Audio T Verdict
Chord Company Shawline Power is a very sensible step up once you've started paying attention to the power side of your Hi-Fi system. It avoids some of the more exotic materials found further up the Chord Company range, instead concentrating on substantial copper conductors, effective shielding and mechanical damping.
Inside are three 14AWG high-purity multi-strand copper conductors arranged in parallel, surrounded by a combination foil and braid shield designed to reduce the influence of high-frequency electrical interference. A dense outer jacket also helps damp mechanical vibration.
This makes Shawline particularly relevant behind a modern equipment rack, where mains leads often sit alongside streamers, network equipment, switch-mode supplies, digital sources and a surprising amount of other electrical clutter.
Audio T currently offers useful 1m, 1.5m, 2m and 3m lengths, while Chord Company also supports alternative equipment connectors for products requiring 16A IEC or Fig8 connections.
If you're sceptical about mains cables, this is also an easy product to demonstrate. One of our own Audio T teams did exactly that and came away rather more convinced than when they started.
Chord Company Shawline Power Mains Cable
Shawline Power is a high-performance mains cable designed, hand built and tested in the UK for Hi-Fi and audiovisual equipment.
It replaces Chord Company's earlier Power Chord design and incorporates:
- Three heavy-gauge high-purity copper conductors
- Parallel conductor geometry
- PVC insulation with mechanical damping properties
- Dual-layer foil and braid shielding
- High-density vibration-damping outer jacket
- High-specification mains and equipment connectors
Current Audio T Length Options
Audio T currently offers Shawline Power in:
Chord Company's standard catalogue lengths are 1m, 1.5m and 2m, with custom lengths also available. The 3m Audio T option therefore provides a useful longer configuration for installations that need the extra reach.
Which Length Should I Choose?
Choose the shortest length that reaches comfortably without pulling on the equipment socket or forcing the cable into a tight bend.
Allow enough spare cable to move equipment for cleaning and servicing, but avoid buying substantially more length than the installation requires.
Three 14AWG Copper Conductors
Shawline Power uses:
Three 14AWG high-purity multi-strand copper conductors.
These carry the live, neutral and earth connections through the mains cable.
Chord Company redesigned Shawline Power with thicker stranded conductors than the preceding Power Chord, making conductor size one of the core elements of the current design.
High-Purity Multi-Strand Copper
The conductors are made from:
High-purity multi-strand copper.
Unlike several Chord Company signal and speaker cables, Shawline Power does not use silver-plated conductors. Its current power-cable specification uses high-purity copper.
Shawline Power Is Not ShawlineX Speaker Cable
The wider Shawline range contains several different cable constructions.
ShawlineX speaker cable uses silver-plated conductors and XLPE insulation, while Shawline Power uses high-purity copper conductors with PVC internal and external insulation. The specification should not be carried across from one product to the other.
Parallel Conductor Layout
The three mains conductors use a:
Parallel conductor layout.
The geometry forms part of the complete power-cable design alongside its insulation, shielding and outer damping structure.
PVC Internal and External Insulation
Chord Company specifies:
PVC internal and external insulation with a high mechanical damping factor.
This is another area where Shawline Power differs from some other products within the wider Shawline range.
Dual-Layer High-Frequency Shielding
One of the key features of Shawline Power is its:
Dual-layer foil and braid combination shield.
Chord Company developed the shielding specifically to operate effectively at high frequencies, where electrical interference from modern electronic equipment can become particularly relevant.
Foil and Braid Shielding
Rather than relying on one shielding material, Shawline combines:
- A foil shielding layer
- A higher-gauge wire braid
The revised Shawline design increased the gauge of the braid compared with the previous Power Chord.
Why Shield a Mains Cable?
The rear of a modern Hi-Fi or home-cinema system can contain numerous sources of high-frequency electrical activity.
These may include:
- Music streamers
- Network switches
- Routers
- DACs
- Televisions
- Games consoles
- Computers and servers
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Wireless devices
Chord Company's shielding strategy is designed to reduce unwanted interaction between the mains cable and this surrounding electrical environment.
