Cardas RCA Crosslink 1.5m
Overview
The Crosslink is the entry-level model in the Cardas interconnect range. Far from being just a basic gateway product, it incorporates the cabling technologies developed by George Cardas since 1987, in an accessible and versatile format. Manufactured in the Bandon workshop on the Oregon coast, this one-meter stereo cable benefits from the in-house know-how applied to the brand’s higher-end models.
A Litz conductor structured according to the Golden Ratio
What makes Cardas cables special is the layout of their conductors. George Cardas, a former telecommunications engineer turned audio cable manufacturer, obtained two US patents (4,628,151 and 4,980,517) for his “Golden Section” wiring technique. The principle: arrange 68 copper strands of increasing diameters according to the 1:1.618 ratio, with the finest strands at the center and the thickest on the outside. Each layer grows progressively according to this proportion derived from the Fibonacci sequence.
This is more than just a mathematical curiosity. When an alternating signal passes through a conductor, it generates micro-resonances between the strands. By preventing two adjacent strands from sharing a common resonant frequency, this geometry dissipates parasitic energy instead of amplifying it. The copper used is Grade 2, deoxygenated to 99.99% purity, coated with a transparent SPN enamel (Litz technology) that insulates each strand individually to limit electrical interactions between conductors.
Dual-shield construction for noisy environments
The Crosslink uses a twisted-pair structure around a natural cotton filler. An FEP tape holds the assembly in place, followed by a spiral shield of tinned copper. The outer PVC jacket protects the whole, resulting in a final diameter of 7.69 mm and a gauge of 2 × 20.5 AWG.
This dual-shield construction (copper and Mylar) effectively isolates the signal from ambient electromagnetic interference. The dielectric combines Teflon and cotton, two materials with complementary properties: Teflon for its electrical insulation qualities, cotton for absorbing mechanical vibrations. The cable capacitance is 36.9 pF per foot in RCA configuration, a reasonable value that avoids attenuating high frequencies on high-impedance outputs.
Silver–rhodium plated GRCM connectors
The GRCM RCA plugs fitted to this cable are manufactured by Cardas. Machined from non-magnetic brass with a high copper content, they are plated with silver topped by a thin layer of rhodium on the contact surfaces. The outer shell, gold-colored and screw-on, makes handling easier. The solder uses the in-house quad-eutectic alloy (Quad Eutectic Solder), known for its fluidity and low resistance.
Rhodium, a metal from the platinum group, is highly resistant to oxidation and maintains its conductive properties over time. The underlying silver ensures optimal conductivity. This combination of platings is common to Cardas interconnects, including on significantly more expensive models.
A warm and forgiving sound
Cardas describes the Crosslink’s signature as “warm and forgiving”: warm, tolerant, without sacrificing detail or musicality. This cable does not seek to reveal everything with clinical precision. It favors a balance that smooths out the rough edges of less refined digital sources or imperfect recordings.
This sonic personality stems in part from the choice of dielectric and conductor geometry. Cardas cables have long been appreciated for their ability to “tame” the harshness of early CD players. The Crosslink follows in this tradition, even though higher models (Clear, Parsec) now adopt more recent technologies such as matched propagation.
Installation flexibility and versatility
The Crosslink is the only interconnect cable that Cardas also offers by the meter, unterminated, for installers and DIY enthusiasts. This availability underlines its versatile vocation: living-room stereo systems, home cinema installations, high-end car audio, in-wall cabling (CL2 certification for in-wall installation). Its flexibility and low weight make routing easier in tight spaces.
Technical specifications
Connectivity
- Standard terminations: Cardas GRCM
Conductors
- Grade 2 oxygen-free copper (99.99% purity)
- Transparent SPN coating (Litz technology)
- Cross-sections sized according to golden ratio proportions
- Multilayer cross-field geometry
- Polyurethane sheath insulation
Cable geometry
- Twisted pair with natural cotton filler
- Assembly held together by FEP tape
- Spiral shielding in tinned copper
- Outer PVC jacket
Dimensions
- Gauge: 2 × 20.5 AWG
- Outer diameter: 7.69 mm
Sound performance
- Warm and forgiving signature
- Detailed, musical reproduction
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cable require burn-in before reaching optimal performance?
Cardas recommends a burn-in period of around 100 hours of playback for the dielectric properties to stabilize. The perceived differences remain subtle; the cable works properly right from first use.
What is the difference between the Crosslink and the Parsec model just above it?
The Parsec uses Grade 1 copper (purer) and benefits from some technologies developed for the Clear range. Its air-tube dielectric provides more effective insulation. The Crosslink retains a more classic construction, in line with its price positioning.
Is this cable suitable for connecting a turntable to a phono preamplifier?
Yes, provided your phono preamp has RCA inputs. The Crosslink’s low capacitance (36.9 pF/ft) is compatible with most moving magnet (MM) cartridges. For very low-output MC cartridges, a cable with reinforced shielding may be preferable in particularly noisy environments.
Does the shielding effectively protect against Wi‑Fi interference or switching devices?
The copper–Mylar dual shielding significantly attenuates common electromagnetic disturbances. Faced with particularly intense sources of noise (dimmer switches, high-power switching power supplies), no consumer cable can guarantee total immunity.
Can this cable be used for multichannel home cinema?
Yes, the Crosslink is explicitly designed for multichannel systems. You will need to purchase as many pairs as there are channels to connect (three pairs for a 5.1 system with analog channel management, for example).
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.