Audio T Verdict
ShawlineX is one of those speaker cables that occupies a very useful middle ground in the Chord Company range. It is still compact enough to live with easily, but its construction is considerably more sophisticated than the unshielded RumourX on which it is based.
The 16AWG silver-plated OFC conductors are insulated with XLPE and arranged as a twisted pair, before Chord Company adds a specially chosen PVC internal jacket to reduce mechanical noise. Around that sits a substantial dual-layer shield made from high-density foil and a 93% coverage metal braid.
The result is a 9.1mm cable that remains reasonably flexible while introducing the shielding architecture found further up the Chord Company speaker-cable range.
This Audio T page is for professionally terminated ShawlineX cable rather than bare cable cut from the reel. If you want to install your own connectors or use bare-wire connections, we also have a separate ShawlineX per-metre product.
For many mid-range and upper-mid-range systems, ShawlineX is exactly the sort of cable we'd suggest putting on the demonstration list alongside RumourX, OdysseyX and EpicX.
Chord Company ShawlineX Speaker Cable - Terminated Pair
ShawlineX is a shielded loudspeaker cable developed from Chord Company's long-running Rumour design.
It combines:
- 16AWG silver-plated high-purity OFC conductors
- XLPE conductor insulation
- Twisted-pair geometry
- PVC internal damping jacket
- High-density foil shielding
- 93% coverage metal braid
- Translucent PVC outer jacket
- ChordOhmic termination options
Professionally Terminated Speaker Cable
This Audio T product is intended for customers who want a finished speaker-cable set rather than bare cable from the reel.
Chord Company can terminate ShawlineX with:
- ChordOhmic 4mm banana plugs
- ChordOhmic spade connectors
The exact connector arrangement should suit the terminals on your amplifier and loudspeakers.
16AWG Conductors
ShawlineX uses:
16AWG conductors.
Chord Company publishes a conductor cross-sectional area of:
1.31mm².
This is the same fundamental conductor size used by RumourX, but ShawlineX builds a much more elaborate shielding and damping structure around it.
Silver-Plated High-Purity OFC
The conductor material is:
Silver-plated high-purity oxygen-free copper.
Chord Company uses this conductor construction throughout several of its higher-performance loudspeaker cables.
XLPE Insulation
The current ShawlineX uses:
XLPE conductor insulation.
XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene.
Earlier versions of Shawline used PTFE, but Chord Company subsequently moved both RumourX and ShawlineX to a particular XLPE formulation following its own testing and listening programme.
Why the X in ShawlineX?
The X identifies the current XLPE-insulated generation of the cable.
Older reviews of Shawline may therefore refer to PTFE insulation. The current ShawlineX speaker cable uses XLPE.
Twisted-Pair Geometry
The positive and negative conductors are arranged as a:
Twisted pair.
This is the same fundamental conductor layout used by RumourX before ShawlineX adds its additional damping and shielding layers.
PVC Internal Jacket
Chord Company adds a specially selected:
PVC internal jacket.
Its purpose is to reduce mechanical noise before the shielding layers are applied.
High-Density Foil Shield
Around the internal cable structure is a:
High-density foil shield.
This forms the first layer of ShawlineX's high-frequency shielding system.
93% Coverage Metal Braid
The foil is supplemented by a:
93% coverage metal braid.
Together, the foil and braid form the dual-layer shielding arrangement that distinguishes ShawlineX from the unshielded RumourX and OdysseyX designs.
Shielding Derived from Epic
Chord Company uses the same fundamental high-density dual-layer foil and braid approach in its Epic speaker cable.
ShawlineX therefore introduces a shielding strategy associated with higher models while retaining the slimmer 16AWG RumourX conductor platform.
Why Shield a Speaker Cable?
Modern homes contain a significant amount of high-frequency electrical activity from digital and wireless equipment.
This can include:
- Wi-Fi routers
- Network switches
- Music streamers
- Computers
- Televisions
- Wireless devices
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Smart-home equipment
ShawlineX's shielding is designed to reduce unwanted interaction between the loudspeaker cable and the surrounding high-frequency electrical environment.
Translucent PVC Outer Jacket
The finished cable uses a:
Translucent PVC outer jacket.
This protects the internal conductors, damping layer and shielding while retaining enough flexibility for normal domestic installation.
9.1mm Overall Diameter
The complete ShawlineX cable measures:
9.1mm in diameter.
