Cardas HP Clear Reflection (2 x 3m) custom

Cardas Clear Reflection: The Perfect Balance Between Warmth and Precision

The Cardas Clear Reflection speaker cable represents a remarkable fusion of two distinct sonic philosophies. As a direct descendant of the legendary Golden Reference and benefiting from the technological advances of the Clear range, this cable embodies the ideal balance between Cardas’s traditional musical warmth and contemporary transparency. Designed with top-tier materials and proprietary technologies, the Clear Reflection is aimed at discerning audiophiles seeking sound reproduction that is faithful, coherent, and deeply musical.

The Cardas Legacy: Between Tradition and Innovation

The Clear Reflection holds a special place in the Cardas catalog. While the Clear line has established itself as a benchmark in the world of ultra-high-end cables thanks to its exceptional clarity, neutrality, and transparency, some audiophiles missed the warm tonal signature of earlier series like the Golden Reference. It was precisely to meet this demand that George Cardas developed the Clear Reflection, thus creating a bridge between two eras.

This hybrid approach is not a mere compromise, but a true synthesis that capitalizes on the strengths of each philosophy. The Clear Reflection retains the harmonic richness and fullness of sound that made classic Cardas cables famous, while integrating the technical advances of the Clear range for enhanced definition and precision.

Proprietary Technologies Serving the Music

The Clear Reflection benefits from several exclusive innovations that define Cardas’s approach to audio signal transmission.

Matched Propagation technology is one of the cornerstones of its design. This approach resolves amplitude distortion and time delay issues, allowing different frequencies to travel coherently through the cable. The result is a more natural and cohesive sound presentation, where transients, harmonics, and fundamentals reach the ear simultaneously.

The Golden Ratio geometry is another Cardas hallmark. Conductors of different sizes are arranged according to the proportions of the golden ratio, reminiscent of the spiral of a nautilus shell (the brand’s symbol). This concentric arrangement places the finest wires at the center, with sections gradually increasing outward. This configuration optimizes signal propagation and minimizes interference between conductors.

The Tri-Quad structure with 12 conductors of 11.5 AWG provides a generous conduction surface while maintaining appreciable flexibility. This complex architecture allows for balanced signal transmission with minimal resistance and excellent rejection of external interference.

Exceptional Construction and Materials

The build quality of the Clear Reflection reflects Cardas’s commitment to excellence. Every aspect of its construction has been meticulously designed to optimize sonic performance.

At the heart of the cable is a Kevlar core that ensures mechanical stability and vibration damping. The 12 conductors are made from oxygen-free (OFHC) copper of exceptional 99.9999% purity, guaranteeing signal transmission without coloration. Each strand features a transparent SPN (Surface Polished Naked) coating that protects the copper from oxidation while preserving its conductive qualities.

The conductors are separated by an anti-static filler that prevents unwanted interactions, then the whole assembly is held together by an FEP (fluoroethylene propylene) tape. An inner FEP sheath and a soft TPR outer insulator complete the structure, offering protection, flexibility, and durability.

The terminations deserve special attention: the connectors (spades or bananas) are machined from pure copper, then plated with a thick layer of silver covered by a rhodium film for optimal oxidation resistance. These connectors are attached to the cable using a two-step compression forging process, without soldering, under 10,000 PSI of pressure. This technique completely eliminates the transition between the conductor and the connector, ensuring perfect signal continuity.

A Balanced and Musical Sonic Signature

The sonic performance of the Clear Reflection is characterized by a remarkable balance between tonal richness and analytical precision. Unlike some cables that favor one aspect at the expense of the other, the Clear Reflection manages to reconcile these seemingly contradictory qualities.

The soundstage it delivers impresses with its depth and spatial organization. Instruments are precisely positioned in space, yet retain their natural substance and dimensionality. The sonic images have weight and depth, avoiding the effect of ethereal, two-dimensional silhouettes sometimes encountered with other cables.

The midrange is one of the Clear Reflection’s strong points. Vocals benefit from palpable presence and natural articulation, while instruments are rendered with their authentic timbre. This crucial region of the spectrum is reproduced with remarkable fluidity and coherence, without artificial emphasis or recession.

The ends of the spectrum are slightly softened compared to some more analytical cables, giving the Clear Reflection a fatigue-free listening experience over the long term. High frequencies retain their definition and extension, while the bass offers depth and articulation without bloat.

Perhaps the most remarkable quality of the Clear Reflection is its overall cohesion. All musical elements are integrated into a unified presentation where nothing feels forced or artificial. This coherence allows for a relaxed and immersive listening experience, where your attention naturally focuses on the music rather than on particular aspects of sound reproduction.

Technical Specifications

Conductors and Materials

• Conductors: 12 x 11.5 AWG pure OFHC copper (99.9999%)
  • Kevlar core
  • High-purity Cardas copper
• Wire treatment:
  • Litz wires with clear SPN coating
  • Conductor sizes based on the Golden Ratio
• Dielectric material: PFA (perfluoroalkoxy)

Construction and Geometry

• Tri-Quad geometry with 12 conductors
  • Anti-static separator between conductors
  • Conductors separated by anti-static filler
  • Assembly bound with FEP tape
• Insulation:
  • Inner sheath in FEP tape
  • Outer insulation in flexible TPR

Connectors and Compatibility

• Connectors: Cardas spades or bananas
  • Forged under 10,000 psi
• Compatibility: bi-wiring or tri-wiring

Physical Specifications

• Outer diameter: 17.27 mm (0.680 inches)
  • Alternative measurement: 1.75 cm
• Conductor dimensions: 12 × 2.2 mm

Sound Signature

• Audio characteristics: blends the richness and musicality of Golden Reference with the clarity and transparency of Clear

Patented Technologies

• Crossfield technology (crossed field)
• Matched Propagation
• Golden Ratio