Cardas HP Iridium (2 x 4m)
Overview
The HP Iridium cable from Cardas represents the culmination of more than three decades of research into audio signal transmission, integrating the brand’s renowned golden‑ratio Litz conductors in a flexible, high‑performance construction. This model succeeds the legendary Twinlink Speaker and replaces a pillar of high‑fidelity that dominated the audiophile market for over twenty years.
A construction based on the mathematics of nature
The HP Iridium’s design philosophy rests on the rigorous application of the golden ratio (1.618…), a mathematical proportion omnipresent in nature and used since antiquity in the greatest architectural works. George Cardas, a former telecommunications engineer turned high‑end audio pioneer, developed this approach in 1983 by viewing conductor distortions as harmonic resonances requiring a precise mathematical solution.
The HP Iridium’s conductors use a progressive stranding technique in which each layer of strands follows a geometric progression based on the golden ratio. This method, protected by multiple U.S. patents, eliminates common resonances between conductor strands. Each copper strand has an individual enamel coating that must be removed with flux and a solder pot during termination, thereby ensuring perfect electrical isolation between strands and suppressing the skin effect.
The cable incorporates two 11.5 AWG conductors made of OFHC Grade 1 copper with an exceptional 99.9999% purity. This raw material, produced to Cardas’s strict specifications by the last American manufacturer capable of reaching this level of purity, forms the basis of all the brand’s cables from Iridium up to the flagship models.
Geometry and dielectrics: the pursuit of transparency
The HP Iridium’s internal structure adopts a twisted‑pair configuration with natural cotton filler held by a PTFE tape. This Cross‑field layer geometry, combined with FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) insulation, minimizes capacitive and inductive interactions while preserving the signal’s time coherence.
The extruded TPR (thermoplastic rubber) outer jacket offers remarkable flexibility for a cable of this gauge. With an outer diameter of just 10.54 mm, the HP Iridium remains easy to handle even in tight spaces, unlike many rigid, bulky audiophile cables. This suppleness greatly simplifies installation behind equipment racks or along baseboards, without compromising acoustic performance.
Whether CGMS spades or CABE banana plugs, the supplied connectors are machined by Cardas and hand‑assembled in the workshops in Bandon, Oregon. Each termination undergoes rigorous quality control by the team of nine specialized artisans led by Jesus Ornelas, who has worked at Cardas since 1993.
Universal compatibility and versatile application
The HP Iridium stands out for its ability to adapt to virtually any amplifier/speaker combination on the market. Its balanced design suits both high‑sensitivity systems and more current‑demanding speakers. Available lengths from 1 meter to 5 meters—and beyond on request—meet all installation scenarios, from nearfield listening to multichannel home theater setups.
The HP Iridium’s sonic signature favors a natural tonal balance with a rich, expressive midrange, tight, articulate bass, and smooth, detailed highs. This slightly warm yet uncolored presentation is particularly suitable for systems that benefit from added refinement or for digital recordings that can be overly aggressive in the top end.
Technical Specifications
Construction
- Conductors: Grade 1, 99.9999% pure OFHC copper with clear SPN coating (Litz)
- Cross-sections calibrated to the golden ratio
- Cross-layer geometry with twisted pairs
- Natural cotton filler secured with PTFE tape
Insulation and Sheath
- Insulation: FEP sleeve
- Outer jacket: ultra-soft, flexible extruded TPR
Dimensions and Specifications
- Gauge: 2 × 11.5 AWG
- Outer diameter: 10.54 mm
Connectors
- Available terminations: spade or banana
- Spade connectors: Cardas CGMS
- Banana connectors: CABE
Performance
- Sound reproduction: rich midrange, deep bass, smooth highs
- Very supple and flexible for its size
- Suitable for virtually all amp/speaker combinations
- Ideal for long or short runs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the HP Iridium and Cardas’s Clear models?
The HP Iridium uses Cardas’s traditional golden‑ratio Litz conductors, whereas the Clear range incorporates the patented Matched Propagation technology, which synchronizes the signal’s propagation speed with that of the dielectric materials. The HP Iridium offers a warmer presentation and more accessible pricing, while the Clear models aim for absolute neutrality and maximum transparency.
How does Cardas Grade 1 copper compare to other conductors?
Cardas OFHC Grade 1 copper achieves 99.9999% purity (six nines), far exceeding typical industry standards. This ultra‑purity, combined with the transparent SPN coating, ensures optimal conductivity and minimal long‑term oxidation. Production follows a specification developed specifically by George Cardas with the last U.S. producer capable of meeting these requirements.
Does the HP Iridium require a specific break‑in?
Like all Cardas cables using Litz conductors with enamel insulation, the HP Iridium benefits from a break‑in period of about 100 to 200 hours of normal use. During this time, dielectric properties stabilize and the cable gradually reaches its optimal performance. A varied musical signal accelerates this process compared to a monotone test signal.
Is the HP Iridium compatible with all types of speaker connectors?
Standard terminations include Cardas CGMS spades or CABE banana plugs, compatible with the vast majority of modern binding posts. For specific needs, Cardas can produce custom terminations in its Bandon workshops. Connection quality remains critical to performance, hence the importance of the precisely machined connectors supplied as standard.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.