{"product_id":"cardas-audio-crosslink-interconnect-cable-3-0-meter-rca-to-rca-pair","title":"Cardas Audio Crosslink Interconnect Cable - 3.0 Meter - RCA to RCA - Pair","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat You Need to Know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is the Crosslink Interconnect Cable — What Does It Do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn interconnect carries music between two pieces of gear. Like from a CD player to an amp. Or from a streamer to a preamp. The cable sends a small signal, called line level. Almost every home stereo uses these cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Crosslink uses RCA plugs. RCA is the most common audio plug. The plugs are small, round, and color-coded. Red is the right channel. Black or white is the left. If your gear has these plugs, this cable fits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardas makes eight interconnects. The Crosslink is the entry. It costs the least. But it is built with the same care as the Cardas top cables. The ones that go in five-figure systems. Same shop. Same hands. Same standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the Difference With Cardas Crosslink Cable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wire inside is Cardas Grade 2 oxygen-free copper. It is 99.99% pure. Cardas uses Litz wire here. Litz means many tiny wires, each one coated. The coating stops the wires from rusting. It also keeps each wire apart from the others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside each Litz wire, the strands grow in size from the middle out. The smallest sit in the center. Each new layer is bigger. The size jump follows the Golden Ratio (1 to 1.618). George Cardas earned two patents for this idea in the 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strand layers also twist in different directions. Cardas calls this Crossfield. It helps the cable ignore noise. RFI is noise from radio, Wi-Fi, and cell signals. EMI is noise from power lines and motors. The Crossfield design pushes both kinds of noise away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tin-plated copper shield wraps the wires. The shield is a second line of defense against RFI and EMI. A flexible PVC jacket covers the whole cable. It stays slim and easy to bend, even in tight spots behind a stereo rack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plugs are Cardas GRCM RCAs. Cardas makes these in their own shop. Each plug is hand-soldered to the wire. The solder is Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder, a Cardas recipe used on most of their cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardas has been a family business for almost 40 years. George Cardas started the company in 1987. He used to be a phone-line engineer. He moved the shop to Bandon, Oregon in 1992. His daughter Angela runs it now. The Crosslink is hand-built there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere Does the Crosslink Cable Belong in Your System?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Crosslink fits the kind of system most music lovers own. A real stereo. A home theater. A bedroom or desktop rig. It is built to be your first real cable upgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Entry and mid-level stereo systems; home theater receivers; second or bedroom systems; desktop audio with a DAC and powered speakers; vintage gear with tight RCA jacks (the slim profile helps).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot a fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-end reference systems where a bigger Cardas cable matches the gear better; long runs over 3 feet between two pieces of gear, where balanced XLR (if your gear supports it) handles noise better.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLooking to step up?\u003c\/strong\u003e The next rung is the \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/aa-criridic-pr-rcrc\"\u003eCardas Iridium\u003c\/a\u003e, the first Cardas cable to use Grade 1 Ultra Pure copper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use the shortest cable that reaches your two pieces of gear. Leave a little slack. The plugs should not be pulled tight. See the length selector above for the SKUs we stock. Need a length we don't show? Call us at \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat About the Crosslink Warranty?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardas backs the Crosslink with a \u003cstrong\u003elifetime warranty\u003c\/strong\u003e. The warranty covers shorts, loose plugs, and other defects. It does not cover normal wear, scratches, or pet damage. Cardas honors this warranty out of their Oregon shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your needs change later, Cardas can re-terminate the cable. They can change the plugs. Or cut a long pair into two shorter pairs. Pricing varies. Call us at \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e or contact Cardas for a quote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding your system? Here are some natural matches for the Crosslink:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep up the Cardas ladder:\u003c\/strong\u003e The \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/cardas-iridium-interconnect\"\u003eCardas Iridium Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e is the next rung up and the first Cardas cable to use Grade 1 Ultra Pure copper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMatching speaker cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e The \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/prnt-crclsp-3-banban-pr?sku=NEW-CRCLSP-3-BANBAN-PR\"\u003eCardas Crosslink Speaker Cable\u003c\/a\u003e is the natural partner. Same family. Same value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDACs and streamers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Browse the \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/digital-audio\/digital-to-analog-converters\/\"\u003eDACs and digital sources\u003c\/a\u003e at Audio Advisor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated amps and preamps:\u003c\/strong\u003e See our \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/integrated-amplifiers\"\u003eintegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/preamplifiers\"\u003epreamps\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhono stages:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connect a turntable's \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/phono-preamplifiers\"\u003ephono preamp\u003c\/a\u003e to your line stage with a Crosslink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeatures \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConductor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardas Grade 2 oxygen-free copper, 99.99% pure, in Litz construction. Two conductors per channel, each sized to Golden Ratio steps. Total 2 x 20.5 AWG.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGeometry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwisted-pair Litz with Crossfield layer geometry. Natural cotton filler bound in FEP tape. Designed to push noise away from the signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDielectric\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolyurethane jacket on each conductor. Cotton filler and FEP tape inside the cable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShielding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTin-plated copper spiral shield. Helps reject RFI (radio, Wi-Fi, cell signals) and EMI (transformers, motors).