“Amazingly, this single driver outperforms the highly rated quad driver ear phone I had previously used and thought I liked. When I listen I want to hear each instrument "speaking" in it's own clear voice. The acoustic double bass has a distinctive "growl", for lack of a better word. I can clearly hear the growl that was previously missing. The individual instruments are clear and the treble is natural, not strident. Don't pass this one up. Yep, I'm a real purchaser.”
“I had read reviews of the A8's and people talked about the amount of base surprised them. I was surprised at the lack of base. Maybe they need to be broken in longer, but so far, I'm not a fan.”
Yes, these earbuds will improve over time, including the bass response as the drivers loosen up.
Comparing the Cardas earbuds to many others reveals that most other earbuds have 'tipped-up" or exaggerated bass. Cardas 'buds have a flatter, more even response curve.
You may also want to try these Cardas buds with a decent headphone amp. The amps in phones are not the best for a true product test.
“I didn't actually have high expectations for the Cardas A8 Earbuds 30th Anniversary Edition since Cardas is known for great cables, not earbuds, but for the price these are outstanding. I had tried the PSB M4U 4 earbuds first and found they had wonderful ergonomics but pretty unimpressive sound - not much detail or transparency. The A8's are just the opposite, no ergonomic thought put into them, but great sound, especially when I put a portable DAC between them and my iPhone. Cardas needs to study the ergonomics of the PSB's and they'll really have something. Note that the Cardas A8's have no microphone, so you can't answer your phone when it rings without ripping them off, which is hazardous since the wires going to the earbuds look very delicate. They also tend to tangle a lot. But if your first objective is sound quality, this is the way to go.
My home stereo is the price of a Porsche, so I've got a pretty good sense of what great sound is like.”
“I've had the A8 30th for 2 months.
Comments:
Definitely a break in time...your mileage/hours will vary.
Tips are extremely important. The Comply tips included are great.
Lows/bass are great.
Mids are great
Hi's are good.
Seperartion is great and provide a very
musical soundstage..and yes with one driver..which I think provides a warmer sound.
The cable is great and folds up easily to put in case w/o fear of shedding.
The carry case is awesome with a mesh shelf to store tips.
Physically a quality built to last feel that looks great (Masculine)
Customer service is great.
Cardas customer service is also great...very minor issue
I listen to Sinatra and Grateful Dead (Doesnt everyone) and Frank's vocals hit a sweet spot that is unreal with the A8 30 along with my LG V20 and Tidal.
The Dead have a wonderful full sound with clear seperation that puts you right in the audience.
If/when I lose the A8 30 I would buy again without hesitation.”
“These sound excellent and are the perfect design for portable use. I am a headphone junkie and these are what I recommend to all my friends - can junkies and regular folks, too. You can't go wrong with these.”
