Audio T Verdict
It is easy to spend a great deal of time choosing speaker cable and then leave the last few centimetres of the signal path to the pressed-metal jumper plates supplied with the loudspeakers. Chord Company Sarum T speaker links provide a rather more considered solution.
Designed specifically for loudspeakers with separate bi-wire terminals, each set contains four flexible 280mm links, enough for a conventional stereo pair. This Audio T version uses a spade connector at one end and a 4mm banana plug at the other.
Sarum T sits towards the top of Chord Company's cable range and brings the brand's proprietary Taylon insulation to these links, together with current-generation ChordOhmic ChorAlloy-plated speaker connectors.
They make particular sense in a high-resolution system where you are using a single run of quality speaker cable into a bi-wire loudspeaker and want the short connection between the two sets of binding posts to receive the same sort of attention as the main cable.
You do not need to own Sarum T speaker cable to use them either. They can be used with other suitable speaker cables, provided your loudspeaker terminal arrangement is compatible.
Chord Company Sarum T Bi-Wire Speaker Links
Sarum T speaker links are designed to replace the removable metal plates or basic wire jumpers commonly fitted between the high-frequency and low-frequency terminals of bi-wire loudspeakers.
This Audio T version is supplied as:
Four 280mm spade-to-banana speaker links.
That provides two links for each loudspeaker in a conventional stereo pair.
What's Included?
- 4 x Sarum T speaker links
- Each link approximately 280mm long
- Spade connector at one end
- ChordOhmic 4mm banana plug at the other
- Factory-fitted connectors
What Are Bi-Wire Speaker Links?
Many loudspeakers provide two pairs of binding posts rather than one.
These normally provide separate connections to different sections of the loudspeaker crossover, commonly labelled:
- HF - high frequency
- LF - low frequency
If you are using a conventional single-wire speaker cable, the two sections still need to be electrically connected together.
Manufacturers therefore commonly supply removable metal plates or short wire jumpers between the terminals.
Sarum T speaker links replace these supplied jumpers with a purpose-designed high-performance cable connection.
Why Replace the Factory Jumper Plates?
The speaker links remain part of the electrical path between the amplifier and loudspeaker crossover.
If you have invested in a high-quality main speaker cable, replacing basic pressed-metal terminal links can provide a more consistent connection through the final stage of the cable system.
Chord Company developed its dedicated speaker links specifically for this purpose.
A Set of Four
Each set contains:
Four individual links.
On a conventional pair of bi-wire loudspeakers, two links are normally fitted to each speaker:
- One link between the positive HF and LF terminals
- One link between the negative HF and LF terminals
Check Your Loudspeaker Terminals Before Ordering
This Audio T product uses a spade connector at one end and a 4mm banana plug at the other.
Check that your loudspeaker binding posts accept both connector types and that the terminal arrangement is suitable for the 280mm links.
If you are unsure, contact Audio T with the exact make and model of your loudspeakers before ordering.
280mm Length
Chord Company supplies the current Sarum T bi-wire speaker links in:
280mm lengths.
The flexible cable construction allows the links to bridge the terminal groups on a wide range of suitable bi-wire loudspeakers without relying on rigid metal plates.
Spade to Banana Configuration
The Audio T version is configured:
Spade to 4mm banana.
This provides a useful arrangement where one set of loudspeaker terminals is better suited to spade connections while the other accepts a conventional 4mm banana plug.
Factory-Fitted ChordOhmic Connectors
The current Sarum T links use Chord Company's latest:
ChordOhmic speaker connectors.
These are factory fitted rather than supplied as loose plugs for the customer to install.
ChorAlloy-Plated Contacts
The current connectors use:
Chord Company's ChorAlloy-plated contact surfaces.
ChorAlloy was developed by Chord Company as an alternative contact plating for its current-generation speaker plugs and spade connectors.
Current Connector Specification
Older descriptions of Sarum T links may refer to silver-plated banana and spade connectors.
The current Chord Company specification uses ChordOhmic connectors with ChorAlloy-plated contact surfaces.
Taylon Insulation
Sarum T speaker links feature Chord Company's proprietary:
Taylon insulation.
Taylon is the insulation material that distinguishes the current Sarum T generation from earlier Sarum cable designs.