This makes it considerably more substantial than RumourX but still relatively manageable compared with some of Chord Company's heavier high-end speaker cables.
ShawlineX Versus RumourX
ShawlineX starts with the same fundamental 16AWG conductor layout as RumourX and then adds mechanical damping and substantial high-frequency shielding.
RumourX
- 16AWG
- 1.31mm²
- Silver-plated OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted pair
- No additional shielding
- 6mm diameter
ShawlineX
- 16AWG
- 1.31mm²
- Silver-plated high-purity OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted pair
- PVC internal damping jacket
- High-density foil
- 93% metal braid
- 9.1mm diameter
For systems where the extra physical size is practical, ShawlineX is the natural step up from RumourX if you want Chord Company's shielded speaker-cable architecture.
ShawlineX Versus OdysseyX
OdysseyX takes a different route.
Rather than adding shielding to the RumourX platform, OdysseyX increases the conductor size from 16AWG to 12AWG while remaining unshielded.
OdysseyX
- 12AWG
- 3.31mm²
- Silver-plated OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted pair
- Unshielded
- 8mm diameter
ShawlineX
- 16AWG
- 1.31mm²
- Silver-plated high-purity OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted pair
- Dual-layer shielding
- 9.1mm diameter
Neither is automatically the right choice for every system. Chord Company itself recommends auditioning the alternatives where possible.
ShawlineX Versus EpicX
EpicX moves further up the range by combining a heavier 12AWG conductor with foil and braid shielding.
ShawlineX
- 16AWG
- 1.31mm²
- Silver-plated OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Foil plus 93% braid
- 9.1mm diameter
EpicX
- 12AWG
- 3.31mm²
- Silver-plated OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Foil plus 93% braid
- 11mm diameter
EpicX therefore retains the basic shielded philosophy but increases conductor size considerably.
Factory Termination
Chord Company offers ShawlineX professionally terminated at its UK factory.
Current connector options include:
- ChordOhmic 4mm banana plugs
- ChordOhmic spade connectors
ChordOhmic Connectors
ChordOhmic is Chord Company's current range of loudspeaker connectors.
The connector system is designed for high-pressure crimp termination rather than relying purely on a conventional screw or solder joint.
Banana or Spade?
The correct connector depends on the binding posts fitted to your amplifier and loudspeakers.
4mm banana plugs are convenient and widely compatible, while spade connectors can be useful with suitable binding posts where a secure clamped connection is preferred.
Different Connectors at Each End?
If your amplifier works best with bananas but your loudspeakers require spades, contact Audio T before ordering.
Chord Company can build speaker cables with appropriate termination combinations for compatible equipment.
Manufacturer Pair Lengths
Chord Company currently publishes standard terminated-pair EANs for:
- 1.5m pair
- 2m pair
- 3m pair
- 5m pair
Other lengths can also be supplied where required.
Use the Audio T selector above for the configurations currently available through this product record, or contact your local store for a specific length.
Can I Order a Custom Length?
Yes.
ShawlineX is also available off the reel, allowing Chord Company or an appropriately equipped dealer to prepare cables to suit installations that fall outside the standard factory lengths.
Suitable for Standmount Speakers
ShawlineX works well in systems using quality standmount loudspeakers where the extra shielding and damping can be introduced without moving to a particularly bulky cable.
Suitable for Floorstanding Speakers
It can also be used with compatible floorstanding loudspeakers.
For demanding systems or longer cable runs where conductor size becomes a particular consideration, OdysseyX and EpicX are also worth comparing.
Suitable for Older Systems Too
ShawlineX does not require the rest of the system to be brand new.
A well-performing older amplifier and loudspeaker combination can still benefit from auditioning a modern shielded speaker cable if the existing cable is relatively basic.
Bi-Wire Loudspeakers
If your loudspeakers have separate HF and LF binding posts but you intend to single-wire them with ShawlineX, the loudspeaker's link plates or dedicated cable links will still be required.
Chord Company manufactures dedicated bi-wire speaker links at several performance levels for suitable systems.
Measure Before Ordering
Measure the actual route the cable will follow rather than the straight-line distance between amplifier and speaker.
Allow for:
- Equipment-rack depth
- Furniture
- Final loudspeaker positioning
- Natural curves behind the terminals
- Enough slack to move equipment safely
Avoid Pulling on the Terminals
Do not order a cable that only just reaches.
