The Chord Cable range
Chord interconnects are available in four ranges from the entry-level C series to the top-of-the-range Epic series. Moreover, Chord has now released the X series upgraded cables.
Chord C-series cables
The chord C-series cables
The C-series cables are designed to provide a cost-effective upgrade to the sound of your system. there is a range of analogue and digital cables available. the C-series features gold plated connectors and multi-strand tinned copper conductors. This provides a low resistance. moreover, there is also a multi-strand lapped shield . This blocks any high frequency interference.
As an example Most of the C-series analogue cables are around £50. Chord C-Jack Minijack to RCA Interconnect.
Clearway cables by Chord
The next series of Chord interconnects is the Clearway series. These feature Chord’s ARAY conductor technology. The plugs have also been upgraded and there is PTFE insulation between the signal and return paths. The main upgrade to the Clearway series is the quality of the components as well a the grade of cable. Oxygen free Copper is used for optimal signal transfer. moreover, the plugs are silver plated instead of gold plated.
Shawline cables by Chord
The Shawline Chord interconnects feature further refinements. These include many hours of listening tests to optimise the ARAY geometry. They also have silver plated connectors as well as complex layers of shielding.
Epic Cables by Chord
The ultimate interconnect is the chord Epic series. The immediate visual difference is the braided shield. Additionally, the conductors have al been upgraded with heavier gauge silver plated conductors. Moreover, they feature the latest XLPE insulation, where appropriate. As with the Shawline range they are built using Chord’s ARAY cable layout. This carries more detail with less interference, for a musical and involving sound.
Chord X series cable upgrades
The latest X series of Chord interconnects features even more refinements. These include advanced XLPE insulation as well as ChorAlloy plated connectors. The shielding architecture has also been improved.
ChorAlloy is a multi-metal plating system that is superior to silver alone. At higher frequencies silver can introduce intermodulation effects that can muddy the sound. As a result ChorAlloy was developed. This material is tarnish free and marks a major step forward in conductor reliably and conductivity.
The X upgrades also include XLPE insulation. This has several advantages over PVC. Firstly it lasts longer that PVC and is more wear resistant. Secondly, XLPE does not contain chloride so is more environmentally friendly. Thirdly, XLPE can withstand higher temperatures. Lastly it offers more moisture resistance.
What is Chord ARAY technology?
The main feature of Chord interconnects is the ARAY technolgy. This is a method of arranging the conductors in a cable. ARAY is unique to Chord. There are three levels, ARAY, Tuned ARAY and Super Array. Even the C-series uses a rationalised version of the ARAY technology. The exact layout of the cables is kept secret. However, the ARAY can be mechanically tuned to obtain the best possible sound.
Why a quality interconnect?
There are many sources of electrical interference in the home. This can get into the cabling and introduce noise and interference into the audio signal. Interference can come from domestic appliances. It can also come from mobile phone signals and WIFI routers. The effects of noise depends on the equipment. Low level Analogue signals are especially prone to noise pickup. As a result Chord pay particularly attention to shielding.
One method of reducing noise is to use a balanced cable. These feature an extra pair of conductors. For example, XLR connectors have three conductors per channel. There is one hot wire as well as a cold wire and a zero volts reference wire. The signal on each wire is in opposite phase. Recombining the signal eliminates any noise.