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R.I.P. 28 June 2021
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The long awaited follow up to the EM5813, the Cardas A8 Ear Speakers are now available, with an MSRP of $299.
Designed entirely by George Cardas, the A8 Ear Speakers feature a custom 10.85mm Ultra Linear, Contour Field, Dual Magnet Driver.
"The A8 has no pole piece as such. The pole piece has been replaced by a contoured field permanent magnet. The motor is linear to nearly DC, as is phase response." - George Cardas
The result of this innovative driver is an extremely neutral presentation. The A8 Ear Speakers produce brilliant highs, strong mid-range, and deep bass.
The A8 body is machined from billet brass, and coated in rubberized ABS. As with the EM5813, the A8's body follows the same natural Golden Spiral Curve found in the human cochlea - and of course, the Cardas logo.
The A8 cable is light and tangle-resistant. It has a unique spiral design, in which the conductors wrap around a central fiber core, so that they are never physically stressed, even if the cable gets pulled. And of course, it features genuine Cardas copper, multi-stranded Litz conductors.
The standard cable (single-ended, 3.5mm TRS) can be removed at the splitter/joiner, and replaced with a cable to fit the balanced outputs of your Ayre Codex, Pono, or A&K.
The Cardas A8 Ear Speakers come in an attractive, soft-touch box, with magnetic clasp, for the satisfying un-boxing experience that today's un-boxing enthusiasts demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the differences between the EM5813 & the A8?
A: The EM5813 & the A8 share a similar shape, and they both use a single dynamic driver. Beyond that, there are numerous differences. The A8's driver is an evolution of the EM5813's driver. The A8s are much more neutral than the EM5813. The A8's cable is much lighter, and less microphonic, and the A8s come with a carrying pouch that they actually fit in!
Q: The EM5813's retail for $425, and the A8's are just $299. Do the EM5813's remain the flagship IEM from Cardas?
A: We don't look at it that way. The EM5813 was our first IEM, with all efforts going towards making an excellent product, regardless of cost. The A8s, on the other hand, benefit from all that we learned from the EM5813 project - from the sonic characteristics to the design of the cable, and even manufacturing procedures. Both the EM5813 & the A8 are excellent IEMs, providing consumers with two distinct choices.
Q: How do I choose between the EM5813 & the A8 Ear Speakers?
A: Aside from the $126 price difference, it comes down to the sound, and the ergonomics. The EM5813 is heavier, with a thicker cable. It also sounds warmer, and has more bass. The A8s are lighter, and more conducive to active lifestyles, and have a more neutral delivery.
Q: Who should buy the EM5813? Who should buy the A8?
A: The ideal EM5813 buyer enjoys listening to music in a comfortable chair, and likes the extra bass extension. The ideal A8 buyer is more likely to be active while listening, and demands neutrality from their IEM.
Q: Yeah but... both of those descriptions apply to me.
A: Awesome. Buy one of each.
Designed entirely by George Cardas, the A8 Ear Speakers feature a custom 10.85mm Ultra Linear, Contour Field, Dual Magnet Driver.
"The A8 has no pole piece as such. The pole piece has been replaced by a contoured field permanent magnet. The motor is linear to nearly DC, as is phase response." - George Cardas
The result of this innovative driver is an extremely neutral presentation. The A8 Ear Speakers produce brilliant highs, strong mid-range, and deep bass.
The A8 body is machined from billet brass, and coated in rubberized ABS. As with the EM5813, the A8's body follows the same natural Golden Spiral Curve found in the human cochlea - and of course, the Cardas logo.
The A8 cable is light and tangle-resistant. It has a unique spiral design, in which the conductors wrap around a central fiber core, so that they are never physically stressed, even if the cable gets pulled. And of course, it features genuine Cardas copper, multi-stranded Litz conductors.
The standard cable (single-ended, 3.5mm TRS) can be removed at the splitter/joiner, and replaced with a cable to fit the balanced outputs of your Ayre Codex, Pono, or A&K.
The Cardas A8 Ear Speakers come in an attractive, soft-touch box, with magnetic clasp, for the satisfying un-boxing experience that today's un-boxing enthusiasts demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the differences between the EM5813 & the A8?
A: The EM5813 & the A8 share a similar shape, and they both use a single dynamic driver. Beyond that, there are numerous differences. The A8's driver is an evolution of the EM5813's driver. The A8s are much more neutral than the EM5813. The A8's cable is much lighter, and less microphonic, and the A8s come with a carrying pouch that they actually fit in!
Q: The EM5813's retail for $425, and the A8's are just $299. Do the EM5813's remain the flagship IEM from Cardas?
A: We don't look at it that way. The EM5813 was our first IEM, with all efforts going towards making an excellent product, regardless of cost. The A8s, on the other hand, benefit from all that we learned from the EM5813 project - from the sonic characteristics to the design of the cable, and even manufacturing procedures. Both the EM5813 & the A8 are excellent IEMs, providing consumers with two distinct choices.
Q: How do I choose between the EM5813 & the A8 Ear Speakers?
A: Aside from the $126 price difference, it comes down to the sound, and the ergonomics. The EM5813 is heavier, with a thicker cable. It also sounds warmer, and has more bass. The A8s are lighter, and more conducive to active lifestyles, and have a more neutral delivery.
Q: Who should buy the EM5813? Who should buy the A8?
A: The ideal EM5813 buyer enjoys listening to music in a comfortable chair, and likes the extra bass extension. The ideal A8 buyer is more likely to be active while listening, and demands neutrality from their IEM.
Q: Yeah but... both of those descriptions apply to me.
A: Awesome. Buy one of each.
