Cardas Audio Clear Cygnus Tonearm Cable
Best upgrade for vinyl enthusiasts seeking refined, detailed analog sound.
The Cardas Audio Clear Cygnus Tonearm Cable brings the acclaimed Cardas Clear sound to your analog setup with a more accessible price point. It incorporates the latest developments from the Clear product line, including an economical version of Clear Beyond Interconnect’s air-tube suspension. This cable offers detailed sound without harshness and impressive low-frequency performance, helping to revitalize your vinyl playback. Its construction features a matched propagation Kevlar core, Grade 1 pure OFHC copper conductors with SPN clear coat (Litz), and a Star-Quad 4 conductor geometry with anti-static LDPE air-tubes. The outer jacket is an ultra-soft extruded TPR, making it easy to handle.
$717.50
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
333
/ 5753
#333 in Audio & Video Cables
Price vs Category Average
+32%
Above average
Gauge
425.5
/ x AWG
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts seeking deeper resolution and expansive soundstages
- Listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and premium build quality
- Audiophiles desiring a warm, natural, and emotionally engaging presentation
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking an affordable cable upgrade
- Owners of entry-level systems with limited resolution capabilities
- Casual listeners satisfied with standard analog performance
Performance breakdown
Signal Transparency
Advanced conductor geometry ensures a pristine, uncolored path for delicate phono signals.
Low-Frequency Authority
Delivers deep, controlled bass response that anchors complex musical arrangements.
Cable Flexibility
The soft TPR jacket makes routing through tight turntable setups remarkably easy.
Build Integrity
Hand-soldered craftsmanship and premium materials reflect a standard of long-term reliability.
Noise Rejection
Star-Quad geometry and robust shielding effectively silence unwanted electromagnetic interference.
High-Frequency Refinement
Extracts intricate detail without introducing the harshness found in lesser cables.
Key Specs
Gauge
4x25.5 AWG
Outside Diameter
9.76mm
Conductors
Grade 1, 99.9999% pure OFHC copper with SPN clear coat
Geometry
Star-Quad 4 conductor with anti-static LDPE air-tubes
Jacket Material
TPR
Shielding
Tinned copper and magnet wire
Connectors
S-DIN to Cardas GRMO RCA
Features
- Benefits from the latest Clear product line developments.
- Detailed sound without harshness and great low frequency performance.
- Neutral tonal balance for a refined listening experience.
- Proprietary Cardas design and construction with Litz conductors.
- Star-Quad geometry with air-tubes for conductor suspension.
- Ultra-soft extruded TPR jacket for ease of handling.
- Hand-soldered in Bandon, Oregon.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Cardas Audio Clear Cygnus Tonearm Cable for its exceptional quality, noting significant enhancements to their audio experience. Reviewers frequently highlight improved clarity, detail, and a more expansive soundstage, suggesting a profound impact on musical presentation. The cable's robust build quality also receives commendation, reinforcing its premium feel. While an investment, many users perceive excellent value, finding the sonic improvements justify the cost for serious audiophiles seeking a refined analog playback.
Know before you buy
The Cygnus utilizes Cardas's proprietary Star-Quad geometry and air-tube suspension, which physically isolates the conductors to reduce interference. This construction, combined with high-purity Litz copper, provides a more refined, neutral signal path than typical shielded cables.
Not at all. The cable is finished with an ultra-soft extruded TPR jacket, making it exceptionally flexible and easy to manage, even in tight spaces behind a turntable or rack.
It is designed to offer a neutral, detailed sound without the harshness often found in entry-level cables. You can expect improved low-frequency extension and a more natural, balanced presentation across the entire frequency range.
This specific model comes terminated with an S-DIN connector on the tonearm end and Cardas GRMO RCA connectors on the output end. These are high-quality, precision-machined connectors designed to ensure a secure, low-resistance connection.
Yes, the Star-Quad geometry is highly effective at canceling out electromagnetic interference. Because tonearm signals are extremely low-level, this design helps maintain a quiet noise floor, allowing for better clarity and detail retrieval from your records.
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