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Overview

The Cardas Clear Sky cable is the entry point into the refined world of the American manufacturer Cardas’s Clear range. Designed with patented synchronized propagation technology, this RCA interconnect cable delivers remarkably precise sound reproduction. Its meticulous construction, based on golden ratio proportions, and its high-quality materials make it an ideal solution for audiophiles looking to significantly enhance their system’s performance without reaching the price levels of the higher-end models in the range.

Revolutionary Technology in the Service of Musicality

The heart of the Clear Sky’s innovation lies in its synchronized propagation technology, for which George Cardas was granted US patent no. 7,674,973 in March 2010. This approach solves a fundamental problem that has affected audio cables since the invention of the telephone: the mismatch between the speed of electrical signal propagation in the conductor and that in the dielectric (insulating material).

In a conventional cable, the electrical signal travels at the speed of light in the conductor, while the charge propagation in the dielectric is limited to about 70-78% of that speed. This discrepancy creates interference that degrades the integrity of the musical signal.

George Cardas’s ingenious solution is to intentionally slow down the signal propagation in the conductor so that it matches the speed in the dielectric. This synchronization is achieved through extremely precise geometries and pitch lengths in the arrangement of the conductors. The result is a remarkably faithful signal transmission, preserving the integrity of even the subtlest musical information.

A Balanced and Revealing Sonic Signature

The acoustic performance of the Clear Sky is characterized by exceptionally clear sound reproduction, as its name suggests. Its unique design provides a notable improvement in neutrality, dynamics, and high-frequency extension.

When listening, the Clear Sky stands out for its ability to render the finest details with great precision, without ever becoming analytical or aggressive. Attacks are delivered with conviction, bass is powerful and well-defined, while the midrange offers a striking wealth of information.

Unlike many cables whose performance varies with length, the Clear Sky maintains its exceptional sonic qualities regardless of length, making it a versatile solution suitable for any system configuration.

Listeners will especially appreciate the Clear Sky’s ability to create a wide and precise soundstage, where each instrument finds its natural place. Music gains in coherence and fluidity, allowing for extended listening sessions without fatigue.

High-Precision Connectors

The Clear Sky’s RCA terminations use the GRMO connectors developed by Cardas. These non-magnetic connectors are made from eutectic brass with rhodium over silver plating, ensuring optimal conductivity and long-term resistance to oxidation.

The connector manufacturing process receives special attention: crimping is done manually at room temperature, preserving the cable’s conductive properties by avoiding heat-induced material alteration. This artisanal method contributes to the product’s overall sound quality.

The junction between the cable and connector is protected by a flexible sleeve that enhances durability while maintaining the flexibility needed for easy installation.

Technical Specifications

Audio Performance

  • Sonic transparency: clear, detailed, and uncolored sound
  • Dynamics: precise reproduction of micro and macro dynamic details
  • Neutrality: balanced sound signature with no frequency emphasis
  • Versatility: performs well over both short and long lengths
  • Compatibility: suitable for any high-end audio system

Design and Materials

  • Conductors:
    • Type: Kevlar core with optimized propagation
    • Material: 99.9999% pure oxygen-free copper (Grade 1)
    • Coating: transparent SPN (Litz) insulation
    • Sizing: dimensions based on Golden Ratio proportions
    • Gauge: 2 × 23.5 AWG
  • Geometry:
    • Internal structure: shielded twisted pair
    • Insulation: non-conductive polyethylene air tubes
    • Support: ultra-thin FEP tape
    • Shielding: tinned copper braid suspended in a layer of compressed air tubes
    • Outer jacket: extruded Alcryn rubber

Connectors

  • Standard RCA connectors: Cardas GRMO
  • Materials:
    • Eutectic brass body
    • Gold-plated brass connectors
    • Rhodium plating over silver

Physical Specifications

  • Outer diameter: 9.5 mm

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Clear Sky and other cables in the Cardas Clear range?

The Clear Sky is the entry-level model in the Clear range, offering many of the technological and sonic benefits of the higher-end models at a more accessible price. Higher-end models like the Clear Light, Clear, and Clear Beyond use more sophisticated conductors and even more refined materials, pushing performance further in terms of resolution and transparency, but at significantly higher prices.

