Audio T Verdict
Chord Company EpicX is a serious speaker cable for systems capable of revealing what is happening between the amplifier and loudspeakers, without making the jump into the considerably more expensive upper reaches of the Chord Company range.
Its foundation is a substantial pair of 12AWG silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors, each insulated with XLPE and arranged as a twisted pair. Chord Company then surrounds the cable with a high-density foil and 93% coverage metal-braid shield to help reduce the influence of unwanted high-frequency interference.
That shielding is what really separates EpicX from OdysseyX, which uses the same fundamental conductor technology. EpicX adds the more elaborate shielding system and translucent outer jacket, moving it into a different level of cable construction.
Audio T supplies EpicX here as a professionally terminated stereo pair, ready to connect between a compatible amplifier and loudspeakers using ChordOhmic connectors.
If your amplifier and speakers are staying put but you suspect there is more performance to be had from the system, EpicX is exactly the sort of upgrade we would recommend hearing before changing a major component.
Chord Company EpicX Speaker Cable - Terminated Pair
EpicX is a high-performance shielded loudspeaker cable from Chord Company's Epic range.
This Audio T product is supplied as:
A professionally terminated stereo pair.
Each pair contains two matching finished speaker cables, one for the left loudspeaker and one for the right.
What Does a Terminated Pair Mean?
If you select a 3m pair, for example, you receive two 3m speaker cables rather than 3 metres divided between the two channels.
Choose the length that each individual loudspeaker requires from the amplifier.
Based on Chord Company OdysseyX
EpicX shares its basic conductor construction with Chord Company's multi-award-winning OdysseyX speaker cable.
Both use:
- 12AWG conductors
- Silver-plated oxygen-free copper
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted-pair geometry
EpicX then adds its substantially more elaborate high-frequency shielding system and translucent outer jacket.
12AWG Conductors
EpicX uses substantial:
12AWG positive and negative conductors.
Chord Company publishes a conductor cross-sectional area of:
3.31mm².
This places EpicX among the heavier-gauge speaker cables in Chord Company's range.
Silver-Plated Oxygen-Free Copper
The conductors are made from:
Silver-plated oxygen-free copper.
This combines an OFC conductor with a silver-plated outer surface and is also used within several other Chord Company speaker-cable designs.
XLPE Insulation
EpicX uses:
XLPE conductor insulation.
XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene and forms an important part of Chord Company's current X-generation cable construction.
Twisted-Pair Geometry
The positive and negative conductors are arranged in a:
Twisted-pair configuration.
This keeps the conductors in a controlled relationship with one another throughout the length of the cable.
High-Density Foil Shielding
One of the defining features of EpicX is its:
High-density foil shield.
This surrounds the internal speaker-cable construction and forms the first part of EpicX's combination shielding system.
93% Coverage Metal Braid
Outside the foil layer is a:
Metal braid providing 93% coverage.
The combination of foil and braid provides more comprehensive high-frequency shielding than the unshielded OdysseyX design.
Why Shield a Speaker Cable?
A modern Hi-Fi system can sit alongside network equipment, televisions, computers, chargers, wireless products, switch-mode power supplies and mains cables.
These can all contribute high-frequency electrical interference to the environment surrounding the system.
Chord Company has increasingly focused on shielding across its speaker-cable range, with EpicX using both high-density foil and metal braid to help reduce the influence of unwanted interference.
Translucent PVC Outer Jacket
The complete EpicX construction is protected by a:
Translucent PVC outer jacket.
This gives EpicX its distinctive appearance while protecting the shielding and internal conductor assembly.
11mm Overall Diameter
Chord Company publishes an overall EpicX cable diameter of:
11mm.
The substantial construction is worth considering when planning cable routes behind equipment racks, furniture and loudspeakers.
Choose the Right Pair Length
Measure the route each cable will actually take rather than simply measuring the straight-line distance from amplifier to loudspeaker.
Allow enough additional length for furniture, equipment-rack depth, speaker positioning and future adjustment without leaving the cables pulled tight.
