Audio T Verdict
Chord Company C-line is the company's accessible stereo RCA interconnect, but there is rather more going on inside it than you might expect from an entry-level cable.
Its oxygen-free copper conductors are arranged in a pseudo-balanced configuration and use Chord Company's ARAY conductor geometry, technology that originated in considerably more ambitious Chord Company cables before being introduced further down the range.
The current C-line also uses HDPE insulation and high-density over-wrapped foil shielding to protect the low-level analogue signal as it travels between components. At each end are gold-plated RCA plugs with an over-moulded, compression-free surround.
For most customers its role is wonderfully straightforward: connect a pair of analogue RCA outputs on one component to a pair of RCA inputs on another. That could mean a CD player into an amplifier, a streamer into an amplifier, a phono stage into an amplifier or a preamplifier into a power amplifier.
Chord Company also specifically approves C-line for RCA-equipped turntables, although the correct earthing arrangement still needs to be considered where a turntable requires a separate ground connection.
With 0.5m, 1m, 2m and 3m versions available, C-line provides a simple and relatively affordable route into Chord Company's ARAY analogue interconnect range.
Chord Company C-line Analogue RCA Interconnect
Chord Company C-line is a stereo analogue interconnect fitted with two RCA connectors at each end.
It is designed for compatible line-level audio equipment and uses Chord Company's ARAY conductor geometry, oxygen-free copper conductors, HDPE dielectric, high-density foil shielding and gold-plated RCA connectors.
Available Audio T Options
Audio T carries all four standard C-line lengths currently published by Chord Company:
| Audio T Option |
Connection |
Length |
| C-line 0.5m |
2 RCA to 2 RCA |
0.5 metres |
| C-line 1m |
2 RCA to 2 RCA |
1 metre |
| C-line 2m |
2 RCA to 2 RCA |
2 metres |
| C-line 3m |
2 RCA to 2 RCA |
3 metres |
All Current Standard Lengths Are Listed
Chord Company's current C-line range consists of 0.5m, 1m, 2m and 3m RCA-to-RCA versions.
All four are currently represented in the Audio T selector, so there are no missing standard C-line variants on this product page.
Designed for Analogue Audio
C-line is an:
Analogue stereo interconnect.
It is designed to carry left and right analogue audio signals between compatible components.
Typical applications include:
- CD player to amplifier
- Streamer to amplifier
- DAC to amplifier
- Tuner to amplifier
- Phono stage to amplifier
- Preamplifier to power amplifier
- Compatible home cinema equipment
- RCA-equipped turntables
Two RCA Connectors Per Channel Pair
C-line is supplied as a stereo pair within one cable set.
There are:
- Two RCA plugs at the source end
- Two RCA plugs at the receiving end
These carry the conventional left and right analogue audio channels.
Not a Coaxial Digital Cable
RCA connectors can also be used for coaxial digital audio, but C-line is specifically an analogue interconnect.
RCA Does Not Automatically Mean Analogue or Digital
C-line is intended for stereo analogue RCA connections.
If you need to connect an RCA coaxial digital output to a DAC or other digital input, use a dedicated digital interconnect such as Chord Company C-digital or Clearway Digital instead.
ARAY Conductor Geometry
C-line uses Chord Company's:
ARAY conductor technology.
Chord Company developed its ARAY conductor geometry from work originally carried out on cables much higher in its range before applying the underlying technology to more accessible products.
From Flagship Technology to C-series
C-line was one of the products through which Chord Company introduced its ARAY technology at a substantially lower price level.
The current manufacturer describes C-line as using:
Unique ARAY conductor technology.
ARAY Is the Current Manufacturer Terminology
Older Chord Company C-line material refers to the technology's development from Tuned ARAY.
The current C-line product page describes the cable itself as using ARAY conductor technology, so that is the terminology used for the current product specification.
Oxygen-Free Copper Conductors
Chord Company's own C-line technical archive specifies:
Oxygen-free copper conductors.
Oxygen-free copper is commonly abbreviated to:
OFC.
Pseudo-Balanced Configuration
Chord Company describes the C-line conductor arrangement as:
Pseudo-balanced.
This is the manufacturer's terminology for the internal conductor configuration used by C-line.
What Does Pseudo-Balanced Mean Here?
The important point is that C-line remains an unbalanced RCA analogue interconnect at the equipment connections.
"Pseudo-balanced" describes Chord Company's internal cable construction and should not be confused with a fully balanced XLR connection.
C-line Is Not an XLR Balanced Interconnect
C-line uses conventional RCA connectors.
The manufacturer's description of the internal construction as pseudo-balanced does not turn an RCA connection into a balanced XLR interface.
HDPE Dielectric and Insulation
Chord Company's current C-line specification identifies:
HDPE dielectric / insulation.
HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene.
This material surrounds and electrically insulates the conductors within the cable.
High-Density Over-Wrapped Foil Shielding
The current manufacturer specification states:
High-density, over-wrapped foil shielding.
The shield surrounds the signal conductors to provide protection from external electrical interference.
