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Cardas EM5813 IEM
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Cardas EM5813 IEM
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Product Description
The EM5813 is the debut IEM from Cardas Audio, an Oregon-based, family-run manufacturer that specializes in premium audio cables and component parts. The result of years of meticulous design by founder George Cardas, it’s efficient, natural, musical, and complete with an eye-catching copper finish Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downHerbertlaw
9
Dec 31, 2018
Just received mine and ran it for more than 12 hours. Feels like there is not enough High and low doesn’t extend . Is quite different to the one I heard 4 years ago. Are these B stocks or have problems? I will keep running it for longer and see.
(Edited)
Herbertlaw
9
Jul 2, 2019
I actually agree with you on this view. All headphones, DAPs, Amps are meant to be “enjoyed” by the listener. If you like what you are listening to, don’t give a damn about how other people say. Everyone’s taste is different, choice of music is different. I worked in the industry many years ago and we know the fact the many “good reviews” are paid...... so trust who?
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Terco
419
Nov 27, 2019
Mmm... Reading some reviews makes me feels like I want them (mostly for the price and the brand, love their cables) but I will hate them, like my Audioquest Nighthawk I hate them but I wanna keep it because they are different lol it make any sense?? For $100 should I try?
Shanks405
46
Nov 28, 2019
TercoI’ve got both (Cardas and Nighthawks), and sound is similar - rich, dark, great bass detail. These bathe you in sound rather than shower you with detail - I feel like i’m listening to speakers rather than reference iems, so Cardas marketing this as an EarSpeaker is not innacurate. Particularly enjoyable for live jazz and darker orchestral recordings. A little eq can resolve the treble followed and lightens these up a bit when needed. Comfortable for long listening so long as you aren’t moving around, due to relatively thick and heavy cables (definitely not for mobile use for this reason, but I’ve experienced no problems with microphonics, and I also wear cable “over ear” which resolves cable weight issues.) The fixed cable would sell for well more than this $99 alone. I’m not going to weigh into the “cable” debate here, but if Cable’s are important to you check Cardas website for info on factory mods to convert this cable and iems to MMCX or your preferred termination, and you will have a serious audiophile cable for home listening with this and your other iem gear, and you can make these earphones mobile with a lighter cable. If you think this is your thing, call Cardas before you buy, as this fix is likely to double price of this product and could take a while, but for some it may be more than worth it. When these first came out a number of audiophile reviewers didn’t blink at the $500 list, and even with the cable mod you still get home for about what I happily paid for my set ($250).
(Edited)
capefearguy
42
Dec 20, 2019
TercoLike Shanks405, I also have both the AQ Nighthawks and the Cardas EM5813. I find it interesting that both AQ and Cardas claim they made their products sound as similar to speakers as they could. Inadvertently they have succeeded in one thing: they share a similar sound profile. Both have arrived at nearly the same point by using the same goal, despite the differences in mechanicals. The Nighthawks are a polarizing headphone on most forums. You either love it or hate it. I love it and I also like the Cardas, although I am not completely through the recommended break-in period. If you like the Nighthawks, you will probably like the Cardas. If you don't, well …. skip the Cardas.
I am on the fence concerning a break-in period. It does work for me, but I attribute that to the brain adjusting to the sound rather than some magic symbiosis of the working parts in the device. My home-grown theory: the brain tries to pull all the sound out of the sources that it can. Until your brain adjusts to the sources (recording, music device like player or phone, and the earphone), the music will not be ideal for that device. For example, listening to the first three themes of Holst's The Planets with a broken-in, more balanced headphone, the lower tones, like the bass and the lower mids, are powerful, but the higher frequencies are clearly present and accounted for. The bass is a stately elephant walking ponderously and carefully among a crowd of people. With the Cardas, the bass is a brontosaurus stomping pygmy's and you barely notice the fleeing higher frequencies. After the Nighthawks were broken in, I heard a lot more detail in the music. More, I think, than most people who have only listened to them a few times are willing to concede. I am hoping the same thing happens with the Cardas. In the end, though, they will be a different profile even after break in. Like different recordings done by different orchestras and conductors, they interpret the music. To like a device, you have to share that built-in interpretation.
Cardas is one of the few brands that makes both quality IEMs and cables. I assume, therefore, that Cardas has matched the cable's electronics and acoustics perfectly. However, the cable's ergonomics are a complete annoyance. It's too long for most casual listeners and very heavy. Not to mention it has a mind of it's own; the thing starts curling and moving like a nest of snakes if you are not careful. Moving with the cable is difficult; this is the first time that I have ever had to use a shirt clip. And while it slithers and slips the microphonics sound like it's hissing a pre-emptive strike. Because of the cable, the Cardas is best enjoyed sitting or reclining motionless.
