Cardas Audio Iridium Tonearm Cable
Best phono cable for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a balanced, musical sound.
The Cardas Audio Iridium Tonearm Cable offers acclaimed Cardas performance at an affordable price. This cable is exceptionally light, soft, and flexible, building upon the success of the Iridium Interconnect. It masterfully balances detail and warmth, featuring natural treble, a smooth midrange, and quick bass response for a musical listening experience. The Iridium Phono cable is available with Cardas GRMO RCA-to-RCA plugs or RCA-to-S-DINE-DIN plugs, all finished with an ultra-soft extruded TPR jacket.
$340.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Length
2.0
/ Meter
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking natural, detailed, and non-fatiguing analog sound
- Vinyl enthusiasts prioritizing long-term durability and reliable signal integrity
- System builders wanting proven, high-fidelity performance from a trusted brand
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a budget seeking entry-level accessories
- Owners of modest systems who may not hear the difference
- Shoppers needing immediate, local availability from general retailers
Performance breakdown
Signal Integrity
Star-quad geometry effectively minimizes noise for a clean, transparent phono signal.
Mechanical Flexibility
Ultra-soft TPR jacket ensures effortless routing without stressing delicate tonearm bearings.
Sonic Balance
Expertly bridges the gap between analytical detail and rich, musical warmth.
Build Quality
Premium Cardas copper and robust shielding offer long-term reliability and performance.
Installation Ease
Lightweight construction prevents cable drag, simplifying setup for sensitive turntable arms.
Frequency Response
Delivers natural treble extension paired with a punchy, controlled bass foundation.
Key Specs
Length
2.0 Meter
Conductors
4 x 24.5 AWG Cardas Copper
Dielectric
PFA and carbon-impregnated tape
Conductor Arrangement
Star-Quad
Shielding
Golden section, Crossfield, litz, spiral shield
Jacket
Ultra-soft extruded TPR
Outer Diameter
0.300 inch
Termination Options
Cardas GRMO RCA-to-RCA or RCA-to-S-DINE-DIN
Features
- Light, soft, and extremely flexible design
- Based on acclaimed Iridium Interconnect
- Combines detail and warmth for a musical sound
- Natural treble, smooth midrange, and quick bass response
- Available with RCA-to-RCA or RCA-to-S-DINE-DIN termination
- Ultra-soft extruded TPR jacket for ease of use
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Cardas Audio Iridium Tonearm Cable for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Many reviewers highlight how the cable brings a noticeable improvement to their audio systems, enhancing clarity, detail, and the overall musical presentation. The craftsmanship receives high marks, reinforcing its premium feel. While a significant investment, enthusiasts often consider it a valuable upgrade, appreciating the sonic refinement it delivers to their listening experience.
Know before you buy
The cable is designed to be exceptionally light and soft, which prevents it from pulling on or restricting the movement of your tonearm. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for high-precision turntables where even minor tension can affect tracking performance.
The RCA-to-RCA option is designed for turntables with standard RCA output jacks, while the RCA-to-S-DIN option is for tonearms that require a dedicated DIN connector at the base of the arm. You should check your specific tonearm connection type before selecting your cable.
The Iridium is engineered to balance detail with a warmer, more musical presentation. You can expect a smoother midrange and a more controlled, quick bass response compared to the typical cables included with most entry-to-mid-level turntables.
Yes, the Star-Quad design helps to cancel out electromagnetic interference, which is critical for phono signals that are inherently low-voltage and susceptible to noise. This ensures a cleaner signal path from your cartridge to your phono stage.
The 2-meter length provides plenty of slack for most standard audio racks, but it is important to keep phono cables as short as possible to minimize capacitance. If your turntable is placed very close to your phono stage, ensure you have enough room to manage the extra length without creating tight bends.
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