is to be found inside the Crosslink. The double-shielded
interconnect has a Teflon dielectric construction, and consists of 68 discrete,
oxygen-free, high-purity copper conductors.
At the core of the Cardas
cable design philosophy is something company founder George Cardas calls Golden
Section Stranding - a way to arrange the multiple conductors of an interconnect
into an ever-widening spiral according to a mathematically consistent
exponential progression.
In other words, think of strands
of individually insulated conductors wound like the inside of a sea shell, and
you have some ideal of what a Cardas interconnect looks like inside. It’s said
to prevent resonance and ringing.
Don’t worry if its sounds Greek
to you - what’s far more important is what the Crosslink sounds like, and
whether it makes a difference. And I believe it does. This is a fairly clean
and neutral interconnect, but without some of the brittleness and exaggerated
high-frequency detail often associated with ‘special’ interlinks.
The Crosslink makes the most of
the available signal, and certainly benefits aspects such as fine stereo
imaging, transparency and soundstaging. And yes, there’s plenty of texture as
well, so that the music doesn’t get lost in the chase for resolution and
detail.
They worked well in my system,
but generally didn’t get along with other cable brands. Here you’ll need to
experiment, listening to the Crosslink plugged into your own system. Think,
close your eyes, listen carefully, and your ears will give you the good or bad
news.
Overall, the Cardas Crosslink is
a more than satisfying performer, and one that hi-fi buffs and music lovers
both should put to the test. Even the cynics may be surprised!
Deon Schoeman
|
PEAKS FOR Articulate, clear and honest delivery.
Maintains tonal integrity well. AGAINST Check compatibility with other
cabling. PRICE R450 per metre Stereo, terminated. SUPPLIED BY Audio Imports (011) 706-3079 |