Cardas Audio Clear Tonearm Cable

Cardas Clear — Matched Propagation for Reference-Level Phono Systems

Cardas Audio's reference-level tonearm cable, available in several lengths and terminations and terminated with the company's own top-of-the-line SRCA plugs. It is built around a principle Cardas calls Matched Propagation Conductors.

The idea is narrow and specific. A signal does not travel every path through a cable at the same speed, and a signal arriving fractionally spread in time is smeared. Clear is constructed so that it does not.

Design and Materials

Matched Propagation Conductors

George Cardas's approach here is to size and arrange the conductors so signal travels each of them at the same rate. Where conductors differ in length or gauge within a bundle, the same event arrives at the far end at slightly different moments.

What that costs is resolution rather than tone. Detail that depends on precise timing — the leading edge of a note, the decay of a room — is what smears first, which is why a cable argument that sounds abstract shows up as a loss of clarity.

Terminations Set at the Factory

Cardas terminates Clear with its own SRCA plugs, the top of its connector range, and terminates it by hand in Bandon, Oregon. Custom terminations, including R-DIN and SME 90-degree DIN connections, are available.

Establish what your turntable presents at the arm end before ordering. Cardas can also re-terminate its cables at the factory if your system changes.

Choosing Length and Termination

Clear comes in a choice of lengths and terminations, and Cardas fits its SRCA plugs at manufacture. Cardas can re-terminate at the factory if your system changes, but both are worth settling carefully.

Work out the real path behind your rack before choosing a length — cable follows corners, not straight lines. Where you fall between two, take the longer: slack costs nothing, and tension acts directly on the turntable.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Garrett Hongo reviewed the Clear phono cable for SoundStage! in February 2012: "Cardas has a winner in the Clear phono cable. With most LPs, mono or stereo, and with three different cartridges, I found the Clear's dominant trait to be a gorgeous clarity – the cable completely deserves its name."

Who Is It Best For?

• Your turntable and cartridge justify it — this is Cardas's reference-level phono cable and priced accordingly
• You care about timing rather than tone — matched propagation addresses smear, not coloration
• You have already upgraded the obvious things — a cable is the last link, not the first
• You want factory terminations — Cardas SRCA plugs, soldered at manufacture
• You are unsure which termination you need — settle that first, against the options in tonearm cables; Cardas can re-terminate it at the factory if you need a different termination

How Does It Connect?

Power everything down. Attach the arm end first, then the phono stage, then run the ground wire to the phono stage's ground post. Dress the cable so no part of it bears against the plinth, then leave it alone before forming a view.

Pairs Well With

What most owners of a cable at this level already have.

• Phono cartridges — the source of the signal this cable carries
• Phono preamplifiers — where the cable ends up
• Tonearms — the other end of the connection
• Cartridge alignment tools — worth a check whenever the arm is disturbed

Frequently Asked Questions

Which length should I choose?

Measure the actual route behind the rack and round up. A phono cable under tension pulls on the plinth, which matters most on precisely the turntables this cable suits.

Which termination do I need?

Match what your turntable presents at the arm end. Cardas fixes the terminations at manufacture, so this decision is made once.

What are Matched Propagation Conductors?

Conductors sized and arranged so signal travels each at the same rate, so the whole signal arrives together rather than fractionally spread in time.

Do I need a ground connection?

Yes. Attach the ground wire to the phono stage's ground post before drawing any conclusion about hum — a floating ground is the usual explanation.

Is there a less expensive Cardas phono cable?

There are several, built to different constructions. The full range is in tonearm cables.

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, record care, or getting the most from your vinyl? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.