Chord Company developed the material with particular attention to phase stability and subsequently introduced it throughout the Sarum T range.
Part of the Sarum T Range
The current Sarum T family includes a wide range of high-performance cable products for analogue, digital, network, loudspeaker and mains applications.
The speaker links are designed as a natural finishing touch for a system already using Sarum T speaker cable, but their usefulness is not limited to an all-Sarum system.
Can I Use Sarum T Links with Another Speaker Cable?
Yes.
Sarum T speaker links do not require the main speaker cable to be Sarum T.
They can be used with other suitable speaker cables where the loudspeaker's bi-wire terminal configuration is compatible.
Designed for High-Resolution Systems
At this level, the links are most relevant to revealing systems where the main amplification, loudspeakers and speaker cable are already of a high standard.
They allow the connection between the two sections of a bi-wire terminal block to be upgraded without requiring the complete system to be rewired for bi-wiring.
Single Wiring a Bi-Wire Loudspeaker
Sarum T speaker links are particularly relevant when using a single run of speaker cable with a loudspeaker that provides separate HF and LF terminals.
The main speaker cable connects to one pair of terminals, while the links maintain the electrical connection to the second pair.
HF or LF Terminals for the Main Speaker Cable?
Different loudspeakers and systems may respond differently to where the main speaker cable is connected.
Follow the loudspeaker manufacturer's recommendation where one is provided. Your local Audio T store can also help you experiment with the most suitable connection arrangement.
Do Speaker Links Replace Bi-Wiring?
No.
Speaker links allow a bi-wire-capable loudspeaker to be used with a conventional single-wire speaker cable.
A true bi-wire arrangement uses separate cable conductors or cable runs for the different loudspeaker terminal sections.
The two approaches are physically different, so the best choice depends on the loudspeaker, amplifier, cable and overall system.
Flexible Alternative to Metal Plates
One practical advantage of cable links is that they are flexible.
Rigid metal plates rely on the spacing and alignment of the loudspeaker terminals, whereas cable links can accommodate different physical arrangements more easily within their available length.
Installing the Links
Before fitting the links:
- Switch the amplifier off
- Disconnect the speaker cable if necessary
- Remove the existing loudspeaker jumper plates or links
- Fit the Sarum T links securely between the appropriate HF and LF terminals
- Reconnect the main speaker cable
- Check that positive and negative connections remain correctly separated
Always Switch the Amplifier Off First
Do not change loudspeaker links while the amplifier is powered.
An accidental short between the positive and negative terminals could damage the amplifier or loudspeaker.
Maintain Correct Polarity
The positive and negative sides of the loudspeaker terminals must remain correctly connected.
Each link should bridge equivalent terminals:
- Positive HF to positive LF
- Negative HF to negative LF
Never use a speaker link to bridge positive and negative terminals together.
Do I Need Four Links?
For a conventional pair of two-way bi-wire terminal blocks, yes.
Each loudspeaker normally requires two links, giving four links across a stereo pair.
Some loudspeakers use different terminal arrangements, so check the rear panel or owner's manual if you are unsure.
Sarum T Links Versus Standard Jumper Plates
Typical Supplied Jumper Plates
- Often pressed metal
- Rigid construction
- Usually supplied as standard with the loudspeaker
- Provides the necessary HF/LF connection
- Designed primarily as a functional solution
Sarum T Speaker Links
- Dedicated high-performance cable links
- Flexible 280mm construction
- Taylon insulation
- ChordOhmic connectors
- ChorAlloy-plated contacts
- Factory terminated
Sarum T Links Versus Signature Links
Chord Company also produces Signature bi-wire speaker links at a lower performance and price level.
Both are intended to replace basic links on bi-wire loudspeakers, but Sarum T brings the proprietary Taylon insulation used throughout Chord Company's higher-end Sarum T range.
If you are unsure which level is appropriate for your system, Audio T can help you compare the options against your existing speaker cable and loudspeakers.
Partnering Sarum T Speaker Cable
Sarum T speaker cable is the obvious partner where you want a consistent cable system from the amplifier all the way to both sections of the loudspeaker terminal block.
Current Sarum T speaker cable is factory built to order and uses Taylon insulation, individually shielded conductors and ChordOhmic ChorAlloy-plated loudspeaker connectors.