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConnectors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardas GRCM RCA plugs. Machined by Cardas, gold-plated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTermination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand-soldered with Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder in Bandon, Oregon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOutside Diameter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.303\" \/ 7.69 mm. Slim profile fits tight spots and vintage gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eJacket\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlexible PVC outer jacket. Easy to dress behind a rack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable Lengths\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple lengths stocked at Audio Advisor. See the length selector above for current SKUs. Need a custom length? Call \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardas Audio lifetime warranty against functional defects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick-Reference Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.92em; margin-top: 16px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; width: 45%;\"\u003eConductor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eCardas Grade 2 oxygen-free copper, Litz, 2 x 20.5 AWG\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eGeometry\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eLitz, Golden Ratio strand sizing, Crossfield, twisted pair\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eDielectric\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003ePolyurethane jacket, cotton filler, FEP tape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eShielding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eTin-plated copper spiral shield\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eCapacitance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e36.9 pF\/ft (RCA configuration)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eConnectors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eCardas GRCM RCA, machined, gold-plated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eTermination\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eHand-soldered with Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eOutside Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e0.303\" \/ 7.69 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eJacket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eFlexible PVC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eAvailable Lengths\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eSee length selector above for stocked SKUs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eHand-built in Bandon, Oregon, USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eWarranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eCardas lifetime warranty against functional defects\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-faq gsbp-ab3b28d\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat components benefit most from an upgraded interconnect?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe link between your source and your amp matters most. That means the cable from a DAC, streamer, or CD player to your preamp or integrated amp. Replacing a thin freebie cable with a real shielded one is a common first upgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat length do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the shortest cable that reaches your two pieces of gear, with a little slack. Most shelf-stacked rigs do well with a 1-meter pair. Measure the actual path the cable will take, then round up to the next length we stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does this compare to the cable that came with my gear?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost freebie cables are thin, unshielded, and built to a price of pennies. The Crosslink uses heavier wire, real Litz construction, a proper shield, and machined Cardas plugs. The build quality alone is a real step up. Whether your system reveals the difference depends on the rest of the chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill this work with my DAC, streamer, integrated amp, or preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your gear has RCA output and input jacks, yes. The Crosslink uses standard RCA plugs. They fit any RCA jack. If you're not sure, look at the back of your gear, or call us at \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes this cable need a break-in period?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardas suggests their cables settle in after some use. Our advice: plug them in, leave them connected, and listen normally. Don't watch the clock. Just enjoy the music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Cardas re-terminate or repair this cable later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Cardas offers re-termination and repair on their own cables, in their Oregon shop. They can change plugs, or cut a long pair into shorter ones. Call us at \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e or contact Cardas direct for a quote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudio Advisor's own video tour of the Cardas factory shows how the Crosslink and the rest of the Cardas line are built — the same shop, the same hands, on every cable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; margin-bottom: 24px;\"\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xmjVJNxKV5Q\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis second Audio Advisor video walks through the Cardas cable construction step-by-step — Litz strands, Golden Ratio sizing, Crossfield layering, and the hand-soldered terminations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; margin-bottom: 24px;\"\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OdDJBBxrzY8\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProfessional Reviews\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-blockquote\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTone Audio (Tone Publications) — Jeff Dorgay, 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTone Audio described the Crosslink as a smart upgrade from stock cables, especially for vintage gear with tightly spaced jacks. The reviewer noted the cable is hand-assembled by the same Cardas team that builds the company's flagship Clear line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-blockquote\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoundStage Network — Dave Duvall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoundStage Network's Dave Duvall called the Crosslink smooth and natural-sounding. He noted vocals came through with more ease in his system, with less sibilance than his prior cables, and recommended it as a strong value option.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-blockquote\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighFidelityReview — 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighFidelityReview ran the Crosslink between a DAC and an amp. The reviewer described the cable as letting the music come through cleanly, praised the substantial build and connectors, and called it a satisfying entry pick.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-titlebox-text\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f3b5.svg\" alt=\"music note emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e40+ Years of Expertise\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f504.svg\" alt=\"repeat emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4de.svg\" alt=\"phone emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReal Experts, Real Help\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— Our team is here to answer your questions at\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"tel:8009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f69a.svg\" alt=\"truck emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4b3.svg\" alt=\"credit card emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Payment Options\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWant to Learn More?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to learn more about interconnects, system building, and how cables fit into the chain? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\"\u003eAudio Advisor Learning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cardas","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":45982104649901,"sku":"NEW-CRCLIC-3-PR-RCRC","price":290.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/CRCLIC_RCRC_01_2024__77866.1717603812.1280.1280_97b9a9cb-f622-4d22-9d85-c35a7312f7f7.jpg?v=1778153368","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/cardas-audio-crosslink-interconnect-cable-3-0-meter-rca-to-rca-pair","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}