Fully Floating Shielding
Chord Company's C-line technical archive further describes the cable as using:
Fully floating, high-performance shielding.
This forms part of the manufacturer's pseudo-balanced cable architecture.
Why Shield an Analogue Interconnect?
Analogue interconnects carry relatively small electrical audio signals between components.
Chord Company's design philosophy therefore places considerable importance on protecting those signals from high-frequency electrical interference present in the surrounding environment.
Gold-Plated RCA Plugs
The current C-line uses:
Gold-plated RCA plugs.
Chord Company specifies these as part of the standard C-line construction.
Direct Gold-Plating Technology
Chord Company's original technical information describes the C-line connector system as using:
Direct gold-plating technology.
The current product page continues to specify gold-plated RCA connectors.
Compression-Free Plug Surround
The current manufacturer specification states that the RCA plugs use a:
Compression-free surround.
This is part of the way Chord Company terminates and mechanically supports the cable at the connector.
Over-Moulded Strain Relief
Chord Company's technical information also identifies:
Over-moulded strain relief.
This protects the cable where it enters the RCA connector and forms part of the completed termination assembly.
Using C-line With a CD Player
Chord Company specifically identifies CD players as a suitable application.
Where the CD player has a stereo pair of analogue RCA outputs and the amplifier has a compatible stereo RCA line input, C-line can connect the two components directly.
Using C-line With a Streamer
Streaming devices are also specifically listed by Chord Company.
If the streamer provides analogue left and right RCA outputs, C-line can connect those outputs to a compatible analogue input on the amplifier.
Using C-line With a DAC
A DAC with stereo analogue RCA outputs can use C-line to connect to an amplifier or preamplifier with suitable RCA line inputs.
In this application, digital-to-analogue conversion has already taken place inside the DAC and C-line carries the resulting analogue audio signal.
Using C-line Between a Preamp and Power Amplifier
Chord Company specifically identifies:
Pre to power amplifier connections
as an intended C-line application.
Both components must provide compatible RCA connections.
Using C-line With a Phono Stage
Chord Company lists phono stages among the products suitable for C-line.
A common application is connecting the analogue RCA output of a phono stage to a suitable line-level RCA input on an amplifier.
Do Not Connect a Phono Stage to Another Phono Input
The output from an external phono stage should normally feed a conventional line-level input such as AUX, Line, CD or Tuner.
Do not feed the output of one phono stage into another dedicated phono input unless the equipment manufacturer specifically provides for that arrangement.
Using C-line With a Turntable
Chord Company specifically states that:
C-line can be used with RCA-equipped turntables.
Compatibility still depends on the connections and earthing arrangement required by the individual turntable and phono stage or amplifier.
Check Turntable Earthing
C-line is a stereo RCA interconnect and does not include a separate turntable earth lead as part of the standard cable.
If your turntable requires a separate ground connection, that still needs to be provided according to the turntable and phono-stage manufacturer's instructions.
0.5m, 1m, 2m or 3m?
0.5m and 1m
Ideal for components positioned relatively close together within the same equipment rack.
Choose enough length to allow comfortable routing without pulling sideways on the RCA sockets.
2m and 3m
Useful where components are further apart, positioned on different shelves or require a longer route around furniture or equipment.
Always allow enough cable for a relaxed connection without unnecessary tension.
Do Not Stretch the Cable Between Components
Choose sufficient length to allow the cable to sit naturally behind the system without putting strain on the RCA connectors or equipment sockets.
C-line or C-jack?
C-line
- Analogue stereo interconnect
- 2 RCA to 2 RCA
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Oxygen-free copper conductors
- HDPE insulation
- High-density foil shielding
- Gold-plated RCA connectors
C-jack
- Analogue interconnect
- Mini-jack connection
- Mini-jack to mini-jack versions
- Mini-jack to 2 RCA versions
- Designed for compatible mini-jack-equipped equipment
If both components use conventional stereo RCA connections, C-line is the appropriate C-series analogue interconnect.
Compare the Chord Company C-jack Interconnect at Audio T.
C-line or ClearwayX ARAY?
C-line
- ARAY conductor technology
- Oxygen-free copper conductors
- Pseudo-balanced construction
- HDPE dielectric
- High-density over-wrapped foil shielding
- Gold-plated RCA plugs
- 0.5m, 1m, 2m and 3m
ClearwayX ARAY
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Heavy-gauge OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Dual-layer shielding
- ChorAlloy™ plated VEE 3 RCA connectors
- Hand built in the UK
- Higher-level Chord Company analogue interconnect
ClearwayX ARAY moves further up the Chord Company range with heavier conductors, XLPE insulation, more elaborate shielding and ChorAlloy™ plated connectors.
Compare the Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY Analogue Interconnect at Audio T.
A Proven C-series Interconnect
C-line has been part of Chord Company's range for many years and remains one of the company's most recognised analogue interconnects.
Chord Company currently highlights its multiple What Hi-Fi? awards, including recognition within the 2025 awards.
Audio T Uses C-line in Real Systems
C-line is not simply a cable we list online. Audio T stores regularly use it when assembling complete systems where a sensible, accessible analogue RCA connection is required.
