[archosman]

I'm trying to make up my mind which one would be better! For now I can only get one. I'm leaning more towards the Cardas since one of the last things I read said that the Equinox was more for listening to poorly mastered cds... which pretty well rules it out for me. Convince me one way or another people! Thanks in advance.

 

[fyrfytrhoges]

from my experience with the hd600 and hd590 one with cardas and one with equinox, I would personally go with the cardas smurf for the hd600, I'm guessing that's the one you want to upgrade though???

 

[NathanJM]

I have the Equinox and must say that I am happy with it.
I have not heard the Cardas, though, so am unable to say anything about that cable.

Since I do have some not so high quality cds in my collection, I opted to go for the Equinox when I upgraded, since I had heard the same info as you with regards to the cable being a little more forgiving. I also have to admit that part of my decision to go with the equinox was influenced by the looks of the cable. I really like the braided coating on the cable too: it doesn't snag on things as I walk around the room or shift position while listening or whatever. Also the shrink tubing located at the 'Y' of the cable and at the splices near the ear connectors is very solid. I have no worries about it coming undone, and in fact think the added support near the earpieces is an improvement over the stock cable.

As far as the sound, I listen to a mix of rock, classical, and jazz. The sound for all types of music, well-recorded or not, showed what i would consider significant improvement over the stock cable. I listen primarily using a sony C555ES sacd player as my source and a Corda HA-1 as my amp. Note that I am using HD580s. Many describe the HA-1 as revealing. Perhaps the Equinox helps balance out the HA-1's harshness in some passages. At anyrate, I like the improvement and am happy with my decision. I would expect similar improvement with the 600s.

Again, I have not listened to the cardas so cannot offer you any ideas as to its sound.

 

[KR...]

I heard both, the Equinox is a very "musical" cable, I found it to be quite rolled off at the highs. It is colored to sound warm, sweet, and non-fatiguing.

The cardas are very neutral and balance, and it's not rolled off at all. I liked these cables the best out of the two since I like to hear everything on my CDs.

 

[Gxcad]

I have not heard EITHER but I would recommend you the cardas just based on what others seem to be saying. Why would you want a cable that colours and "hides" the flaws of your cd's, you can just get cheaper headphones and still do that. IMO any colouring of the sound is a downgrade not an upgrade.

-Ken

 

[archosman]

Thanks for everyone's opinions. I'll probably go with the Cardas. However since one is not enough I'm sure I'll have to get the Equiniox as well... for those special occasions you know!

 

[archosman]

I totally forgot to ask... is Headroom the only place I can buy it or does someone know of a better deal?

 

[KR...]

Quote:

Originally posted by archosman I totally forgot to ask... is Headroom the only place I can buy it or does someone know of a better deal?

http://www.amusicdirect.com/

 

[dd3mon]

that's the same price as headroom (well one cent off).. and personally I'd trust headroom more because of the 30 day tryout period.. and if they screw something up you can yell at tyll personally on his own forum

-dd3mon

 

[archosman]

What about this one?

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/wtb....wek&1044818011

 

[jude]

If possible and practical, I recommend buying them from a company that supports the forums, and for the Cardas headphone cable, that'd be HeadRoom. Head-Fi probably wouldn't be here if not for the support of the sponsors (HeadRoom and Meier Audio especially). I would hope that the members would at least try to get a good deal from a company that supports the forums first before deciding to buy from companies that don't.

 

[NathanJM]

archosman:

congrats on your decision! The cardas, from what i've read, will suit your tastes wonderfully.

Ultimately, I intend to own both cables. But until i see all the Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, etc, on SACD or something, I'm sticking w/ my Equinox. (unless i should happen to stumble across some exta $$ somewhere....then i may just buy another set of cans and the cardas and swap 'em out depending on the album.....

)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:

Originally posted by Gxcad I have not heard EITHER but I would recommend you the cardas just based on what others seem to be saying. Why would you want a cable that colours and "hides" the flaws of your cd's, you can just get cheaper headphones and still do that. IMO any colouring of the sound is a downgrade not an upgrade. -Ken

Just taking the time to reply to this in case other people are pondering which cable to purchase as well:

1) cheaper headphones do NOT give the same sonics as Senn+Equinox. the HD580+equinox has been said to be the same or better than HD600+stock. last i looked HD600 was, by many, considered a better headphone than the 580. It would be logical to expect similar improvement from the HD600+Equinox.

2) Either the Cardas or the Equinox will offer improvement over the stock cable, so it can hardly be called a downgrade; however you are certainly entitled to your opinion.

3) I am curious: if you have not heard either cable, why post an opinion? you can't possibly have formed a well-thought-out opinion with regards to sonics if you have not listened to one or both of the cables? just my thoughts...that might sound kind of like a slam, but i mean it as more of a real question. I dont understand how one can say one is better than the other without hearing them both.
--njm

 

[archosman]

Quote:

Originally posted by jude If possible and practical, I recommend buying them from a company that supports the forums, and for the Cardas headphone cable, that'd be HeadRoom. Head-Fi probably wouldn't be here if not for the support of the sponsors (HeadRoom and Meier Audio especially). I would hope that the members would at least try to get a good deal from a company that supports the forums first before deciding to buy from companies that don't.

You're right and your point is valid. Man, I hate you people... or my wallet does.

 

[wo_riley]

Is Headroom selling the Equinox or just the Cardas?

 

[Gallaine]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon that's the same price as headroom (well one cent off).. and personally I'd trust headroom more because of the 30 day tryout period.. and if they screw something up you can yell at tyll personally on his own forum -dd3mon

Music Direct also has a 30-day trial period. I've bought many items from them, mostly cd's, and their customer service is top-notch.

I'm not trying to convince you to buy from them, Jude provides a compelling reason to go with Head Room.