Despite it's quirks, I find the Cardas very enjoyable. Heavy, thick lower tones dominate, but this is a good iem, so all the music is there. At the Drop price, it's definitely a bargain.
nikku
28
Apr 4, 2019
Just received these this week. Still breaking them in, but I really really like the sound. However, I hate the heavy cable which is totally inappropriate for a pair of IEMs. Wish the cable were thinner and lighter. "Clear light" is a misnomer. I would absolutely recommend these IEMs, especially at the price point Massdrop is/was selling them, but just know that they will not be good for on-the-go listening unless you use the shirt clip (I don't care for them personally).
As for sound, they have a slightly dark tilt but are extremely detailed. I would describe them as a more detailed HD650 with better bass response. Not sure how well they scale with quality amplification, my early impressions are that they are efficient and driven well enough off of mobile sources and DAPs. Good stuff.
jaxtrauma
2103
Oct 15, 2019
nikkuYou're right, seriously good stuff. The design of the ear speaker is unique. I've found that like most good headphones, they scale tremendously when significant power is applied, but even more so with the EM5813. The cable is heavy because it contains the best conductors on the entire planet. Seriously, you can not buy a better cable than Cardas. He built his own foundry to smelt better copper because the commercially available copper was too impure. I don't use them on the go because they're so stiff and heavy, but the sound... my God. Pair these with a quality headphone amp and a likewise quality source to reach audio nirvana. Haven't even tried balanced or tubes yet, but Cardas has got to be the end game cable for headphones.
http://cardas.com/clear_light_headphone_cable.php
(Edited)
nicdub
74
Nov 22, 2018
Not seeing the manufacturer's warranty on the page, wondering if Cardas will honor the year warranty?
Billy-Bobby
57
Nov 18, 2018
Buy without hesitation if you like quick, fast, dynamic full range Klipsch Corner Horn Loudspeaker sound in an In-Ear Monitor, not like the Klipsch earphones.
The sound nozzle is larger than average, so if T-400 Comply compatible devices are too large, it may be an issue.
raymondehayes1
80
Sep 17, 2017
Not sure why you would buy these over the Cardas A8's it's their newest in ear headphone and it cost the exact same price on Amazon right now. They've reduce the price by 50 dollars it was 300. https://www.amazon.com/Cardas-Audio-A8-Speakers-Headphones/dp/B019S1S8N2. The older model was overpriced compared to what's on the market today. However before you decide to spend another 250 dollars on in ears. I've done that a lot including much more I've given Massdrop a lot of my money. However you can get some really excellent in ears for a cheap price right now. Check out these bad boys. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-KZ-ZS5-2DD-2BA-Hybrid-In-Ear-Earphone-HIFI-DJ-Monito-Running-Sport-Earphones-Earplug/32810404680.html?aff_platform=link-c-tool&cpt=1505634460172&sk=ny7YjeU&aff_trace_key=9da29729382740728a4789285c42744f-1505634460172-06457-ny7YjeU&terminal_id=23279eb3eb1c4d6ab1069d54f6413a6b. They sound absolutely amazing and there less than 50 dollars. If you haven't seen this website before check it out https://audiobudget.com. They have great reviews of very inexpensive headphones so you can sift the chaff from from the wheat.
ReVolution99
0
Sep 26, 2017
Ouch, hate tooth pain. Good luck w that and I'll check back probably Sunday sometime
raymondehayes1
80
Oct 1, 2017
ReVolution99Hi ReVolution99
Still have my tooth issue but it's feeling better right now. All of the recommendations I'm going to make are from the AudioBudget website. It's a fantastic site and I find his recommendations to be spot on. However I want to say one thing before I make some recommendations while I love all of the headphones I am going to mention there's no way they can compete with 2 3 400 dollar headphones. However it's a matter of degree the headphones that cost hundreds of dollars are yes better but they're not 10 times better sometimes they are not even twice as good. Once you get into high-quality sound you pay a lot of money for very small improvement. The bottom line is your 300 dollars headphone today will be somebody's 30 dollars headphone 2 years from now. That's how fast the sound world is changing. With that said here are a few recommendations. The first one I'm going to mention was featured on Massdrop at one time. It is the DZAT DF-10 https://audiobudget.com/product/DZAT/DF-10 .This is a fantastic little wooden headphone. No it cannot compete with the wooden JVC 850's the best wooden headphone out there. But it's very close for 10 times less money. The VJJB K4S https://audiobudget.com/product/VJJB/K4S Another really nice little wooden headphone this one has fantastic bass. Yes it is a little bass heavy but the overall sound is really good. Plus I love the design and look of this headphone. The Urbanfun Hi-Fi (Hybrid)https://audiobudget.com/product/URBANFUN/Hi-Fi This looks like it would be a cheap headphone you would find at Target or Walmart however they sound anything but cheap. Really balance sound very neutral. The reviewer says it's good for electronic music but I find it good for pretty much everything. Also excellent voice reproduction for talking over your phone. I already mentioned the KZ ZS5 https://audiobudget.com/product/KZ/ZS5 I mean seriously a 4 driver in ear headphone for less than 50 dollars. Most 4 drivers go for 200 or more. The soundstage on this thing is amazing definitely punches way way above its price. The last one I will mention is the one that actually