Our Swansea store, for example, used Chord Company C-line interconnects when putting together an affordable system based around Advance Paris electronics.
Read: The Advance Paris X-i50 BT Integrated Amplifier
Understanding the Role of Interconnects
If you would like a broader explanation of where interconnects sit within a hi-fi system, our Portsmouth team has also produced a guide to cable construction, system matching and the role different cable types perform.
Read: Crossed Wires - Making Sense of Cables and the Difference They Make to Hi-Fi
Key Features
- Chord Company C-line
- Stereo analogue interconnect
- 2 RCA to 2 RCA
- Chord Company ARAY conductor technology
- Oxygen-free copper conductors
- Pseudo-balanced conductor configuration
- HDPE dielectric and insulation
- High-density over-wrapped foil shielding
- Fully floating shielding architecture
- Gold-plated RCA plugs
- Direct gold-plating technology
- Compression-free plug surround
- Over-moulded strain relief
- Suitable for line-level components
- Suitable for compatible CD players
- Suitable for compatible streaming devices
- Suitable for compatible DVD players
- Suitable for home theatre amplifiers
- Suitable for tuners
- Suitable for phono stages
- Suitable for pre to power amplifier connections
- Suitable for RCA-equipped turntables
- 0.5m standard length
- 1m standard length
- 2m standard length
- 3m standard length
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company C-line?
C-line is a stereo analogue RCA interconnect designed for compatible line-level audio components.
What connections does C-line use?
Two RCA connectors at each end, providing conventional left and right analogue channels.
What lengths are available?
Chord Company currently publishes 0.5m, 1m, 2m and 3m versions.
Does Audio T offer every standard length?
Yes. All four manufacturer-standard lengths are currently available through the Audio T product selector.
Does Chord Company specify custom C-line lengths?
The current C-line product page publishes 0.5m, 1m, 2m and 3m. It does not advertise custom C-line lengths.
What conductor technology does C-line use?
Chord Company's current product page specifies ARAY conductor technology.
What are the conductors made from?
Chord Company's own C-line technical documentation specifies oxygen-free copper conductors.
Are the conductors silver plated?
Chord Company does not specify silver-plated conductors for C-line. The manufacturer description is oxygen-free copper.
What does pseudo-balanced mean?
It is Chord Company's description of the cable's internal conductor configuration. C-line still uses conventional unbalanced RCA connections at the equipment.
Is C-line a balanced cable?
It is not a balanced XLR interconnect. The equipment connections are RCA.
What insulation does C-line use?
Chord Company's current product specification states HDPE dielectric / insulation.
What does HDPE mean?
HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene.
How is C-line shielded?
Chord Company's current specification states high-density over-wrapped foil shielding. Its C-line technical documentation also describes the shielding as fully floating.
What connector plating does C-line use?
Gold-plated RCA connectors.
Does C-line use ChorAlloy connectors?
Chord Company currently specifies gold-plated RCA plugs for C-line, not ChorAlloy™. ChorAlloy™ appears on products further up the range.
What is the compression-free surround?
Chord Company describes the C-line RCA plug as using a compression-free surround around the cable termination.
Does it have strain relief?
Yes. Chord Company's technical information specifies over-moulded strain relief.
Can I use C-line with a CD player?
Yes. Chord Company specifically lists CD players among its intended applications, provided compatible analogue RCA connections are available.
Can I use it with a streamer?
Yes, where the streamer provides stereo analogue RCA outputs.
Can I use it between a DAC and amplifier?
Yes, where the DAC has analogue RCA outputs and the amplifier has a compatible analogue RCA input.
Can I use it between a preamplifier and power amplifier?
Yes. Chord Company specifically lists pre-to-power amplifier connections as an intended application.
Can I use it with a phono stage?
Yes. C-line can connect the RCA output of a compatible phono stage to an appropriate line-level amplifier input.
Can C-line be used with a turntable?
Yes. Chord Company specifically states that C-line can be used with RCA-equipped turntables.
Does it include a separate turntable earth wire?
No separate earth lead is specified as part of standard C-line. Where a turntable requires a separate ground connection, that must be provided according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
Can I use C-line as a coaxial digital cable?
C-line is designed as an analogue stereo interconnect. Use a dedicated Chord Company digital interconnect for coaxial digital audio connections.
What is the step up from C-line?
ClearwayX ARAY sits further up Chord Company's analogue interconnect range, with heavy-gauge OFC conductors, XLPE insulation, dual-layer shielding and ChorAlloy™ plated VEE 3 RCA connectors.
Can Audio T help me choose the correct length?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store if you are unsure whether 0.5m, 1m, 2m or 3m is most suitable for your system.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help choosing the correct analogue interconnect
- Advice on choosing the correct cable length
- RCA analogue versus coaxial digital guidance
- CD player and amplifier connection advice
- Streamer and DAC connection advice
- Turntable and phono-stage compatibility advice
- C-line versus C-jack comparisons
- C-line versus ClearwayX ARAY comparisons
- System demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you need help choosing the correct Chord Company analogue interconnect or cable length for your system.