Cardas Audio Crosslink Interconnect Cable - XLR to XLR

Cardas Built the Crosslink for Systems Just Getting Started

Cardas Audio's Crosslink is the entry to the Cardas interconnect line. Cardas built it for entry-level and mid-level stereo and home theater systems, and describes it as warm and forgiving but still detailed and musical. The copper is Cardas Grade 2, drawn to 99.99% purity.

Golden Ratio Stranding, in the Entry Cable

Each conductor is Litz wire: many fine strands, each coated in a clear SPN enamel so no strand touches its neighbor. Strand sizes step up in Golden Ratio proportions from the center out, a Cardas signature. Two conductors run at 20.5 AWG, and the layers cross at an angle Cardas calls cross-field geometry.

Cotton, Foil Tape and a Spiral Shield

The two conductors are twisted together around a natural cotton filler and bound in FEP tape. A spiral shield of tin-plated copper wraps the pair to keep radio and electrical noise out. A PVC jacket covers the whole cable. The outside diameter is 7.69 mm, slim enough for a crowded rack.

The CE XLR Plug, Explained

Crosslink ends in the Cardas CE XLR, the company's own XLR plug and its standard balanced termination here. The body is machined high-copper, non-magnetic brass and the contacts are silver plated. Cardas solders it to the cable by hand in Bandon, Oregon. The same plug serves every Cardas balanced interconnect up to the Clear Cygnus.

Who Is This Interconnect Best For?

• You are building a first serious system — a DAC, streamer or phono stage into an amplifier over XLR, with Cardas Litz copper in the path, so the cable is no longer the weak link
• Your gear lives in a tight rack or cabinet — at 7.69 mm the Crosslink is slim and the PVC jacket flexes, so it routes behind a shelf without straining the jacks
• You run home theater alongside stereo — Cardas built the Crosslink for both, so one cable type covers the sources, the preamp and the surround gear
• You want a plug that locks — the CE XLR latches into the jack, and its brass body and silver contacts resist corrosion, so the connection stays put for years
• Your components have only RCA jacks — the Crosslink XLR is balanced at both ends and will not fit an RCA jack. Choose the Cardas Crosslink RCA instead, or call us and we will match the connector

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run the Crosslink from a balanced XLR output on your DAC, streamer, CD player or phono stage to a balanced XLR input on your preamp or amplifier. Keep left to left and right to right. Line up the pins and push until the latch clicks. Press the latch tab to release the plug.

Then leave it alone. Cardas says its cables settle with use, so plug in and listen. Other and longer lengths available. Call for prices.

Pairs Well With

An interconnect is one link in the chain. It usually joins these categories.

• Integrated Amplifiers — the usual input end
• Digital-to-Analog Converters — DAC output to amplifier
• Phono Preamplifiers — phono stage to line input
• Speaker Cables — the last link to the speakers

Frequently Asked Questions

What copper is in the Crosslink?

Cardas Grade 2, 99.99% pure oxygen-free copper, in Litz form with each strand enamel coated. Strand sizes are scaled to the Golden Ratio.

How long does break-in take?

Cardas says at most 200 hours, and usually half that. Its advice is simple: "Plug them in, leave them plugged in, and enjoy your life."

What warranty does Cardas give?

A lifetime warranty. Every Litz strand is sealed in enamel, so the copper does not oxidize. Cardas says that is why its cables last.

Is there a step up from the Crosslink?

Cardas Iridium XLR is the next rung. It moves to Cardas Grade 1 copper at 99.9999% purity and a four-conductor star-quad layout, with the same CE XLR plug.

See It in Action

Audio Advisor walks through how Cardas builds its cables, from Litz strands to hand-soldered plugs.

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 interconnects, RCA versus XLR, or cable break-in? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.