Audio T Verdict
Chord Company C-stream is the straightforward entry point into the company's dedicated network cables for music streaming. It is designed for anyone using a wired Ethernet connection between a router, network switch, server or compatible music streamer and wanting something more purpose-built than the generic patch cable that came free with their broadband router.
Despite its relatively accessible position in the Chord Company range, C-stream is considerably more sophisticated internally than a basic network cable. It uses high-speed oxygen-free copper conductors arranged as individually shielded twisted pairs, with an additional overall shield providing another layer of protection from unwanted interference.
Chord Company also pays attention to the connectors, using 24ct gold-plated signal contacts, over-moulded plug surrounds and a non-compression strain-relief system designed to protect the cable geometry around the termination.
C-stream is directional too. A black dot identifies the source end of the cable, so when connecting a streamer directly to a router, the black-dot end should be connected to the router.
For anyone beginning to look at the network side of a streaming system, C-stream is a sensible and affordable place to start before moving into the more elaborate Clearway, Shawline and Epic streaming cables.
Chord Company C-stream Digital Streaming Ethernet Cable
C-stream is Chord Company's entry-level dedicated network cable for digital music streaming systems.
It is intended for wired network connections involving compatible RJ45 Ethernet equipment such as:
- Music streamers
- Network audio players
- Music servers
- Routers
- Network switches
- Network-attached storage devices
- Compatible streaming amplifiers
Designed Specifically for Streaming Audio
Although network audio uses conventional Ethernet connections, Chord Company developed C-stream specifically with music-streaming systems in mind.
The company's approach is not simply to ensure that network data reaches its destination, but also to control the cable's electrical behaviour and reduce the opportunity for unwanted high-frequency interference to travel alongside the connection into sensitive audio equipment.
High-Speed Oxygen-Free Copper Conductors
C-stream uses:
High-speed oxygen-free copper conductors.
Oxygen-free copper is used throughout numerous Chord Company analogue and digital cable designs, with the conductor arrangement adapted here specifically for high-speed network data.
Individually Shielded Twisted Pairs
The internal conductors are arranged as:
Individually shielded twisted conductor pairs.
Twisted-pair geometry is fundamental to Ethernet communication, while Chord Company adds individual shielding around the conductor pairs as part of its approach to controlling electrical interference.
Additional Overall Shield
The individually shielded conductor pairs are then surrounded by:
An additional overall shield.
This gives C-stream two distinct levels of shielding:
- Shielding around the individual twisted conductor pairs
- An overall shield surrounding the complete internal cable assembly
Chord Company uses this construction to help protect the network connection from unwanted high-frequency electrical noise.
Why Network Noise Matters in a Hi-Fi System
Digital data itself is designed to be robust, but an Ethernet connection is still an electrical connection between pieces of network equipment.
Routers, switches, computers, network power supplies and other connected devices can all introduce electrical noise into the wider system environment.
This is why companies including Chord Company have increasingly focused on shielding and noise management around the network connections used by modern music streamers.
It's About More Than Ones and Zeros
A streaming cable does not change the music file stored on a streaming service or network drive.
The focus of designs such as C-stream is instead on the electrical connection between network devices and reducing unwanted interference travelling alongside that data connection into the audio system.
Low-Loss LDPE Insulation
Chord Company specifies:
Low-loss low-density polyethylene insulation.
Low-density polyethylene, commonly abbreviated to LDPE, electrically separates the individual conductors while forming part of the cable's controlled internal construction.
24ct Gold-Plated Signal Contacts
C-stream uses connectors with:
24ct gold-plated signal contacts.
These form the electrical interface between the cable and the compatible RJ45 network socket.
Over-Moulded Plug Surround
Chord Company uses an:
Over-moulded plug surround.
This provides additional mechanical support around the cable termination and connector body.
Non-Compression Strain Relief
The connector design also incorporates:
A non-compression strain-relief system.
Rather than tightly crushing the cable immediately behind the plug, the system is designed to provide mechanical support while preserving the intended cable geometry around the termination.