Allow ShawlineX to form a natural curve behind both amplifier and loudspeakers rather than pulling tightly on the binding posts.
ShawlineX in Audio T Systems
ShawlineX is regularly used in Audio T system recommendations because it offers a useful balance between performance, shielding, practicality and cost.
In our 2026 guide to building a CD-based system below £10,000, ShawlineX was chosen as the speaker cable alongside matching ShawlineX analogue interconnects.
Read: CD System Under £10,000 - The Best Hi-Fi CD Player, Amplifier and Speakers for 2026
Our Bristol team has also used terminated ShawlineX in system recommendations with products from Rega and Dynaudio.
Read: Answering Customer Questions at Audio T Bristol
Key Features
- Chord Company ShawlineX
- Terminated speaker cable
- Stereo pair configurations
- 16AWG conductors
- 1.31mm² conductor area
- Silver-plated high-purity OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted-pair construction
- PVC internal damping jacket
- Reduced mechanical noise construction
- High-density foil shielding
- 93% coverage metal braid
- Dual-layer shielding
- Translucent PVC outer jacket
- 9.1mm overall diameter
- ChordOhmic 4mm banana compatible
- ChordOhmic spade compatible
- Factory termination available
- UK factory termination
- 1.5m manufacturer pair option
- 2m manufacturer pair option
- 3m manufacturer pair option
- 5m manufacturer pair option
- Custom lengths possible
- Separate per-metre version available
- Based on RumourX conductor platform
- Epic-derived shielding architecture
- Suitable for standmount speakers
- Suitable for compatible floorstanding speakers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company ShawlineX?
ShawlineX is a shielded loudspeaker cable using 16AWG silver-plated OFC conductors, XLPE insulation, a PVC damping jacket and dual-layer foil and braid shielding.
Is this the terminated version?
Yes. This Audio T product is intended for finished terminated ShawlineX speaker-cable configurations.
Can I buy ShawlineX unterminated?
Yes. Audio T has a separate product for ShawlineX cable sold bare per metre.
What conductor material does ShawlineX use?
Silver-plated high-purity oxygen-free copper.
What gauge is ShawlineX?
16AWG.
What is the conductor cross-sectional area?
1.31mm².
What insulation does ShawlineX use?
XLPE, or cross-linked polyethylene.
Did older Shawline use PTFE?
Yes. Earlier versions used PTFE before Chord Company moved the speaker cable to its current XLPE specification.
Is ShawlineX shielded?
Yes. It uses high-density foil plus a 93% coverage metal braid.
What is the PVC internal jacket for?
Chord Company uses the internal PVC jacket to reduce mechanical noise before applying the shielding layers.
What is the overall diameter?
9.1mm.
What connectors are available?
Chord Company offers ChordOhmic 4mm banana plugs and ChordOhmic spade connectors for factory termination.
Can I have bananas at both ends?
Yes, where compatible with your amplifier and loudspeakers.
Can I have spades?
Yes. ChordOhmic spade connectors are also available.
Can I mix banana and spade connections?
Contact Audio T with the required arrangement and equipment models so the correct termination can be specified.
What standard lengths does Chord Company make?
Chord Company currently publishes 1.5m, 2m, 3m and 5m terminated-pair configurations.
Can I order another length?
Yes. ShawlineX is also available off the reel and custom lengths can be arranged.
What is the difference between RumourX and ShawlineX?
Both use a 16AWG silver-plated OFC twisted-pair conductor platform with XLPE insulation. ShawlineX adds a PVC damping jacket and high-density foil plus 93% braid shielding.
What is the difference between OdysseyX and ShawlineX?
OdysseyX uses larger 12AWG conductors but is unshielded, while ShawlineX uses smaller 16AWG conductors with dual-layer shielding.
What is above ShawlineX?
EpicX is the next major shielded speaker-cable step, increasing conductor size to 12AWG / 3.31mm² while retaining foil and braid shielding.
Is ShawlineX suitable for floorstanding speakers?
Yes. It can be used with compatible floorstanding and standmount loudspeakers.
Can Audio T demonstrate ShawlineX?
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 speaker-cable length
- Banana and spade termination guidance
- Factory-terminated and per-metre options
- RumourX, OdysseyX, ShawlineX and EpicX comparison advice
- Help matching cable to amplifier and loudspeakers
- Bi-wire system guidance
- Custom cable enquiries
- 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 ShawlineX, specify a custom length or confirm the best termination for your amplifier and loudspeakers.