Audio T Verdict
Chord Company Epic Digital Tuned ARAY is aimed at systems where the digital connection between a transport, streamer and DAC deserves the same attention as the analogue cabling elsewhere in the system.
The current Epic Digital is considerably more sophisticated than a generic coaxial digital lead. Chord Company uses its Tuned ARAY conductor geometry alongside silver-plated solid-core oxygen-free copper conductors, PTFE insulation and extensive high-frequency shielding.
The cable is designed as a true 75-ohm digital interconnect and is available with RCA or BNC connections, allowing it to partner a wide range of CD transports, DACs, network streamers and other compatible S/PDIF digital equipment.
Current cables also benefit from Chord Company's ChorAlloy™ connector plating, replacing the older silver-plated connector specification found in previous Epic Digital literature.
At this level, we'd strongly recommend listening where possible. Chord Company itself points out that digital RCA and BNC connections can be system dependent, so if your equipment offers both, it is worth comparing rather than assuming one format will automatically be better.
Chord Company Epic Digital Tuned ARAY Digital Interconnect
Epic Digital Tuned ARAY is Chord Company's high-performance coaxial digital audio interconnect for compatible S/PDIF equipment.
The current Audio T options are:
- 1m RCA to RCA
- 1m BNC to BNC
Custom lengths and other suitable configurations can also be discussed with Audio T.
Designed for Digital Audio
Epic Digital is specifically designed for high-frequency digital audio transmission rather than conventional analogue line-level signals.
Typical applications include connections between:
- CD transport and DAC
- Network streamer and DAC
- Music server and DAC
- Digital source and compatible amplifier
- Digital source and compatible pre-amplifier
- Other S/PDIF-equipped digital audio components
This Is a Coaxial Digital Cable
Epic Digital is designed for compatible coaxial digital audio connections.
It should not be confused with an analogue RCA interconnect simply because some versions use RCA plugs.
Tuned ARAY Conductor Geometry
At the heart of the current Epic Digital is Chord Company's:
Tuned ARAY conductor geometry.
Chord Company originally developed its ARAY technologies through work on digital cables, with the conductor arrangement incorporated into the cable construction itself.
The Tuned ARAY version used in Epic Digital is specifically configured for high-frequency digital signal transmission.
75-Ohm Digital Construction
Epic Digital is engineered around the impedance used by coaxial S/PDIF digital audio connections:
75 ohms.
Maintaining controlled impedance throughout the cable and connector system is an important part of designing a purpose-built coaxial digital interconnect.
Silver-Plated Solid-Core OFC Conductors
Chord Company's current specification identifies:
Two 75-ohm silver-plated solid-core oxygen-free copper conductors.
The solid-core construction differs from the multi-stranded conductors commonly found in many analogue cables and is part of Epic Digital's dedicated high-frequency digital architecture.
PTFE Insulation
The current Epic Digital conductors use:
PTFE insulation.
PTFE provides the dielectric layer around the internal conductors and forms part of the cable's controlled digital construction.
High-Density Shielding
High-frequency interference is a major focus within Chord Company's digital cable designs.
The current Epic Digital therefore uses:
High-density shielding designed to combat high-frequency interference.
This helps isolate the sensitive digital connection from electrical noise generated by the surrounding system and domestic environment.
Why Shield a Digital Cable?
Digital audio equipment often sits alongside computers, network equipment, displays, routers, switch-mode power supplies and numerous other sources of high-frequency electrical noise.
Although the music itself is carried digitally, the cable remains a physical electrical connection between two components.
Chord Company therefore places considerable emphasis on shielding within its digital interconnect designs.
Digital Does Not Mean Electrically Isolated
A coaxial S/PDIF connection does not simply transport abstract "ones and zeros". It is an electrical interface carrying a high-frequency digital waveform between two pieces of equipment.
Epic Digital's conductor geometry, controlled impedance and shielding are designed around that electrical connection.