Directional Construction
C-stream is a:
Directional cable.
One RJ45 connector carries a black dot identifying the source end.
Black Dot Goes at the Source
When C-stream is being used directly between a broadband router and music streamer:
Connect the black-dot end to the router.
The opposite end then connects to the streamer.
Using C-stream with a Network Switch
Where a network switch sits between the router and streamer, treat the device sending data along that particular cable run as the source.
For example:
- Router to switch: black dot towards the router
- Switch to streamer: black dot towards the switch
Available Lengths
Chord Company's current standard C-stream lengths are:
Audio T also currently lists a 15m C-stream option.
Choose Enough Length Without Excess
Allow enough cable for sensible routing between components without pulling tightly on the RJ45 connectors.
There is usually little benefit in buying substantially more cable than the installation requires, so choose the shortest practical length that allows comfortable routing.
0.75m for Close Connections
The shortest standard 0.75m version is particularly useful where:
- A network switch sits beside the streamer
- An English Electric network isolator is positioned close to the system
- Network components share the same equipment rack
Longer Runs up to 20m
C-stream is also available in considerably longer lengths, making it useful where the router or network switch is positioned away from the Hi-Fi system.
That can avoid relying on Wi-Fi simply because the network equipment is in another part of the room or house.
Wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Many modern music streamers support both wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections.
A wired network connection can be particularly attractive where:
- Wi-Fi coverage around the system is inconsistent
- The streamer is permanently installed
- A network switch is already positioned near the Hi-Fi
- The system accesses large local music libraries
- The user prefers a physical network connection
The best connection method will depend on the streamer, network and installation.
C-stream and the English Electric EE1
C-stream is frequently partnered with the English Electric EE1 network noise isolator.
The EE1 sits inline between two Ethernet connections, allowing C-stream to be used between the network equipment, EE1 and compatible streamer.
Audio T has used C-stream alongside the EE1 in real demonstration systems.
Read: Audio T Cheltenham and the English Electric EE1
C-stream Versus a Standard Ethernet Cable
Typical Basic Network Cable
- Designed primarily for network connectivity
- Construction varies considerably
- Generic moulded RJ45 plugs common
- Shielding depends on cable specification
- Not necessarily designed specifically for audio use
Chord Company C-stream
- Designed specifically for streaming audio
- High-speed OFC conductors
- Individually shielded twisted pairs
- Additional overall shielding
- 24ct gold-plated signal contacts
- Non-compression strain relief
- Directional construction
C-stream Versus Clearway Streaming
C-stream is the entry point into Chord Company's dedicated streaming-cable range.
Clearway Streaming sits above C-stream and introduces a more advanced cable and connector construction aimed at further reducing the pickup and transmission of unwanted high-frequency noise.
C-stream
- Entry-level Chord streaming cable
- High-speed OFC conductors
- Individually shielded twisted pairs
- Overall shield
- Gold-plated contacts
- Excellent first network-cable upgrade
Clearway Streaming
- Higher-level streaming cable
- Four high-speed OFC twisted pairs
- Individual pair shielding
- Optimised overall shielding
- Slim-profile gold-plated RJ45 connectors
- Designed as a performance step up from C-stream
Compare Chord Company Clearway Streaming Cable at Audio T.
Can C-stream Connect a NAS Drive?
Yes, provided the NAS and network equipment use compatible RJ45 Ethernet connections.
C-stream can form part of the wired network path between network-attached storage, switches, routers and compatible streaming equipment.
Can C-stream Connect Directly Between Two Audio Products?
Only where those products are designed to communicate with one another using compatible Ethernet network connections.
An RJ45 socket does not automatically mean that two products should be connected directly together, so follow the equipment manufacturers' network setup instructions.
Is C-stream an Analogue Audio Cable?
No.
C-stream is a digital network cable intended for Ethernet-based data connections.
It should not be confused with an RCA, XLR, DIN or other conventional analogue interconnect.
Is C-stream an Optical Cable?
No.
C-stream uses electrical RJ45 network connections rather than optical Toslink connections.