started the AudioBudget site. It was also the first one that I bought based on his recommendation. It's Called the Rock Zircon https://audiobudget.com/product/ROCK/Zircon It was after listening to this little headphone that I realize you can get really excellent quality for a very cheap price. So those are my recommendations Hope you find something you enjoy. Remember these are cheap headphones so they do break pretty easily. So even if you buy a couple that means you just have a quick easy replacement once one breaks. I also wish I could say I stop buying the headphones worth hundreds of dollars. My bank account sure wishes I would. But unfortunately I still do I have the bug. I recently just picked up the RHA CL1 In-Ear hearphones https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPD76F9/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1m Along with their portable amplifier the RHA Dacamp L1 Portable Headphone Amplifier. https://www.amazon.com/RHA-Dacamp-L1-Headphone-Processors/dp/B01MTTW3X2/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2? encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=89V9M0Z89812D13J8TS8&dpID=314xdWW1ucL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detailI don't have them yet they should arrive on Monday. I've heard a lot of really good things about this combo so I'm excited to hear what it sounds like. Yes it's an expensive hobby but the rewards are truly amazing sound. Happy listening. Ray
Still have my tooth issue but it's feeling better right now. All of the recommendations I'm going to make are from the AudioBudget website. It's a fantastic site and I find his recommendations to be spot on. However I want to say one thing before I make some recommendations while I love all of the headphones I am going to mention there's no way they can compete with 2 3 400 dollar headphones. However it's a matter of degree the headphones that cost hundreds of dollars are yes better but they're not 10 times better sometimes they are not even twice as good. Once you get into high-quality sound you pay a lot of money for very small improvement. The bottom line is your 300 dollars headphone today will be somebody's 30 dollars headphone 2 years from now. That's how fast the sound world is changing. With that said here are a few recommendations. The first one I'm going to mention was featured on Massdrop at one time. It is the DZAT DF-10 https://audiobudget.com/product/DZAT/DF-10 .This is a fantastic little wooden headphone. No it cannot compete with the wooden JVC 850's the best wooden headphone out there. But it's very close for 10 times less money. The VJJB K4S https://audiobudget.com/product/VJJB/K4S Another really nice little wooden headphone this one has fantastic bass. Yes it is a little bass heavy but the overall sound is really good. Plus I love the design and look of this headphone. The Urbanfun Hi-Fi (Hybrid)https://audiobudget.com/product/URBANFUN/Hi-Fi This looks like it would be a cheap headphone you would find at Target or Walmart however they sound anything but cheap. Really balance sound very neutral. The reviewer says it's good for electronic music but I find it good for pretty much everything. Also excellent voice reproduction for talking over your phone. I already mentioned the KZ ZS5 https://audiobudget.com/product/KZ/ZS5 I mean seriously a 4 driver in ear headphone for less than 50 dollars. Most 4 drivers go for 200 or more. The soundstage on this thing is amazing definitely punches way way above its price. The last one I will mention is the one that actually started the AudioBudget site. It was also the first one that I bought based on his recommendation. It's Called the Rock Zircon https://audiobudget.com/product/ROCK/Zircon It was after listening to this little headphone that I realize you can get really excellent quality for a very cheap price. So those are my recommendations Hope you find something you enjoy. Remember these are cheap headphones so they do break pretty easily. So even if you buy a couple that means you just have a quick easy replacement once one breaks. I also wish I could say I stop buying the headphones worth hundreds of dollars. My bank account sure wishes I would. But unfortunately I still do I have the bug. I recently just picked up the RHA CL1 In-Ear hearphones https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPD76F9/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1m Along with their portable amplifier the RHA Dacamp L1 Portable Headphone Amplifier. https://www.amazon.com/RHA-Dacamp-L1-Headphone-Processors/dp/B01MTTW3X2/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2? encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=89V9M0Z89812D13J8TS8&dpID=314xdWW1ucL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detailI don't have them yet they should arrive on Monday. I've heard a lot of really good things about this combo so I'm excited to hear what it sounds like. Yes it's an expensive hobby but the rewards are truly amazing sound. Happy listening. Ray
dleblanc
246
Sep 16, 2017
These definitely aren't quite as good as a Sennheiser IE800 (which I own and hardly use to boot). I remember when our Cardas dealer announced these and I was very hyped... It's good - not great personally
m8oman
192
Sep 16, 2017
Thanx. That i know. To negate further misinterpretation, I edited my post to more clearly covey I was asking dleblanc [jokingly] how much he'd want to sell them to me for. I'm alway looking for a bargain.
dleblanc
246
Sep 17, 2017
m8omanAha, I'm not really looking to sell, but I suppose I can pass them on to someone who'd use them! They're in mint condition, I guess 500?
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