ChorAlloy VEE 3 RCA Connectors
The current RCA version uses Chord Company's:
VEE 3 RCA connectors with ChorAlloy™ plated contact areas.
ChorAlloy is Chord Company's current connector-plating technology and replaces the previous silver-plated VEE 3 specification used on earlier Epic Digital cables.
Older Epic Digital Connector Information Is Out of Date
The existing Audio T description refers to silver-plated VEE 3 RCA plugs.
Current Epic Digital uses ChorAlloy™ plated connectors, so the old silver-plated connector description should be removed from the live page.
BNC Connection Option
Audio T also offers the current Epic Digital in a:
1m BNC to BNC configuration.
BNC connectors are commonly found on specialist digital audio equipment where manufacturers choose a dedicated 75-ohm-style connector rather than RCA.
RCA or BNC?
If your source and DAC provide only one compatible connection type, the decision is straightforward.
If both RCA coaxial and BNC connections are available, Chord Company recommends listening to the alternatives rather than automatically assuming one will perform better in every system.
RCA to RCA
- Common coaxial S/PDIF connection
- VEE 3 RCA connectors
- ChorAlloy™ plated contacts
- 1m Audio T option
- Suitable for compatible digital audio equipment
BNC to BNC
- Dedicated BNC digital connection
- Used by selected specialist equipment
- ChorAlloy™ plated connector system
- 1m Audio T option
- Suitable for compatible 75-ohm digital equipment
Check the Sockets, Not Just the Product Description
Do not order a BNC cable simply because your equipment has a socket that looks similar to one.
Confirm that both components provide compatible digital BNC connections and check the manufacturers' instructions before ordering.
1m Standard Length
Chord Company's current standard Epic Digital length is:
1 metre.
Custom lengths can be manufactured to order.
0.5m Is No Longer the Published Standard Length
Older Epic Digital information, including Audio T's existing Further Information, refers to both 0.5m and 1m standard lengths.
Chord Company's current product information specifies 1m as standard, with custom lengths available to order.
Custom Lengths
If 1m is unsuitable for your installation, contact Audio T before ordering.
Chord Company offers custom Epic Digital lengths, allowing the cable to be specified more appropriately for the equipment layout.
Hand Built in the UK
Epic Digital is:
Hand built in the UK.
The cable forms part of Chord Company's higher-performance range of analogue and digital cables manufactured by its specialist production team.
Ideal for CD Transports
Epic Digital can be used between a compatible CD transport or digital-output CD player and an external DAC.
This allows the transport to provide disc-reading duties while digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by the partnering DAC.
Ideal for Streamers
Compatible network streamers can also use Epic Digital to feed an external DAC where a coaxial RCA or BNC digital output is provided.
Check the streamer specification carefully because some RCA sockets are analogue outputs rather than coaxial digital connections.
Ideal for External DACs
Epic Digital is particularly relevant where a dedicated DAC is being used as an upgrade to an existing digital source.
Chord Company specifically identifies DACs, CD transports and streamers as suitable partners for Epic Digital.
Can Epic Digital Carry Analogue Audio?
Although an RCA-terminated Epic Digital cable may physically fit an analogue RCA socket, it is specifically designed as a 75-ohm digital interconnect.
For a conventional analogue line-level connection, use an appropriate Chord Company analogue interconnect instead.
Can Epic Digital Connect a Turntable?
No, not as a conventional turntable analogue connection.
A turntable normally requires an appropriate analogue phono cable and, depending on the equipment, may also require an earth connection.
Can Epic Digital Replace an Optical Cable?
Only where the source and DAC both provide compatible coaxial digital connections.
Optical Toslink and coaxial S/PDIF are different physical interfaces and require different cables.
Can Epic Digital Be Used with a Television?
Potentially, if the television provides a compatible coaxial digital output and the receiving component has the appropriate matching input.
Many modern televisions instead use optical digital or HDMI ARC/eARC, so check the available connections first.
