Audio T Verdict
The Chord Company ChordMusic Interconnect is the flagship analogue connection within the ChordMusic range, intended for highly revealing systems where the quality of the source, amplifier and loudspeakers has already been carefully considered.
Its Taylon® phase-stable insulation, application-specific Super ARAY conductor configuration and extensive noise-reduction construction are designed to preserve fine detail, timing and musical coherence.
RCA, XLR and DIN configurations are available on this page. Because DIN and specialist Naim connections can use different pin arrangements and signal directions, we strongly recommend confirming compatibility with Audio T before ordering.
Chord Company ChordMusic Analogue Interconnect
ChordMusic is Chord Company's reference analogue interconnect range, hand-built to order at the company's UK facility.
The cable is available with RCA, balanced XLR and DIN connections, allowing the same flagship cable technology to be used with a wide variety of source components, pre-amplifiers, integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers.
Each configuration is assembled specifically for its intended connection rather than simply fitting different plugs to an identical internal cable.
Available Configurations
2 RCA to 2 RCA - 1 m
A stereo unbalanced analogue interconnect with separate left and right RCA connections at both ends.
Suitable for compatible CD players, streamers, DACs, pre-amplifiers, integrated amplifiers and other conventional line-level equipment.
2 XLR to 2 XLR - 1 m
A matched stereo pair for equipment with balanced three-pin XLR outputs and inputs.
Both components must provide compatible balanced analogue connections.
2 XLR to 2 XLR - 1.5 m
The same balanced stereo XLR configuration with additional length for wider equipment placement or routing around a rack.
DIN to DIN - 1 m
Intended for compatible equipment using DIN analogue connections, including selected Naim, Quad and other DIN-equipped products.
DIN pin arrangement and signal direction must be confirmed before ordering.
RCA to DIN - 1 m
Designed to connect compatible RCA-equipped equipment to a component using a DIN analogue connection.
The required DIN pin layout and the direction of the signal must be checked against the exact equipment models.
4-Pin DIN to 1 XLR for Naim NAP 250 - 1 m
A specialist cable for compatible Naim systems using a four-pin DIN output and the single XLR input arrangement associated with appropriate NAP 250 power amplifiers.
NAP 250 generations and partnering pre-amplifiers do not all use the same connections, so compatibility must be confirmed before purchase.
Please Check the Selected Connection
RCA, XLR and DIN connectors are not automatically interchangeable. The correct cable depends on the sockets, wiring arrangement and signal direction used by both components.
This is particularly important with DIN cables, as visually similar plugs can have different pin counts and internal wiring.
Contact your local Audio T store
with the make and full model number of both components before ordering a DIN or specialist Naim configuration.
Taylon® Phase-Stable Insulation
The material surrounding a cable's conductors can influence how electrical energy is stored and released.
Chord Company developed Taylon® for its highest-performing cable designs. Unlike many conventional dielectric materials, Taylon® is designed to remain phase-stable across the temperatures normally encountered in a listening room.
Chord Company considers this consistency important for maintaining timing, tonal neutrality and musical coherence.
Taylon® is proprietary to Chord Company and is a defining feature of the ChordMusic range.
Super ARAY Conductor Technology
ChordMusic analogue interconnects use a specifically configured version of Chord Company's Super ARAY conductor technology.
Super ARAY was developed from the earlier Tuned ARAY arrangement and is adapted according to the type of connection being produced.
This means the balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA and DIN versions can be constructed around their individual wiring requirements while retaining the design principles of the wider ChordMusic range.
The complex conductor arrangement requires precision production and careful hand assembly.
Multi-Layer Noise Reduction
ChordMusic cables use several external layers intended to reduce the effect of mechanical and electrical noise.
- A layer designed to reduce mechanically induced noise
- A constraining layer that holds the damping material in a controlled manner
- A metallic external braid beneath the outer braided finish
This construction is intended to help protect the low-level analogue signal from interference surrounding the cable and connected equipment.
High-Performance Connectors
ChordMusic cables are fitted with connectors chosen for the relevant RCA, XLR or DIN application.
RCA and DIN versions feature high-performance PTFE plug surrounds, while current ChordMusic connectors use ChorAlloy®-plated contact areas or pins.
Every cable is built and tested as a completed assembly rather than being supplied as unterminated cable for fitting at home.
RCA, XLR or DIN?
RCA
RCA is the most common unbalanced analogue connection in domestic Hi-Fi.
A stereo connection requires one plug for the left channel and one for the right channel at each end.
XLR
Three-pin XLR connections are commonly used for balanced analogue signals.