How does synchronized propagation technology concretely improve the sound?

This technology solves the problem of time lag between the signal in the conductor and that in the dielectric, which typically creates interference. By synchronizing these two speeds, the Clear Sky eliminates a major source of distortion, resulting in a more precise stereo image, better instrument separation, and a more natural rendering of timbres and transients.

Why is golden ratio-based geometry important in cable design?

The golden ratio (approximately 1.618) is a mathematical proportion frequently found in nature and considered particularly harmonious. In Cardas cables, this proportion guides the arrangement of conductors of different sizes, creating a structure that minimizes mechanical and electrical resonances. This reduces unwanted sonic coloration and achieves a more neutral signal transmission.

What is the difference between the RCA and XLR versions of the Clear Sky?

The RCA version uses an unbalanced (or single-ended) connection with two conductors (signal and ground), while the XLR version uses a balanced connection with three conductors (positive signal, negative signal, and ground). The XLR version generally offers better noise rejection over long distances and can provide a higher output level. The cable’s internal structure is adapted to each connection type to optimize performance.

Is the Clear Sky directional?

Yes, like most Cardas cables, the Clear Sky is directional. An arrow or marking on the sleeve indicates the recommended direction of signal flow, from the source component to the receiving component. This directionality is related to the asymmetric structure of the conductors and the orientation of the dielectric molecules during manufacturing. Following this direction optimizes the cable’s sonic performance.

User reviews

Jean-luc

Used as a connection between a Rega Saturn player and a tube preamp (and tube amps powering MG20 panels, so a very musical but demanding system), the result was stunning - smoothness, clarity, this is a cable of extraordinary caliber! Recommended for an audiophile "high-end" system...

Comment from August 05, 2022 — Experience from July 25, 2022

Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Utilisé en tant que liaison entre un lecteur Rega Saturn et un préampli tubes(et amplis lampes qui alimentent des panneaux MG20, donc système très musical mais exigeant) le résultat a été bluffant, douceur, clarté, c'est un câble d'un niveau extraordinaire ! Recommandé sur un système "haut de gamme" audiophile…

Lionel

Excellent from an audio perspective.
The construction of this cable is a pleasure to behold for handcrafted products.
A small card from the person who assembled the cable is included with the box containing the cables.
Hats off to this brand that upholds admirable company values in addition to delivering superb technical quality.

Comment from August 02, 2022 — Experience from July 07, 2022

Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Excellent d’un point de vue audio.
La construction de ce câble fait plaisir à voir pour des produits assemblés à la main.
Une petite carte de la personne qui a procédé à l’assemblage est jointe au coffret contenant les câbles.
Chapeau bas pour cette marque qui possède de belles valeurs d’entreprise en plus d’une belle qualité technique.

Hervé

Excellent cable. Total absence of harshness and great respect for timbres (the two observations are obviously related). It's music that comes out of the speakers since it connects the CD player to the preamplifier, and no longer more or less enticing or artificially embellished electronics! Bravo! But it's too expensive! Like everything related to true High-Fidelity today.
Nevertheless, the most basic honesty compels me to point out that while this cable is expensive, many others are even more so, or infinitely more so, and perform much worse!

Comment from November 10, 2021 — Experience from October 30, 2021

Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Excellent câble. Absence totale de dureté et grand respect des timbres (les deux remarques sont évidemment liées). C'est de la musique qui sort des enceintes depuis qu'il relie le lecteur cd au préamplificateur et non plus de l'électronique plus ou moins aguicheuse ou artificiellement embellie ! Bravo ! Mais c"est trop cher ! Comme tout ce qui concerne aujourd'hui la véritable Haute-Fidélité.
Néanmoins la plus élémentaire honnêteté m'oblige à préciser que si ce câble est cher, beaucoup d'autres le sont encore plus, voire infiniment plus et font beaucoup moins bien !
  • Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
  • Manufacturer reference: RCA CLEAR SKY 2 X 1 M
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