High-Density Vibration-Damping Outer Jacket
The cable is finished with a:
High-density vibration-damping outer jacket.
This provides physical protection while contributing additional mechanical damping to the complete cable assembly.
Designed for Hi-Fi and AV Equipment
Shawline Power is intended for compatible:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Pre-amplifiers
- Power amplifiers
- CD players
- CD transports
- Music streamers
- DACs
- Music servers
- Phono stages
- External Hi-Fi power supplies
- Televisions
- Projectors
- Other suitable audiovisual equipment
Suitable for Projectors and Displays
Chord Company specifically recommends Shawline Power for audiovisual equipment as well as conventional Hi-Fi.
Its shielding system makes it suitable for compatible projectors, displays and other AV components where the correct mains inlet is provided.
UK 13A Mains Plug
The UK Shawline Power cable uses a:
Fused 13A UK mains plug.
The equipment-end connection then varies according to the product being powered.
10A IEC Option
Chord Company offers Shawline Power with a:
High-specification 10A IEC connector.
This is the familiar equipment connection found on a large number of Hi-Fi components.
16A IEC Option
A separate:
16A IEC version
is available for compatible high-current equipment and mains distribution products.
10A and 16A IEC Are Different Connectors
The conventional IEC connection used on many Hi-Fi products and the larger high-current 16A IEC connection are physically different.
If you are unsure which version your equipment requires, contact Audio T with the exact make and model before ordering.
Fig8 Option
Chord Company also manufactures Shawline Power with a:
Fig8 equipment connector.
This extends compatibility to selected products that do not use a conventional IEC inlet.
Audio T's Selector Is Currently Length Based
The current Audio T product selector shows the available cable lengths rather than separate 10A IEC, 16A IEC and Fig8 variants.
If your equipment requires something other than the standard stocked connection, contact your local Audio T store before placing the order.
Custom Terminations
Chord Company supports custom Shawline Power terminations for compatible installations.
Manufacturer options include mains plugs for:
- UK
- Euro / Schuko
- Switzerland
- Australia
- USA
For UK Audio T customers, the standard UK configuration will normally be the appropriate choice unless the cable is being specified for specialist equipment or use elsewhere.
Hand Built in the UK
Shawline Power is:
Designed, hand built and rigorously tested in the UK.
Chord Company manufactures its specialist cable products at its Wiltshire facility.
Developed from the Original Power Chord
Shawline Power is the updated and substantially reworked successor to Chord Company's earlier Power Chord mains cable.
The redesign introduced:
- Thicker stranded conductors
- Higher-gauge braid shielding
- Revised high-frequency shielding
- The Shawline range identity
Why Mains Cables Are Different from Signal Cables
A power cable is not carrying the same low-level audio signal as an RCA, DIN or digital interconnect.
Its construction therefore has different priorities, including:
- Safe mains-voltage operation
- Suitable current capacity
- Mechanical durability
- Shielding
- Connector quality
- Compatibility with the connected equipment
This is why individual Chord Company ranges can use different conductor and insulation materials for their power and signal cables.
Where Should I Try Shawline Power First?
There is no single correct answer because systems vary, but common starting points include:
- CD players and transports
- Music streamers
- DACs
- Integrated amplifiers
- Power amplifiers
- Televisions and projectors
Trying the cable on one component at a time makes it easier to determine where it is most worthwhile in your system.
Change One Cable at a Time
If you are experimenting with several mains upgrades, make one change and listen before moving on to the next.
That gives you a much clearer idea of what each change is contributing.
Shawline Power at Audio T
Audio T has put Shawline Power through exactly the sort of comparison we recommend to customers.
Our former Enfield team took several mains cables home to try with a Denon AV system and found Shawline the most convincing of the cables they tested.
Read: Untangle Your Music - Are Power Cable Upgrades Just Snake Oil?