Professionally Terminated Stereo Pairs
EpicX is supplied here as a finished stereo pair using Chord Company's purpose-designed loudspeaker connectors.
This provides a complete cable set ready to connect to compatible amplifier and loudspeaker binding posts.
ChordOhmic 4mm Banana Plugs
Audio T's standard EpicX terminated pairs use:
ChordOhmic 4mm banana plugs.
ChordOhmic connectors are designed to provide a secure mechanical and electrical connection between the EpicX conductors and compatible loudspeaker terminals.
ChordOhmic Spade Connectors
Chord Company also offers:
ChordOhmic spade connectors.
If your amplifier or loudspeakers require spade connections, or you need a mixed banana and spade configuration, contact Audio T before ordering to discuss the appropriate finished cable set.
Check Your Speaker Terminals Before Ordering
The standard Audio T EpicX options use 4mm banana connectors.
If either your amplifier or loudspeakers does not accept 4mm banana plugs, contact your local Audio T store so we can advise on the appropriate termination.
ChordOhmic Hex Gun Termination
Participating Chord Company dealers can professionally terminate EpicX using the:
ChordOhmic Hex Gun.
The specialist tool applies extremely high pressure to the connector and conductor to create a secure crimp termination without conventional soldering.
Audio T staff have also built EpicX cables using the same process during hands-on training at Chord Company's Amesbury factory.
Read: Cable Guys for a Day - A Visit to Chord Company HQ
Tailor-Made Terminated Lengths
If the standard pair lengths shown do not suit your system, contact Audio T.
EpicX can be professionally terminated to suit individual installations, allowing the finished cable length and connector arrangement to be matched more closely to your amplifier, loudspeakers and room layout.
Can the Left and Right Cables Be Different Lengths?
Where practical, matching left and right cable lengths provide the neatest and simplest installation.
However, real rooms do not always place the amplifier centrally between the speakers. If your layout requires substantially different cable routes, discuss the system with Audio T before ordering.
Ideal for Floorstanding Speakers
Chord Company describes EpicX as suitable for a very wide range of loudspeakers, from mid-price systems through to high-end designs.
Its substantial 12AWG conductors and shielded construction make it an obvious partner for capable floorstanding loudspeakers and amplifiers.
Suitable for Standmount Speakers
EpicX is not restricted to floorstanding speakers.
It can also be used with high-quality standmount loudspeakers where the partnering amplifier and overall system justify a speaker cable at this level.
EpicX Versus OdysseyX
OdysseyX
- 12AWG conductors
- 3.31mm² conductor area
- Silver-plated OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted-pair construction
- No EpicX combination shield
EpicX
- 12AWG conductors
- 3.31mm² conductor area
- Silver-plated OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted-pair construction
- High-density foil shield
- 93% coverage metal braid
- Translucent outer jacket
Compare Chord Company OdysseyX Speaker Cable at Audio T.
EpicX Versus EpicXL
EpicXL sits above EpicX in Chord Company's speaker-cable range and develops the shielding concept considerably further.
EpicX
- Silver-plated OFC
- 12AWG / 3.31mm²
- XLPE insulation
- Twisted-pair geometry
- Combined foil and braid shield
- 11mm overall diameter
EpicXL
- Silver-plated high-purity OFC
- 12AWG / 3.31mm²
- XLPE insulation
- Separately shielded positive and negative conductors
- High-density foil and 95% braid coverage
- 2 x 7.5mm construction
Compare Chord Company EpicXL Speaker Cable at Audio T.
Single-Wire Speaker Cable
EpicX is fundamentally a two-conductor speaker cable intended for conventional single-wired loudspeaker connections.
Where loudspeakers have separate high-frequency and low-frequency binding posts, the manufacturer's terminal links can normally remain fitted for single-wire operation.
Correct Speaker Polarity
Maintain correct polarity throughout the installation:
- Amplifier positive to loudspeaker positive
- Amplifier negative to loudspeaker negative
Reversing the polarity of one speaker can significantly affect bass performance, stereo imaging and overall coherence.