Does C-stream Need a Separate Power Supply?
No.
C-stream is a passive network cable and requires no external power supply.
Does C-stream Require Software?
No.
The cable itself requires no software, app or configuration. Network setup is handled by the connected router, switch, streamer or other network equipment.
C-stream at Audio T
Audio T has used C-stream in numerous real streaming systems over the years, from straightforward streamer-to-router installations to systems incorporating dedicated network switches and noise-isolation products.
It has also featured in Audio T system recommendations alongside the English Electric EE1 network isolator.
Read: Hi-Fi Quality at a Great Price - Three Fantastic Systems Under £2,000
Key Features
- Chord Company C-stream
- Digital streaming network cable
- RJ45 Ethernet connections
- Designed for music streaming
- High-speed OFC conductors
- Oxygen-free copper conductor material
- Twisted conductor pairs
- Individual pair shielding
- Additional overall shield
- Low-loss LDPE insulation
- 24ct gold-plated signal contacts
- Over-moulded plug surrounds
- Non-compression strain relief
- Directional construction
- Black-dot source indicator
- Suitable for routers
- Suitable for network switches
- Suitable for compatible music streamers
- Suitable for music servers
- Suitable for NAS-based systems
- 0.75m manufacturer-standard length
- 1.5m manufacturer-standard length
- 3m manufacturer-standard length
- 5m manufacturer-standard length
- 10m manufacturer-standard length
- 20m manufacturer-standard length
- 15m option currently listed by Audio T
- Entry-level Chord Company streaming cable
- Clearway Streaming upgrade path
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company C-stream?
C-stream is a dedicated digital streaming network cable designed for wired Ethernet connections in compatible music-streaming systems.
What connectors does C-stream use?
RJ45 network connectors.
Can C-stream connect my router to my streamer?
Yes, provided both products use compatible wired Ethernet connections.
Can it be used with a network switch?
Yes. C-stream can be used between compatible routers, network switches, streamers and other Ethernet network equipment.
What conductors does C-stream use?
Chord Company specifies high-speed oxygen-free copper conductors.
Is C-stream shielded?
Yes. Its twisted conductor pairs are individually shielded and the complete cable assembly has an additional overall shield.
What insulation does C-stream use?
Low-loss low-density polyethylene, or LDPE.
Are the contacts gold plated?
Yes. Chord Company specifies 24ct gold-plated signal contacts.
Is C-stream directional?
Yes.
What does the black dot mean?
The black dot identifies the source end of the cable.
Which end goes into my router?
When connecting a router directly to a music streamer, the plug with the black dot should connect to the router.
Which end goes into a network switch?
For a switch-to-streamer connection, the black-dot source end should normally connect to the switch.
What standard lengths does Chord Company offer?
The current manufacturer-standard lengths are 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m, 5m, 10m and 20m.
Why does Audio T also list 15m?
Audio T currently has a 15m child product in its C-stream range, although 15m is not listed among Chord Company's current standard sizes.
Can I use C-stream with a NAS drive?
Yes, where the NAS forms part of a compatible wired Ethernet network.
Will C-stream work with any streamer?
It requires a compatible RJ45 Ethernet connection. Streamers that rely solely on Wi-Fi cannot use it directly.
Does C-stream carry analogue audio?
No. It is a digital network cable.
Does the cable require power?
No. C-stream is passive.
Does C-stream need software?
No. Any required network configuration is handled by the connected equipment rather than the cable.
What is the next model above C-stream?
Clearway Streaming is Chord Company's next performance step above C-stream.
Can Audio T help with my network setup?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store with details of your streamer, router, switch and network layout and we can help determine the most appropriate connection and cable length.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Advice on choosing the correct streaming-cable length
- Router, switch and streamer connection guidance
- Help checking cable direction
- Network-switch setup advice
- English Electric EE1 integration advice
- C-stream and Clearway Streaming comparisons
- Complete music-streaming system guidance
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- System-specific upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help choosing the correct C-stream length or improving the wired network connection to your music streamer.