A stereo system normally requires two cables, which is why the XLR options are supplied as matched pairs.
DIN
DIN connections can carry one or more audio channels and may use several different pin arrangements.
Compatibility must be based on the equipment specification rather than the appearance of the socket alone.
The presence of XLR sockets does not necessarily mean a component has a fully balanced internal design. Similarly, DIN should not be assumed to provide better or worse performance simply because it uses a different connector.
The correct option is the one designed for the electrical connection provided by the equipment.
Specialist Naim Connections
Chord Company has extensive experience producing DIN cables for Naim Audio equipment, including connections between sources, pre-amplifiers, power supplies and power amplifiers.
The four-pin DIN to single XLR option on this page is intended for compatible Naim pre-amplifier and NAP 250 combinations using that specific connection arrangement.
It should not be assumed to fit every product carrying the NAP 250 name. Older, Classic and New Classic components may use different sockets or require a different cable.
Audio T can identify the correct cable from the full model names and, where relevant, the generation of the Naim equipment.
Standard and Custom Configurations
The selectable Audio T options cover several of the most commonly requested ChordMusic analogue connections.
Chord Company can also produce custom lengths and specialist terminations to order, including additional DIN, RCA and XLR combinations.
Custom-built cables may be subject to different ordering and cancellation conditions. The complete specification should therefore be agreed before the order is placed.
Demonstration Recommended
ChordMusic is designed for systems with sufficient resolution to reveal relatively small changes within the signal path.
Its contribution will depend on the source, amplifier, loudspeakers, existing cable and the quality of the recording being played.
A direct comparison with the cable already in the system is the most reliable way to judge whether ChordMusic represents a worthwhile upgrade.
Audio T can arrange demonstrations through selected stores and may be able to arrange a home trial, subject to configuration and availability.
Key Features
- Flagship ChordMusic analogue interconnect
- Hand-built to order in the UK
- RCA, balanced XLR and DIN configurations available
- Specialist four-pin DIN to single XLR Naim option
- Chord Company Taylon® phase-stable insulation
- Connection-specific Super ARAY conductor technology
- Multi-layer mechanical and electrical noise reduction
- Metallic external braid beneath the outer finish
- High-performance PTFE plug surrounds where applicable
- ChorAlloy®-plated connector contact areas
- Precision construction and meticulous hand assembly
- Custom lengths and terminations available to order
Technical Specifications
- Product type: High-performance analogue audio interconnect
- Available connections: RCA, XLR and DIN
- RCA option: 2 RCA to 2 RCA, 1 m
- XLR options: 2 XLR to 2 XLR, 1 m or 1.5 m
- DIN option: DIN to DIN, 1 m
- Mixed connection: RCA to DIN, 1 m
- Naim connection: 4-pin DIN to single XLR for compatible NAP 250 systems, 1 m
- Insulation: Taylon® phase-stable dielectric
- Conductor configuration: Application-specific Super ARAY
- Noise reduction: Multi-layer mechanical and electrical noise-reduction construction
- Connector contacts: ChorAlloy®-plated contact areas or pins
- Construction: Hand-built and tested to order
- Custom options: Additional lengths and terminations available by request
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all the options supplied as a stereo pair?
The RCA and XLR versions provide complete stereo connections. The XLR option contains two cables, while a DIN cable may carry both channels through a single connector and cable assembly.
Can I use the XLR version with any XLR sockets?
Both components must provide compatible analogue XLR connections. Digital AES/EBU XLR and specialist proprietary XLR sockets require a different cable.
Will the DIN to DIN cable work with any DIN equipment?
No. DIN connectors can use different pin counts, wiring arrangements and signal directions. The exact equipment models must be checked.
Is the RCA to DIN cable directional?
The required wiring depends on whether the signal travels from the RCA component to the DIN component or in the opposite direction. Confirm the source and destination equipment before ordering.
Does the NAP 250 cable fit every Naim NAP 250?
No. NAP 250 models from different generations can use different connection arrangements. Audio T should confirm the pre-amplifier and power-amplifier models first.
Can other lengths or connector combinations be ordered?
Yes. ChordMusic cables are hand-built, allowing custom lengths and specialist terminations to be produced where required.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice on RCA, XLR and DIN connections
- Help identifying Naim equipment generations and wiring requirements
- Compatibility checks using the full models of both components
- Custom lengths and terminations available to order
- Comparisons with other Chord Company cable ranges
- In-store demonstrations through selected Audio T stores
- Home demonstrations may be available subject to location and configuration
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to confirm the correct ChordMusic connection or arrange a demonstration.