Audio T Verdict
Chord Company Epic Streaming is aimed at systems where the network connection has become a serious part of the Hi-Fi rather than simply the cable running from the broadband router.
It uses silver-plated conductors, high-speed insulation, separate shielding around the conductor pairs and an additional high-density overall shield, along with Chord Company's proprietary ARAY conductor geometry.
Particular attention is also paid to the RJ45 plugs. Chord Company modifies its precision connectors so the internal conductors can be soldered directly to the contact pins rather than relying on the conventional termination methods used by many standard network cables.
This makes Epic Streaming particularly relevant to systems built around higher-performance network streamers, music servers and dedicated audio network switches.
At this level we would always recommend trying one in your own system where possible. Network setups vary enormously, and Audio T can arrange demonstrations or home trials where available.
Chord Company Epic Streaming Network Cable
Epic Streaming is Chord Company's high-performance RJ45 cable developed specifically for digital music-streaming systems.
Typical applications include connections between:
- Router and network switch
- Network switch and music streamer
- Network switch and music server
- Network-attached storage and compatible network equipment
- Dedicated audio network switch and streamer
- Other compatible RJ45 network audio equipment
Developed Specifically for Streaming Audio
Epic Streaming is not simply a generic computer-network cable carrying Chord Company branding.
Chord Company developed the cable specifically through listening tests with digital audio streamers and adapted its proprietary ARAY conductor technology for use with network audio connections.
Silver-Plated Conductors
Chord Company specifies Epic Streaming with:
High-quality silver-plated conductors.
The conductors form part of a cable architecture developed specifically for high-speed digital network signals.
High-Speed Insulation
The internal conductors use:
High-speed insulation materials.
Chord Company selects the insulation as part of the overall conductor geometry rather than treating it simply as a protective covering.
Keep the Current Specification Conservative
Chord Company's current public Epic Streaming information describes the insulation as high-speed insulation material without publishing a specific dielectric type.
Audio T should therefore avoid assigning a specific insulation material unless it is confirmed by the current Chord Company trade specification.
ARAY Conductor Geometry
Epic Streaming incorporates Chord Company's:
ARAY conductor geometry.
ARAY technology has been used throughout many of Chord Company's analogue and digital cable ranges, with the implementation adapted to suit the particular signal and connection type.
ARAY or Tuned ARAY?
Older Chord Company literature and Audio T's previous copy describe Epic Streaming as using Tuned ARAY geometry.
Chord Company's current public product page now uses the broader ARAY terminology, so this updated page follows the current manufacturer wording.
Individually Shielded Conductor Pairs
Epic Streaming uses:
High-density separate pair shielding.
The individual conductor groups are therefore shielded rather than relying solely on one screen around the complete cable.
High-Density Overall Shielding
Chord Company then adds:
High-density overall shielding.
This gives Epic Streaming a multi-layer approach to controlling unwanted high-frequency interference.
Why Shield a Streaming Cable?
A modern network can contain routers, switches, computers, servers, power supplies and wireless devices, all operating close to sensitive audio electronics.
Chord Company's streaming cables therefore concentrate heavily on shielding and conductor layout to help reduce the amount of unwanted high-frequency electrical interference travelling through the network connection and surrounding environment.
It's Not About Changing the Music File
A specialist streaming cable does not alter the music file stored on a server or downloaded from a streaming service.
The design focus is the electrical connection between network devices and the management of unwanted interference around that connection.
Precision RJ45 Connectors
Epic Streaming uses:
High-precision RJ45 connectors.
These are modified by Chord Company specifically for the Epic Streaming cable construction.
Direct-Soldered Conductors
A particularly important aspect of the connector design is that Chord Company modifies the RJ45 plug to allow:
The conductors to be soldered directly to the contact pins.
This is a much more specialist construction method than the conventional termination found on many mass-produced Ethernet patch cables.
Do Not Copy the Signature Connector Specification
Chord Company's Signature Super ARAY Streaming cable specifically publishes gold-plated RJ45 contacts.
The current Epic Streaming page simply describes precision modified RJ45 connectors with directly soldered conductors, so Audio T should not automatically borrow Signature-specific connector details for Epic.
Current Audio T Lengths
Audio T currently lists Epic Streaming in:
1m Standard Length
Chord Company's current standard Epic Streaming length is:
1 metre.
Longer custom lengths can be manufactured to order.
The Audio T 2m Cable Is a Custom-Length Configuration
Chord Company currently publishes 1m as the standard Epic Streaming length, with longer custom lengths available.
The 2m Audio T child product should therefore be treated as a longer manufacturer configuration rather than another standard published size.
Which Length Should I Choose?
Choose a cable long enough to route comfortably between components without pulling on either RJ45 socket.
For equipment positioned close together, the 1m version will suit many installations. The 2m version provides additional flexibility where the network switch or router is positioned further away.
