Cardas Audio Clear Reflection SE HPC Headphone Cable for Audeze Headphones

Clear Reflection SE Brings Clear Headphone Cable's Geometry Down in Price

A headphone cable must physically match both ends of the chain: the connector on your headphones and the connector on your amplifier or DAC. Getting either wrong means the cable simply will not plug in, which is why the fit matters as much as the build quality.

Cardas Clear Reflection SE builds on the dual mono geometry from the more expensive Clear Headphone Cable, built for Audeze headphones, with better internal dampening that the company says improves bass and dynamics.

Matched Propagation Conductors on a Kevlar Core

Cardas builds Reflection SE around Matched Propagation conductors on a Kevlar core, Grade 1, 99.9999% pure oxygen-free copper with SPN clear coat, gauge sizes scaled to Golden Ratio proportions, insulated in a PTFE tape-wrapped jacket with 3D-printed carbon fiber joiners.

Built Upon Clear Headphone Cable's Dual-Mono Design

Cardas says Reflection SE builds on Clear Headphone Cable's more expensive dual mono geometry, concentrically winding two conductors flanked by anti-static fibers inside a braided nylon jacket. The SE version adds improved internal dampening, which Cardas says results in tighter bass. The gauge runs 8x25.5 AWG for an outside diameter of 0.204 inches, or 5.20mm.

The Connectors, Explained

This cable terminates in a Cardas 1/4" (6.35mm) stereo male plug at the amplifier end, and Audeze's own connector at the headphone end. It will not fit non-Audeze headphones, so double-check your specific model before ordering.

Who Is This Headphone Cable Best For?

• You own a pair of Audeze headphones and want Cardas's dual mono geometry at a lower price than Clear Headphone Cable — Reflection SE builds on that same design approach at a more accessible price point
• Your amplifier or DAC has a standard 1/4" headphone output — the amp end is a Cardas 1/4" stereo male plug, the most common headphone jack size
• You want Cardas's better internal dampening for improved bass and dynamics — that refinement is specific to the SE version of Reflection Headphone
• Completely neutral, highly dynamic sound matters more to you than the absolute top of Cardas's line — Cardas positions Reflection Headphone as a great match for virtually any headphone in that neutral, dynamic character
• Your headphones are not made by Audeze — Cardas's other headphone-fit cables cover different models; check which connector your own headphones use before ordering

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Plug the Cardas 1/4" (6.35mm) stereo male plug end into the headphone output on your amplifier or DAC, and the other end into your Audeze headphones.

Then power up the system as usual. Other and longer lengths available. Call for prices.

Pairs Well With

A headphone cable is one link between your headphones and an amplifier or DAC. It usually joins these categories.

• Headphone Amplifiers — the amp end of this cable plugs directly into one
• Headphones — the cable only helps once it's matched to the right pair
• Digital-to-Analog Converters — many desktop DACs include a headphone output this cable can feed
• Headphone Accessories — stands, cases and other gear for the same headphone this cable serves

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the amp-end plug made of?

Cardas machines its own GRQ-series 1/4" plug from eutectic brass and plates it rhodium over silver, a non-magnetic combination Cardas says keeps the contact clean for years. The cable itself carries a Cardas lifetime warranty against bad or intermittent internal connections, shorts, and loose connectors.

What happens if I order the wrong connector for my headphones?

It simply won't plug in. Headphone connectors aren't interchangeable the way many amplifier connectors are, so check your headphones' own connector, and the amp-end plug your amplifier or DAC uses, before ordering.

How does Reflection SE compare to Clear Headphone Cable?

Cardas says Reflection SE builds upon the successes of Clear Headphone Cable's more expensive dual mono geometry using Matched Propagation conductors instead, at a lower price. Clear Headphone Cable remains the more expensive, more elaborate build in Cardas's headphone-cable range.

What does the SE designation mean?

SE stands for special edition. Cardas says the SE version of Reflection Headphone incorporates improved internal dampening, resulting in tighter bass response and a slightly larger outside diameter than the standard version.

Is the amp-end plug balanced or single-ended?

Single-ended. The amp end is a standard Cardas 1/4" (6.35mm) stereo male plug, not a balanced XLR plug.

Is there a step up?

Cardas Clear Headphone Cable is the step up for the same Audeze fit, moving to Clear's more elaborate dual mono geometry and larger 8x26.5 AWG conductors.

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