Price Paid:  $600.00 from Audio Connection, N.

Summary:
Haven''t had these long, but the difference between these and my former Transparent Music Link Plus speaker cables is incredible! The Cardas is so smoother (no fatigue!) while staying detailed in a lifelike fashion! The 3D soundstage is a lot wider too. Just an intoxicating cable to listen to! Hard to leave the system alone now! Fabulous!!

Strengths:
Black background...3D soundstage...no loss of detail!

Weaknesses:
None....except pricey above this point in line.

Similar Products Used:
Cross interconnects.

Summary:
You always hear a lot about speaker cable and the huge difference it can make. I did not believe it until I introduced the Cardas Quadlink 5C cables into my system. WOW! My Linn Ninka's sound so real even in single wire configuration! The only complaint I have with these cables is the cost to purchase and to have them re-terminated. Make sure you know what type of ends you want or be prepared to pay $50 per end to have them re-terminated. With a cable of this quality it would be a mistake to not have them factory terminated by Cardas. Some of the other reviews comment on the decreased bass. I must say that I interpret the bass produced by these cables as more realistic, less artificial. Be prepared for a striking difference in sound, especially if you are running entry level cable.

Strengths:
Very warm, accurate, natural sound

Weaknesses:
Expensive

Similar Products Used:
Kimber, Tara Labs, Monster

Summary:
When I first heard this cable it was not in conjunction with my system (which is the true test of a component's mettle).

After moving to a smaller place, it was time to get new speaker cable to eliminate the snakelike coil that was in my smaller (boo!) listening room.

I decided to go with the Cardas, because it was the last cable that was used in the system that I was evaluating the speaker that I eventually purchased (Aerial Acoustics 7s, the original 2-ways).

I figured on going with 1.5M of the Quadlink 5C.

After hook up:

Wow. Simply an amazing difference between the AQ Midnights and the 5Cs.

I found there was detail in the leading edges of notes and (especially) trailing edges of the music that was never in the room (so to speak) with the Midnights.

There was a spaciousness and a relaxed naturalness of the sound that my previous speaker cables never even hinted at.

My wife commented on the quality difference to the positive by stating that they were less "Screechy" (ok - she's no audiophile) and after discussion concluded that there was an edge or an artifact that was no longer there as compared to the Midnights; she found that the music was more relaxed [and I mean that in the most positive sense... there was no "laziness" or "laxness" in the sound].

The only problem is that it leans to the warmer side in the bass; this may prove to be a help to some or a hindrance to others, so your style of music (and listening) and acoustics will definitely come into play when using this cable.

The all important midrange is all there, not exaggerated or recessed. Uppermids and highs were very natural and unetched... which some may interpret as a rolloff; it is not, it is merely there when demanded to be present by the music.

I find this an excellent cable and to my ears it was easy to overlook the exaggerated midbass for the TONS of detail through the audio spectrum.

It is an incredibly natural cable.

- DeeCee

Strengths:
Incredible detail. Lifelike presence in midrange.

Weaknesses:
Somewhat pricey; pushes to warmer side of the audio spectrum.

Similar Products Used:
Zipcord, AQ Midnight 3s

Price Paid:  $200.00 from cardas

Summary:
i have had this cable for a long time
my first in high end cable
for get the hipe and big monkey
looking way over the price cables
this stuff leaves the room
you are there. my 8ft qed 5c
spk cable is all you need
dont waist your cash on all
the high end junk. find it use and end joy
i am a midrange man thats ware most of
your listing is any way, this is a midrange
champ. and the CROSS is even better. not
by much

Strengths:
get out of the way

Weaknesses:
none. wellll, rolled at the top
and bass is not as deep big deal

Similar Products Used:
harmonic tech

Price Paid:  $150.00 from stereo web site

Summary:
I've used a number of wire's in my system - Straightwire, Transparent, AQ Lapis, MIT, Wireworld,Syneristic research,XLO,tara,and probably a bunch more I can't remember. I not saying that the Cardas 5C is better or worse than the one's mentioned here but I can tell you it's just as good as the very best. I'm using it between my two CJ components and it sound's very transparent. I give this wire a high recommendation because of it's transparecy. I'm using other makes in the rest of the setup not because their better, just because I've found other's to be just as good. I listened to this wire several time's before buying. Some owners have said it to be bright. Some say it has a warm midrange with very nice detail. I think it stands very nuetral. My CJ components probably have the best sounding NOS accessably today. I've invested lots of money and time to seek these out. So listening to my Components, I believe them to be neutral. When putting in the Cardas 5C, I found it to be Very, Very Transparent and have great detail with no brightness. I love it.

Strengths:
Transparency