Cardas HP Clear Reflection (2 x 2.5m) custom-made

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. A direct heir to the legendary Golden Reference and benefitting from the technological advances of the Clear range, this cable embodies the ideal balance between Cardas’ traditional musical warmth and contemporary transparency. Designed with top-tier materials and proprietary technologies, the Clear Reflection is aimed at demanding audiophiles seeking sound reproduction that is faithful, coherent, and profoundly musical.

The Cardas heritage: between tradition and innovation

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

This hybrid approach is not a simple compromise, but a genuine synthesis that capitalizes on the strengths of each philosophy. Clear Reflection preserves the harmonic richness and sonic fullness that built the reputation of classic Cardas cables, while integrating the technical advances of the Clear range for heightened definition and precision.

Proprietary technologies in the service of music

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

Matched Propagation technology is one of the cornerstones of the 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 sonic 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, like the spiral of a nautilus shell (the brand’s symbol). This concentric layout places the finest wires at the center, with cross-sectional area gradually increasing toward the outside. This configuration optimizes signal propagation and minimizes interference between conductors.

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

Exceptional construction and materials

The build quality of Clear Reflection reflects Cardas’ commitment to excellence. Every aspect of its construction has been meticulously engineered 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 of ultra-pure 99.9999% oxygen-free copper (OFHC), ensuring signal transmission without coloration. Each strand features a transparent SPN (Surface Polished Naked) coating that protects the copper from oxidation while preserving its conductive properties.

The conductors are separated by an anti-static filler that prevents undesirable interactions, and the whole assembly is held in place by an FEP (fluoroethylene propylene) tape. An inner FEP jacket and an outer flexible TPR 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 with a rhodium film for optimal resistance to oxidation. These connectors are attached to the cable via a two-stage, solder-free compression forging process at 10,000 PSI. This technique completely eliminates the transition between conductor and connector, ensuring perfect signal continuity.

A balanced and musical sonic signature

The sonic performance of 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, Clear Reflection manages to reconcile these seemingly contradictory qualities.

The soundstage it projects is impressive in depth and spatial organization. Instruments are positioned precisely 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 Clear Reflection’s strong points. Vocals benefit from palpable presence and natural articulation, while instruments are reproduced with their authentic timbre. This crucial region of the spectrum is rendered with outstanding fluidity and coherence, without artificial emphasis or recession.

The frequency extremes are slightly smoother compared to some more analytical cables, which gives Clear Reflection a fatigue-free listening experience over the long term. The highs nonetheless retain their definition and extension, while the lows offer depth and articulation without bloat.

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

Technical specifications

Conductors and materials

• Conductors: 12 x 11.5 AWG in pure OFHC copper (99.9999%)
  • Kevlar core
  • High-purity Cardas copper
• Wire processing:
  • 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
  • Bundle bound with FEP tape
• Insulation:
  • Inner jacket in FEP tape
  • Outer insulator in flexible TPR

Connectors and compatibility

• Connectors: Cardas spades or bananas
  • Forged at 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: combines the richness and musicality of Golden Reference with the clarity and transparency of Clear

Patented technologies

• Crossfield technology (cross-field)
• Matched Propagation
• Golden Ratio