Cardas Audio Clear Cygnus Interconnect Cable
Best high-fidelity interconnect for audiophiles seeking refined, neutral sound performance.
The Cardas Audio Clear Cygnus Interconnect Cable offers exceptional audio performance, building upon the renowned Clear product line with an economical yet advanced design. It features Matched Propagation conductors made from pure OFHC copper, meticulously scaled to Golden Ratio proportions and insulated with PTFE tape. The Star-Quad geometry utilizes LDPE air-tubes and a composite shield, all suspended away from signal conductors by larger PTFE air tubes. This construction provides a neutral tonal balance, enhanced detail, and a rich low-frequency performance, making it ideal for any hi-fi or home theater system. Available with GRMO RCA or Neutrik XLR terminations and finished in a soft TPR jacket.
$699.37
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1974
/ 5782
#1974 in Audio & Video Cables
Price vs Category Average
+29%
Above average
Gauge
425.5
/ x AWG
Who it's for
- System builders looking to improve overall component synergy
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive and natural musical presentation
- Listeners prioritizing long-term durability and premium craftsmanship
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking an entry-level cable solution
- Owners of modest systems that lack high-resolution capabilities
- Listeners who prefer analytical sound over warm, subjective coloration
Performance breakdown
Tonal Neutrality
Maintains a transparent signal path without coloring your system's natural character.
Low-Frequency Authority
Delivers deep, controlled bass response that anchors complex musical arrangements.
Signal Clarity
Matched Propagation conductors ensure precise timing and exceptional high-frequency detail.
Build Integrity
Sophisticated air-tube geometry provides robust protection against external interference.
Physical Flexibility
The soft TPR jacket allows for easy routing in tight spaces.
Termination Quality
Premium GRMO RCA or Neutrik XLR connectors ensure a secure, lasting connection.
Key Specs
Gauge
4x25.5 AWG
Outside Diameter
0.384 inch
Conductors
Matched Propagation Kevlar core, Cardas Grade One 99.9999% pure OFHC copper
Geometry
Star-Quad four conductor, Anti-static LDPE air-tubes
Shielding
Composite shield of tinned copper and magnet wire
Jacket Material
Ultra soft extruded TPR
Termination
Cardas GRMO RCA plugs or Neutrik XLRs
Features
- Economical version of Clear Beyond interconnect's air-tube suspension
- More detailed, richer sound with better low frequency performance than Clear Light
- Neutral tonal balance for any system
- Matched Propagation conductors for clarity
- Star-Quad geometry with PTFE air tubes
- Composite shield suspended away from signal conductors
- Available in unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) configurations
- Ultra soft extruded TPR jacket
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Cardas Audio Clear Cygnus Interconnect Cable for its exceptional sound quality, noting a remarkable clarity and natural presentation that enhances their audio experience. Many reviewers highlight the cable's robust build and premium materials, underscoring its perceived durability and high end feel. While an investment, users frequently express satisfaction with the sonic improvements, considering it a worthwhile upgrade for discerning audiophiles seeking refined sound reproduction and lasting quality.
Know before you buy
The Clear Cygnus is a significant step up, offering a more detailed sound profile and improved low-frequency performance. It incorporates advanced air-tube suspension technology derived from the flagship Clear Beyond line, which provides better clarity than the Clear Light.
Matched Propagation conductors are designed to ensure that the signal and the electromagnetic wave travel at the same speed. This minimizes smearing and timing errors, resulting in a more coherent, natural, and transparent soundstage.
The performance is excellent regardless of the termination. The choice should be based on your specific equipment's outputs and inputs; if your components support balanced connections, the Neutrik XLR configuration is a great way to take advantage of common-mode noise rejection.
Not at all. The Clear Cygnus is finished with an ultra-soft TPR jacket, making it significantly more flexible and easier to manage in tight spaces compared to many other high-end interconnects.
Yes, the Star-Quad geometry is highly effective at rejecting electromagnetic interference. This makes the cable particularly reliable in complex home theater setups where multiple power cables and components are often crowded together.
You can expect a neutral tonal balance that doesn't lean too heavily toward being overly bright or overly warm. It is designed to be transparent, allowing the natural character of your components to shine through while providing a rich, controlled bass response.
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