Epic Digital and System Matching
Chord Company specifically notes that digital cable performance can be system dependent.
If your equipment provides several digital connection options, an Audio T demonstration can be particularly useful before committing to one format.
Epic Digital at Audio T
Epic has been part of the Audio T Chord Company range for many years, and Audio T has used Epic cables in both demonstration systems and store listening events.
One Audio T Bristol system paired a Chord Epic coaxial digital interconnect with a Bluesound Node and Chord Qutest DAC, providing a particularly relevant real-world example of where this type of cable is used.
Read: The Grand Selection - Audio T Bristol
Read: Do Hi-Fi Cables Make a Difference?
Key Features
- Chord Company Epic Digital
- Current Tuned ARAY generation
- Coaxial digital audio interconnect
- 75-ohm construction
- Unique Tuned ARAY conductor geometry
- Two 75-ohm conductors
- Silver-plated conductors
- Solid-core conductor construction
- Oxygen-free copper conductors
- PTFE insulation
- High-density shielding
- Designed to combat HF interference
- ChorAlloy™ connector plating
- VEE 3 RCA connection available
- BNC connection available
- 1m RCA to RCA Audio T option
- 1m BNC to BNC Audio T option
- Custom lengths available to order
- Suitable for compatible DACs
- Suitable for compatible CD transports
- Suitable for compatible streamers
- Designed for S/PDIF digital audio
- Hand built in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company Epic Digital?
Epic Digital is a 75-ohm coaxial digital audio interconnect using Chord Company's Tuned ARAY conductor geometry.
Is Epic Digital still a current Chord Company product?
Yes. Chord Company introduced an updated Epic Digital Tuned ARAY generation in 2024.
What Audio T versions are currently available?
Audio T currently lists 1m RCA to RCA and 1m BNC to BNC versions.
What is Tuned ARAY?
Tuned ARAY is Chord Company's proprietary conductor-geometry technology used in a range of high-performance digital cables.
Is Epic Digital 75 ohm?
Yes. Chord Company specifies the current cable with two 75-ohm conductors.
What conductor material does it use?
Silver-plated solid-core oxygen-free copper.
What insulation does Epic Digital use?
PTFE.
Is Epic Digital shielded?
Yes. Chord Company uses high-density shielding designed to combat high-frequency interference.
What connectors does the RCA version use?
Chord Company VEE 3 RCA connectors with ChorAlloy™ plated contact areas.
Are the connectors still silver plated?
No. Older Epic Digital versions used silver-plated connector specifications. Current Epic Digital uses Chord Company's ChorAlloy™ plating.
Does Audio T offer BNC?
Yes. A 1m BNC to BNC version is currently listed.
Should I choose RCA or BNC?
Use the connection supported by your equipment. Where both are available, Chord Company recommends comparing them because performance can be system dependent.
What is the standard length?
Chord Company's current standard Epic Digital length is 1m.
Can I order another length?
Yes. Chord Company offers custom lengths to order.
Can I connect a CD transport to a DAC?
Yes, where both products provide compatible coaxial digital connections.
Can I connect a streamer to a DAC?
Yes, where the streamer provides a compatible coaxial digital output and the DAC has the matching input.
Is Epic Digital an analogue RCA cable?
No. The RCA version is still a purpose-designed coaxial digital interconnect.
Can I use it for optical Toslink?
No. Toslink uses an optical connection and requires an optical digital cable.
Is Epic Digital handmade?
Yes. Chord Company states that Epic Digital is hand built in the UK.
Can Audio T demonstrate RCA and BNC options?
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss demonstration availability and the digital connections provided by your equipment.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- RCA and BNC connection advice
- Help checking digital inputs and outputs
- CD transport and DAC setup guidance
- Streamer and DAC connection advice
- Custom cable-length guidance
- Digital cable comparison advice
- Complete Chord Company 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 to compare digital connections or check whether RCA or BNC Epic Digital is best suited to your equipment.