Clearway Power Versus Shawline Power
Clearway Power is Chord Company's more affordable first-stage mains-cable upgrade, while Shawline introduces a revised conductor and shielding construction.
Clearway Power
- High-purity multi-strand copper conductors
- PVC insulation
- Dual-foil screen
- High-density damping outer jacket
- 10A IEC, 16A IEC and Fig8 options
- Designed as the first Chord Company power upgrade
Shawline Power
- 3 x 14AWG high-purity copper conductors
- PVC insulation
- Foil and higher-gauge braid shielding
- High-density damping outer jacket
- 10A IEC, 16A IEC and Fig8 options
- Higher-level shielding construction
Shawline Power Versus Epic Power
Epic Power provides the next obvious step for systems that justify moving further up the Chord Company power-cable range.
Shawline Power
- High-purity multi-strand copper
- 3 x 14AWG conductors
- Parallel conductor layout
- PVC insulation
- Foil and braid shielding
- High-density damping outer jacket
Epic Power
- High-purity multi-strand copper
- Chord Company ARAY technology
- PVC insulation
- Foil and braid combination shielding
- High-density damping outer jacket
- Higher-level ARAY construction
Does Shawline Power Use ARAY Technology?
Chord Company does not currently specify ARAY conductor technology as part of the dedicated Shawline Power technical specification.
Epic Power is the model further up the current range where Chord Company explicitly introduces ARAY technology into the mains cable.
Does Shawline Power Use XLPE?
No.
The current dedicated Shawline Power specification uses:
PVC internal and external insulation.
XLPE is used in several other current Chord Company products, including ShawlineX speaker cable, but should not be carried across to the power cable specification.
Does Shawline Power Use Silver-Plated Conductors?
No.
Chord Company specifies:
High-purity multi-strand copper conductors.
Silver-plated conductors are used elsewhere within the Shawline family, but not in the current published Shawline Power specification.
Can It Be Used with PowerHAUS?
Yes, where the selected connector arrangement is suitable.
Chord Company's PowerHAUS mains distribution blocks use heavy-duty power inputs, so check the exact PowerHAUS model and required IEC connection before ordering.
View Chord Company PowerHAUS P6 at Audio T.
Can I Use It with a Power Amplifier?
Yes, provided the amplifier's mains inlet and electrical requirements are compatible with the selected Shawline Power configuration.
For equipment using a high-current IEC inlet, specify the correct 16A version rather than trying to adapt a conventional 10A cable.
Can I Use It with a Streamer or DAC?
Yes.
Shawline Power is suitable for compatible digital source equipment and can be a useful cable to audition around music streamers, DACs and servers.
Can I Use It with a Television or Projector?
Yes, where the equipment has an appropriate mains inlet.
Chord Company specifically includes audiovisual applications within Shawline Power's intended use.
Does It Filter the Mains?
Shawline Power is a shielded mains cable rather than a mains conditioner or regenerator.
Its construction concentrates on conductors, insulation, shielding, damping and connections rather than regenerating or actively conditioning the incoming AC supply.
Does It Include Surge Protection?
Shawline Power should not be considered a substitute for dedicated surge-protection equipment.
If surge protection is an important requirement, discuss the complete mains arrangement with your local Audio T store.
Allow Natural Cable Bends
Power cables can be relatively substantial, particularly around their connectors.
Allow enough space behind the equipment for Shawline Power to form a natural bend without pulling sideways on the mains inlet.
Avoid Tightly Coiling Excess Cable
Choose an appropriate length and route any small amount of excess cable naturally rather than winding it into a tight coil behind the system.
Important Mains Safety
Shawline Power carries mains voltage and should only be used with compatible equipment.
Do not dismantle, modify or attempt to reterminate the cable yourself. If a different equipment connector or length is required, order the correctly manufactured version.