View Chord Company Sarum T Speaker Cable at Audio T.
Do They Have to Be Used with Expensive Speakers?
There is no specific loudspeaker price requirement, but Sarum T sits close to the top of Chord Company's cable range.
It therefore makes most sense in a sufficiently revealing system where the loudspeakers, amplification and main speaker cable can justify an upgrade of this level.
Can I Hear Them Before Buying?
For an upgrade at this level, listening in your own system is particularly valuable.
Audio T can advise on demonstration options and whether Sarum T, Signature or another link solution is most appropriate for your loudspeakers.
Key Features
- Chord Company Sarum T speaker links
- Designed for bi-wire loudspeakers
- Replaces factory jumper plates
- Set of four links
- Two links per loudspeaker in a conventional stereo pair
- 280mm individual link length
- Spade-to-banana configuration
- ChordOhmic 4mm banana connectors
- ChordOhmic spade connectors
- ChorAlloy-plated contact surfaces
- Factory-fitted connectors
- Taylon insulation
- Flexible cable construction
- Suitable for high-resolution systems
- Suitable with Sarum T speaker cable
- Can be used with other suitable speaker cables
- Designed for single-wired bi-wire loudspeakers
- Part of the current Sarum T range
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chord Company Sarum T speaker links?
They are short high-performance cable links designed to bridge the separate HF and LF terminals on compatible bi-wire loudspeakers when the speakers are being single wired.
How many links are supplied?
Four individual links are supplied.
Is one set enough for a stereo pair?
Yes, for a conventional pair of loudspeakers with two pairs of bi-wire terminals. Each speaker normally uses two links.
How long is each link?
Chord Company specifies each current Sarum T link at 280mm.
What connectors does this Audio T version use?
Each link is configured with a spade connector at one end and a ChordOhmic 4mm banana plug at the other.
Are the connectors silver plated?
The current version uses ChordOhmic connectors with ChorAlloy-plated contact surfaces. Older descriptions referring to silver-plated plugs are now out of date.
What insulation do Sarum T links use?
Chord Company's proprietary Taylon insulation.
Do the links use Super ARAY geometry?
Chord Company does not currently specify Super ARAY geometry for the Sarum T bi-wire links themselves, so this should not be assumed from other products in the Sarum T range.
Can they replace the metal plates supplied with my speakers?
Yes. That is their intended application on compatible bi-wire terminal blocks.
Can I use them with non-Chord speaker cable?
Yes. The main speaker cable does not have to be Sarum T, provided the overall connection arrangement is compatible.
Do they convert my system to bi-wiring?
No. They allow a bi-wire loudspeaker to operate from a conventional single-wire speaker cable by linking its HF and LF terminals.
Can I use them with Sarum T speaker cable?
Yes. They are the natural matching link for Sarum T speaker cable.
Which terminals should my main speaker cable connect to?
Follow the loudspeaker manufacturer's recommendation where one is given. Audio T can also help you compare connection arrangements in your particular system.
Will they fit every bi-wire loudspeaker?
Not necessarily. Check that your binding posts accept the spade and 4mm banana configuration and that the 280mm length suits the physical spacing of the terminals.
Can I connect positive to negative with a link?
No. Positive should link to positive and negative to negative. Bridging positive and negative together would create a short circuit.
Should I switch my amplifier off before fitting them?
Yes. Always power the amplifier down before changing speaker cables or terminal links.
Are the connectors factory fitted?
Yes. Chord Company currently supplies the links with factory-fitted ChordOhmic connectors.
What is the next Chord Company option below Sarum T?
Signature bi-wire speaker links provide a lower-cost alternative within the Chord Company range.
Can Audio T help check compatibility?
Yes. Give your local Audio T store the make and model of your loudspeakers and we can help determine whether the connector arrangement and link length are suitable.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help checking loudspeaker terminal compatibility
- Advice on spade and banana connections
- Single-wire and bi-wire setup guidance
- Help positioning speaker links correctly
- Sarum T and Signature link comparison advice
- Sarum T speaker-cable system guidance
- Help matching cables to amplifier and loudspeakers
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like us to check whether Sarum T bi-wire speaker links are suitable for your loudspeakers or to discuss a demonstration in your system.