Switch the Amplifier Off Before Connecting
Always power the amplifier down before fitting, removing or changing speaker cables.
Make sure the speaker connectors cannot accidentally bridge the positive and negative amplifier terminals.
EpicX in Real Audio T Systems
EpicX is regularly used in Audio T demonstration systems rather than simply sitting on the accessories shelf.
Audio T Southampton recently partnered EpicX with the Michi Prestige X430 integrated amplifier and ATC SCM40 floorstanding speakers, while Audio T Cheltenham has also extensively demonstrated the wider Epic cable range.
Read: First Listen - The Michi Prestige X430 and Q430
Read: An Upgrade Of Epic Proportions - The Chord Company Epic Cables
Key Features
- Chord Company EpicX speaker cable
- Professionally terminated stereo pair
- Two matching speaker cables
- ChordOhmic termination
- ChordOhmic 4mm banana plugs
- Spade termination available by request
- Tailor-made terminated lengths available
- 12AWG conductors
- 3.31mm² conductor area
- Silver-plated oxygen-free copper
- XLPE conductor insulation
- Twisted-pair configuration
- High-density foil shielding
- 93% coverage metal braid
- High-frequency combination shielding
- Translucent PVC outer jacket
- 11mm overall diameter
- Based on OdysseyX conductor technology
- Suitable for mid-price and high-end systems
- Suitable for floorstanding loudspeakers
- Suitable for standmount loudspeakers
- EpicXL upgrade path
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company EpicX?
EpicX is a shielded 12AWG loudspeaker cable using silver-plated OFC conductors, XLPE insulation and high-density foil and braid shielding.
How is EpicX supplied by Audio T?
This Audio T product is supplied as a professionally terminated stereo pair.
What does a terminated pair include?
Two matching finished speaker cables, one for the left channel and one for the right.
If I select a 3m pair, are both cables 3m long?
Yes. A 3m pair contains two 3m speaker cables.
What connectors are fitted?
Audio T's standard EpicX terminated pairs use ChordOhmic 4mm banana plugs.
Can EpicX use spade connectors?
Yes. Chord Company also offers ChordOhmic spade connectors. Contact Audio T if you require spade or mixed termination.
Can I order a custom terminated length?
Yes. Contact Audio T to discuss tailor-made EpicX lengths and suitable connector configurations.
What conductor material does EpicX use?
Silver-plated oxygen-free copper.
What gauge is EpicX?
12AWG.
What is the conductor cross-sectional area?
3.31mm².
What insulation does EpicX use?
XLPE, or cross-linked polyethylene.
Is EpicX shielded?
Yes. It uses high-density foil plus a metal braid providing 93% coverage.
What is the cable diameter?
11mm.
What is the difference between OdysseyX and EpicX?
They share the same fundamental 12AWG silver-plated OFC and XLPE-insulated conductor technology, but EpicX adds a high-frequency combination shield and translucent outer jacket.
What is the difference between EpicX and EpicXL?
EpicXL goes further by separately shielding its positive and negative conductors rather than applying one combined shield around the complete cable assembly.
Is EpicX suitable for floorstanding speakers?
Yes. EpicX is suitable for a wide range of capable loudspeakers, including floorstanding designs.
Can EpicX be used with standmount speakers?
Yes. System quality and matching matter more than whether the loudspeaker is physically a standmount or floorstander.
What is the ChordOhmic Hex Gun?
It is Chord Company's specialist tool for applying high-pressure crimp termination between compatible speaker cable and ChordOhmic connectors.
Can Audio T demonstrate EpicX?
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss in-store or home demonstration availability.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Professionally terminated EpicX stereo pairs
- ChordOhmic connector expertise
- Custom terminated length guidance
- Banana and spade connection advice
- OdysseyX, EpicX and EpicXL comparison advice
- Help matching cable to amplifier and speakers
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- System-specific upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help choosing the correct EpicX pair length, discussing connector options or comparing EpicX with OdysseyX and EpicXL in your system.