Cardas XLR Clear Sky 2m

The Cardas Clear Sky XLR is a balanced interconnect cable that serves as an entry point into Cardas Audio’s Clear range. It incorporates the Matched Propagation Conductors technology, developed by the American brand, into a product with a more accessible price point.

Designed and manufactured in the United States, the Clear Sky XLR takes an approach focused on neutrality and transparency in audio signal transmission. Its goal is to preserve signal integrity without adding coloration, unlike some cables whose design tends to alter sound reproduction.

Technological Innovation

The heart of the Clear Sky’s innovation lies in its Matched Propagation Conductors technology, a scientific approach that solves a fundamental problem in cable transmission. In conventional cables, the electrical signal travels through the conductors at the speed of light, while the dielectric’s electrical charge moves at about 78% of that speed. This desynchronization creates interference and pollutes the transmitted information.

George Cardas’s solution is to deliberately slow down propagation in the conductors to synchronize it with that of the dielectric. This harmonization is achieved through precise control of the conductor strand winding, creating what Cardas calls an “unprecedented window of clarity.” The result is an exponential reduction in resonances and a significantly expanded dynamic range, allowing for the preservation of micro-information and natural transients.

Construction and Materials

The construction of the Clear Sky XLR is based on the Golden Ratio principle, that mathematical proportion found in nature which governs the arrangement of the conductors. Pure copper Litz wires of different gauges are wound according to this specific geometry: the finest conductors occupy the center of the cable, while their cross-section gradually increases toward the periphery.

This concentric, progressively sectioned architecture naturally limits inductance and parasitic resonance phenomena. The dielectric insulation cleverly combines air tubes and PFA fluoropolymer, creating an environment where electrical charges can dissipate without disturbing the main signal. The double shielding of copper and mylar effectively protects the assembly from external electromagnetic interference.

The outer Alcryn sheath gives the cable remarkable flexibility despite its substantial 9.5 mm diameter. This flexibility greatly facilitates installation and routing, even in the tight spaces typical of home hi-fi setups.

Connectors and Finishes

For its XLR version, Cardas has selected Neutrik connectors, the absolute reference in professional audio connectivity. These connectors benefit from cold manual crimping, a technique that preserves the integrity of the conductive properties by avoiding any thermal alteration of the material. This artisanal approach ensures optimal connection between the cable and its terminations.

The junction between cable and connector is protected by a flexible sleeve that prevents mechanical stress which could affect transmission quality over the long term. A ferrite filter completes the setup by eliminating residual high-frequency interference. This attention to detail reflects Cardas’s holistic approach, where every element contributes to the purity of the final signal.

Sound Performance

Listening feedback converges on a distinctive feature of the Clear Sky: its immediate neutrality and its ability to disappear in favor of the music. Unlike many high-end cables that require a break-in period, the Clear Sky delivers its qualities from the very first listen. This particularity is explained by the inherent stability of its construction and the optimization of its internal geometry.

The sound reproduction is characterized by crystalline clarity in the details, strikingly precise attacks, and remarkable control of transients. The bass retains its definition and impact, while the midrange gains in naturalness and presence. This approach allows the Clear Sky to reveal the subtleties of the recording without ever distorting them with artificial coloration.

Positioning in the Range

The Clear Sky XLR occupies a strategic position in the Cardas lineup by democratizing the technologies developed for the Clear series. It allows audiophiles with mid- and high-end systems to access the benefits of Matched Propagation technology without the considerable investment required by traditional Clear models.

This democratization involves no compromise on build quality or materials used. The Clear Sky benefits from the same American expertise and quality standards as its more expensive siblings. Only the complexity of certain treatments and finishes justifies its more accessible price point.

Technical Specifications

Conductors

• Central core: Kevlar with 99.9999% oxygen-free deoxidized copper (OFC)
• Finish: transparent SPN Litz-type wire coating
• Gauges calibrated according to Golden Ratio proportions
• Gauge: 2 x 23.5 AWG

Insulation and Shielding

• Primary insulation: non-conductive polyethylene air tubes
• Secondary insulation: ultra-thin FEP (polytetrafluoroethylene) tape
• Shielding: tinned copper braid separated from the conductors by compressed polyethylene air tubes
• Integrated double shielding
• Outer sheath: extruded Alcryn rubber

Connectors

• Material: eutectic brass, gold-plated
• Plating: rhodium over silver
• Dielectric: air tubes
• Available types: XLR: Neutrik XLR

Geometry and Structure

• Type: shielded twisted pair
• Configuration: cross geometry with braided layers
• Conductors: pure Litz wire

Dimensions

• Outer diameter: 9.27 mm

Performance

• Transparent, dynamic, and neutral transmission
• Excellent performance over both short and long distances
• Most affordable interconnect cable using this advanced technology
• Ideal for any high-end audio system