Using Epic Streaming with a Network Switch
Epic Streaming can be used between compatible Ethernet network switches and music streamers.
Dedicated audio network switches are increasingly common in higher-performance streaming systems, but a conventional network switch can also provide the required RJ45 connection.
Using Epic Streaming with a Router
Epic Streaming can also form a direct wired connection between a compatible router and streamer where no separate network switch is used.
Using Epic Streaming with a Music Server
Music servers from manufacturers such as Innuos and other network-audio specialists can use RJ45 Ethernet as part of their connection to the home network.
Epic Streaming can therefore be used where the equipment manufacturer specifies a conventional compatible Ethernet connection.
Using Epic Streaming with NAS Storage
A NAS drive can also form part of a wired streaming network.
Epic Streaming may be used within that network where the NAS, switch and other equipment provide compatible RJ45 Ethernet connections.
Can Epic Streaming Replace Wi-Fi?
Where your streamer provides both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, Epic Streaming can form part of a wired alternative.
A wired connection can be particularly useful where Wi-Fi coverage is inconsistent or where the system is permanently installed close to network cabling.
Epic Streaming Versus C-stream
C-stream
- More affordable Chord Company streaming cable
- OFC conductors
- Shielded twisted pairs
- Overall shielding
- Wide range of standard lengths
Epic Streaming
- Higher-performance streaming cable
- Silver-plated conductors
- ARAY conductor geometry
- High-density separate pair shielding
- High-density overall shielding
- Modified precision RJ45 connectors
- Direct-soldered conductors
Compare Chord Company C-stream at Audio T.
Epic Streaming and Signature Super ARAY
For systems capable of justifying a further step up, Chord Company's Signature Super ARAY Streaming cable sits higher in the range.
Signature introduces Super ARAY conductor geometry, heavier-gauge silver-plated conductors, revised spacing, hard-skin insulation and a more advanced shielding system.
Does Epic Streaming Need Power?
No.
Epic Streaming is a passive network cable and requires no separate power supply.
Does It Need Software?
No.
The cable itself requires no configuration, app or software. Network setup is handled by the router, switch, streamer or server.
Is Epic Streaming an Analogue Cable?
No.
Epic Streaming is designed for RJ45 Ethernet-based network connections rather than RCA, XLR or DIN analogue audio connections.
Epic Streaming at Audio T
Audio T has worked extensively with Chord Company's Epic range and regularly recommends trying cables in the actual system before making a final decision.
Read: An Upgrade Of Epic Proportions - The Chord Company Epic Cables
Read: Do Hi-Fi Cables Make a Difference?
Key Features
- Chord Company Epic Streaming
- RJ45 network streaming cable
- Designed for digital audio streaming systems
- Silver-plated conductors
- High-speed insulation
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Separate pair shielding
- High-density overall shielding
- High-precision RJ45 connectors
- Modified connector construction
- Direct-soldered conductors
- Suitable for compatible streamers
- Suitable for network switches
- Suitable for routers
- Suitable for music servers
- Suitable for NAS-based networks
- 1m manufacturer-standard length
- 2m Audio T option
- Longer custom lengths available
- Passive construction
- No software required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company Epic Streaming?
Epic Streaming is a high-performance RJ45 network cable designed specifically for digital music-streaming systems.
Is Epic Streaming still a current Chord Company product?
Yes. It remains part of Chord Company's current Epic range.
What conductors does it use?
Chord Company specifies high-quality silver-plated conductors.
Does Epic Streaming use ARAY technology?
Yes. Chord Company's current product information specifies ARAY conductor geometry.
Why does older information say Tuned ARAY?
Older official Chord Company literature and Audio T's previous description use the Tuned ARAY name. The current manufacturer product page now uses the broader ARAY terminology.
Is Epic Streaming shielded?
Yes. It uses high-density separate pair shielding together with high-density overall shielding.
What connectors does it use?
Modified high-precision RJ45 connectors.
How are the conductors terminated?
Chord Company modifies the RJ45 connectors so the conductors can be soldered directly to the contact pins.
What length is standard?
1m.
Does Audio T offer 2m?
Yes. Audio T currently lists both 1m and 2m versions.
Can I order a longer length?
Yes. Chord Company states that longer custom lengths are available to order.
Can I connect my router directly to my streamer?
Yes, where both products provide compatible RJ45 Ethernet connections.
Can I use it with a network switch?
Yes.
Can I use it with a music server?
Yes, where the server provides a compatible Ethernet network connection.
Does Epic Streaming need power?
No.
Does it need software?
No. Network configuration is handled by the connected equipment.
Can Audio T arrange a demonstration?
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss in-store or home demonstration availability.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Streaming network setup advice
- Router and network-switch guidance
- Help choosing the correct cable length
- C-stream and Epic Streaming comparison advice
- Music-server and streamer setup guidance
- Network-cable upgrade 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 try Epic Streaming in your own system or discuss the most appropriate network cable for your streamer.