Cardas Clear Reflection Power IEC19 1.5m
Overview
A power cable that combines two eras of Cardas manufacturing: the musical warmth of the Golden Reference, the flagship product of the 2000s, and the transparency of current Clear technology. This version fitted with a C19 connector (20 A) is intended for power-hungry electronics, such as mono power amplifiers or high-end power conditioners.
The golden ratio philosophy applied to copper
George Cardas developed his first cables from an insight borrowed from automotive engineering: unwanted vibrations can be neutralized by irrational proportions. In a conventional stranded conductor, wires of identical diameter resonate with each other. The Cardas solution consists of layering strands whose diameters increase according to the 1:1.618 ratio (the golden ratio) from the center outward. Each strand is coupled to a neighboring strand whose resonance frequency is incompatible with its own.
This principle, called “Constant Q Stranding,” earned George Cardas two U.S. patents. It is found in the three 11.5 AWG (4.17 mm²) conductors of the Clear Reflection Power, made from 99.9999% pure oxygen-free copper (Grade 1). Each strand receives an individual insulating enamel according to the Litz technique, which eliminates skin effect currents and protects the copper from oxidation.
A geometry inherited from the Clear Power
The Clear Reflection Power uses the conductor gauge of the Clear Power without incorporating its additional high-frequency filtering. The three conductors are twisted together (“twisted triad”) and surrounded by polyethylene (PE) air tubes, all held in place by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape. This arrangement creates partially gaseous insulation that reduces the cable’s effective dielectric constant.
A double shield protects the assembly from electromagnetic interference. The first layer uses braided tin-plated copper, the second magnetic wire. The ground wire runs through the cable from end to end, without interruption or filtering (“un-choked ground”), preserving a stable ground reference for the powered device.
IEC C19 version for high-consumption equipment
The IEC C19 connector is rated to handle currents of 16 A (European standard) or 20 A (North American standard) at 250 V. In the audio world, this connector is found on high-power mono amplifiers, some hefty stereo power amps, and high-capacity power conditioners. The usual C13/C15 standard tops out at 10 A or 15 A depending on the version, which can limit instantaneous current delivery during violent musical transients.
This 1.5-meter Clear Reflection Power IEC19 is fitted at both ends with Cardas E-5 connectors, made from solid copper. The contacts are first silver-plated, then covered with a thin layer of rhodium. Rhodium provides a hard, oxidation-resistant surface, while silver ensures optimal conductivity. The connections are soldered and crimped to guarantee long-term mechanical durability.
Technical Specifications
Conductors
- Three power conductors with a cross-section of 4.17 mm² (11.5 AWG)
- 99.999% high-purity oxygen-free copper
- Grade 1 Cardas Litz conductors
- Dimensions based on the golden ratio for optimal transmission
Construction and geometry
- Twisted triaxial configuration
- Polyethylene (PE) air insulation tubes
- Held in place by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape
- Optimized structure to minimize interference
- Outer diameter: 15.49 mm
Shielding
- Double protective shielding
- First layer in tinned copper
- Second layer in magnet wire
- Effective protection against electromagnetic interference
Insulation and jacket
- Internal insulation in perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)
- External jacket in thermoplastic rubber (TPR)
- Very high flexibility
- Excellent mechanical resistance
Connectivity
- Connector type: C19 plug version 20 A
- High-quality Cardas E-5 connectors
- Solid copper contacts
- Silver / rhodium plated for optimal conductivity
- Soldered and crimped for a perfect connection
Performance
- Exceptional power and dynamics
- Remarkable sonic clarity
- Superior audio performance in all conditions of use
- Excellent value for money for modern technology
General information
- High-performance power cable with Cardas Litz technology
- 99.999% pure copper conductors with proportions based on the golden ratio
- Double protective shielding in tinned copper and magnet wire
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the IEC19 version and the standard version of the Clear Reflection Power?
The standard version uses a C15 or C13 connector depending on the configuration, limited to 10 or 15 A. The IEC19 (C19) version handles up to 20 A and is intended for equipment fitted with a C20 inlet, such as certain mono amplifiers or high-capacity power conditioners. The conductors and internal construction are identical.
Why does Cardas use the golden ratio in its cables?
The 1:1.618 ratio makes it possible to layer strands of all different diameters. Since two strands of the same diameter can resonate at the same frequency, this irrational progression eliminates harmonic coupling points between conductors. George Cardas applied this principle to audio after testing it on automotive exhaust systems.
Does the Clear Reflection Power require break-in?
Yes. Cardas recommends several dozen hours of use before the cable reaches stable behavior. Some users employ dedicated break-in devices to speed up this process. It is normal for the sound rendering to evolve during the first few weeks.
Can the double shielding reduce interference from a dimmer switch or a household appliance?
The double shielding (tin-plated copper + magnetic wire) reduces electromagnetic interference picked up by the cable. It does not eliminate disturbances transmitted by the electrical mains itself. For this type of pollution, a power conditioner or mains filter remains necessary.
Is this cable suitable for a digital source such as a CD player or a streamer?
Technically yes, but the C19 connector is oversized for these devices, which rarely consume more than a few dozen watts. The standard version with a C15 connector will be more suitable and easier to install.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.