Audio T Verdict
The Chord Company ChordMusic Streaming Cable is the flagship network connection within the ChordMusic range, designed for highly revealing streaming systems where every part of the signal path has been carefully considered.
It combines Chord Company's phase-stable Taylon® insulation with a streaming-specific Super ARAY conductor configuration and an extensive multi-layer noise-reduction system.
At this level, a demonstration is essential. Audio T can help you compare ChordMusic with your existing network cable and arrange a suitable length for use between your network switch and streamer.
Chord Company ChordMusic Streaming Cable
The ChordMusic Streaming Cable is designed to connect high-performance network audio equipment using standard RJ45 network sockets.
Its most common position is between a network switch and a music streamer, although it may also be used elsewhere within a compatible wired network audio system.
ChordMusic brings together Chord Company's most advanced insulation, conductor-geometry and noise-reduction technologies in a cable specifically developed for streaming music.
Designed for High-End Music Streaming
Network audio systems rely on conventional data communication, but the connected equipment can also be exposed to electrical and high-frequency noise travelling through the network.
Chord Company developed the ChordMusic Streaming Cable for systems where the streamer, network switch, digital-to-analogue converter, amplifier and loudspeakers are sufficiently revealing to benefit from careful attention to the network connection.
Typical Applications
- Network switch to music streamer
- Router to a dedicated audio network switch
- Network music server to switch
- NAS drive to a compatible network switch
- Other high-performance RJ45 network audio connections
Check Before Ordering
- Both components require RJ45 network sockets
- The cable is not suitable for Wi-Fi-only streamers
- Allow sufficient space behind each component
- Avoid unnecessarily tight bends
- Confirm the required length before placing a custom order
Taylon® Phase-Stable Insulation
The insulating material surrounding a conductor can influence the behaviour of a cable. Chord Company developed Taylon® as an alternative to the PTFE insulation used throughout many of its earlier high-performance designs.
Taylon® is designed to remain phase-stable at normal room temperatures. Chord Company considers this consistency particularly important when attempting to preserve timing, tonal balance and musical coherence.
The material is exclusive to Chord Company and is used throughout the flagship ChordMusic range, as well as selected Sarum T cables.
Super ARAY Conductor Configuration
ChordMusic uses Chord Company's Super ARAY conductor technology, developed from the earlier Tuned ARAY configuration.
The precise arrangement is adapted for each type of cable rather than applying the same internal construction to every connection.
In the ChordMusic Streaming Cable, the Super ARAY configuration is designed specifically around the requirements of a network connection, with the aim of preserving detail while maintaining a natural and coherent musical presentation.
The complex construction requires a combination of precision production methods and meticulous hand assembly.
Multi-Layer Noise Reduction
During the development of ChordMusic, Chord Company found that small changes to the cable's outer construction could influence its performance.
The cable therefore uses three external noise-reduction layers along its length:
- A layer intended to reduce mechanically induced noise
- A second layer that constrains the damping material in a controlled manner
- An external metallic braid beneath the white outer braided finish
These layers are intended to improve mechanical damping and provide additional protection from high-frequency interference around the network connection.
High-Speed RJ45 Connections
The ChordMusic Streaming Cable is terminated with high-speed RJ45 connectors for use with standard wired network audio equipment.
The connectors allow it to be installed between compatible streamers, servers, routers, switches and network storage devices without adaptors.
The cable should not be confused with ChordMusic USB, coaxial digital, AES/EBU or analogue interconnects. Each is a separate design intended for a different type of connection.
Choose the Correct Cable Type
This product is an RJ45 network streaming cable. It does not connect to USB, HDMI, optical, RCA, BNC, XLR or DIN sockets.
Check the sockets on both components or
contact your local Audio T store
before ordering.
Standard and Custom Lengths
The ChordMusic Streaming Cable is available in a standard length of 1 m.
Custom lengths can be made to order where the network switch and streamer are positioned further apart.
When choosing a length, allow enough room for a relaxed cable route without placing strain on the RJ45 sockets. A slightly longer cable is preferable to stretching the cable tightly between components.
Custom-made cables may be subject to different ordering and cancellation conditions, so confirm the specification with Audio T before placing the order.
Network Switch and Noise-Isolator Options
ChordMusic can be used with a conventional router or network switch, but a carefully designed audio network may also include dedicated noise-reduction products.
English Electric 8Switch
The
English Electric 8Switch
provides eight wired network connections and is designed specifically for streaming audio systems.
ChordMusic may be used for the final connection between the 8Switch and a compatible streamer.
English Electric EE1 Plus
The
English Electric EE1 Plus
is an in-line network noise isolator designed to sit between two RJ45 network cables.
Audio T can advise on where to position it and which network cable combination is most appropriate.
Demonstration Recommended
The contribution of a network cable depends on the streamer, switch, network layout and the resolving ability of the wider system.
Chord Company recommends listening before purchasing its flagship cables, and this is particularly important with a product at ChordMusic level.
Audio T can arrange a comparison with your current network cable and, subject to availability, may be able to arrange a home demonstration within your own system.
Key Features
- Flagship ChordMusic network streaming cable
- Designed for high-performance network audio equipment
- RJ45 network connectors
- Chord Company Taylon® phase-stable insulation
- Streaming-specific Super ARAY conductor configuration
- Complex precision construction and hand assembly
- Three external noise-reduction layers
- Mechanical damping layer
- Constrained noise-reduction construction
- Metallic external braid beneath the outer finish
- Distinctive white braided outer covering
- Standard 1 m length
- Custom lengths available to order
- Suitable for switches, streamers, servers and other compatible network equipment
Technical Specifications
- Product type: High-performance network streaming cable
- Connection: RJ45 to RJ45
- Standard length: 1 m
- Custom lengths: Available to order
- Insulation: Chord Company Taylon®
- Conductor configuration: Streaming-specific Super ARAY
- Noise reduction: Three external damping and shielding layers
- External shielding: Metallic braid
- Outer finish: White braided covering
- Primary application: Wired network audio and music streaming systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ChordMusic Streaming Cable an Ethernet cable?
It is an RJ45 network cable developed specifically for high-performance music streaming equipment. Chord Company refers to it as a streaming cable rather than a conventional computer Ethernet cable.
Where should I use it in my system?
Chord Company particularly recommends trying it between the network switch and the music streamer. It can also be used elsewhere between compatible RJ45 network devices.
Will it work with my streamer?
It should be suitable if the streamer has a conventional RJ45 wired network socket. It cannot connect directly to a Wi-Fi-only streamer.
What length is supplied as standard?
The standard length is 1 m. Custom lengths can be ordered when required.
What is Taylon®?
Taylon® is Chord Company's proprietary phase-stable insulation material. It is used throughout the flagship ChordMusic range.
Can it be used with an English Electric EE1 Plus?
Yes. The EE1 Plus sits between two RJ45 network cables, so ChordMusic can form one or both of the network connections where appropriate.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice on network audio and music streaming systems
- Help checking streamer, switch and RJ45 compatibility
- Advice on selecting the correct cable length
- Custom lengths available to order
- Comparisons with other Chord Company cable ranges
- Guidance on network switches and noise-isolation products
- In-store demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Home demonstrations may be available subject to location and availability
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss the best position for ChordMusic within your streaming system.