Key Features
- Chord Company Shawline Power
- High-performance mains cable
- Designed for Hi-Fi and AV equipment
- 3 x 14AWG conductors
- High-purity multi-strand copper
- Parallel conductor layout
- PVC internal insulation
- PVC external insulation
- High mechanical damping factor
- Dual-layer shielding
- Foil shielding layer
- Higher-gauge braid shield
- High-frequency noise protection
- High-density vibration-damping outer jacket
- UK 13A fused mains connection
- 10A IEC manufacturer option
- 16A IEC manufacturer option
- Fig8 manufacturer option
- 1m Audio T option
- 1.5m Audio T option
- 2m Audio T option
- 3m Audio T option
- Custom lengths available
- Custom terminations available
- Suitable for amplifiers
- Suitable for source components
- Suitable for televisions and projectors
- Hand built in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company Shawline Power?
Shawline Power is a high-performance shielded mains cable for compatible Hi-Fi and audiovisual equipment.
What conductors does it use?
Three 14AWG high-purity multi-strand copper conductors.
Are the conductors silver plated?
No. Chord Company's current Shawline Power specification uses high-purity copper conductors.
Does Shawline Power use XLPE insulation?
No. The current power cable uses PVC internal and external insulation with a high mechanical damping factor.
Is Shawline Power shielded?
Yes. It uses a dual-layer combination of foil and braid shielding.
What is the outer jacket designed to do?
Chord Company specifies a high-density outer jacket designed to provide vibration damping as well as physical protection.
What lengths does Audio T offer?
Audio T currently lists 1m, 1.5m, 2m and 3m options.
What are Chord Company's standard lengths?
Chord currently lists 1m, 1.5m and 2m as standard lengths, with custom lengths available to order.
Why does Audio T also have a 3m version?
Chord Company supports custom lengths, allowing Audio T to offer a longer 3m option alongside the standard catalogue lengths.
What equipment connectors are available?
Chord Company manufactures Shawline Power with high-specification 10A IEC, 16A IEC and Fig8 equipment connectors.
Are 10A and 16A IEC connectors the same?
No. They are different physical connectors. Check the socket on your equipment before ordering.
Can I use Shawline Power with an amplifier?
Yes, where the cable connector and amplifier mains inlet are compatible.
Can I use it with a CD player?
Yes, provided the player has a compatible mains inlet.
Can I use it with a streamer?
Yes. Streamers and other digital source components are common applications for shielded mains cables.
Can I use it with a DAC?
Yes, where the DAC uses a compatible mains connection.
Can I use it with a television?
Yes, provided a compatible mains inlet is fitted.
Can I use it with a projector?
Yes. Chord Company specifically includes projectors and screens among the audiovisual applications for Shawline Power.
Does Shawline Power use ARAY technology?
Chord Company does not currently specify ARAY technology for Shawline Power. Epic Power is the next range model where ARAY technology is explicitly part of the published mains-cable specification.
What is below Shawline Power?
Clearway Power is Chord Company's more affordable first-stage power-cable upgrade.
What is above Shawline Power?
Epic Power provides the next major step and adds Chord Company's ARAY conductor technology.
Does Shawline Power condition or regenerate the mains?
No. It is a specialist shielded power cable rather than a mains conditioner or regenerator.
Does it provide surge protection?
It should not be treated as dedicated surge-protection equipment.
Can I order a custom length?
Yes. Chord Company supports custom lengths and terminations. Contact Audio T with your requirements.
Can Audio T help me choose the correct connector?
Yes. Give your local Audio T store the exact make and model of the component and we can help identify the appropriate mains connection.
Can I demonstrate Shawline Power before buying?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss demonstration or home-trial availability.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help choosing the correct cable length
- 10A IEC, 16A IEC and Fig8 compatibility advice
- Amplifier and source-component guidance
- Clearway, Shawline and Epic Power comparison advice
- PowerHAUS system-matching guidance
- Custom length and termination enquiries
- Hi-Fi and home-cinema mains advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to demonstrate Shawline Power, confirm which equipment connector you need or compare it with Clearway or Epic Power in your system.