Audio T Verdict
Signature Super ARAY Streaming is Chord Company's high-end network cable for systems where streaming is every bit as important as the more traditional source components.
The construction goes considerably further than a conventional network lead, with heavier-gauge silver-plated conductors, revised conductor spacing, hard-skin insulation, advanced shielding and a Super ARAY geometry developed specifically for streaming applications.
Particular attention has also been paid to the RJ45 terminations. Chord Company uses high-precision connectors with gold-plated contacts and solders the conductors directly to the contact pins rather than relying on a conventional mass-produced network termination.
Signature sits between Epic and the flagship ChordMusic range, making it an obvious cable to audition in a revealing streaming system where the network switch, streamer, DAC, amplification and loudspeakers are already performing at a high level.
At this price, demonstration is essential. Try it between your network switch and streamer, compare it directly with the cable already in the system and decide from there.
Chord Company Signature Super ARAY Streaming Cable
Signature Super ARAY Streaming is a high-performance RJ45 network cable developed specifically for music-streaming systems.
Its construction combines:
- Heavier-gauge silver-plated conductors
- Revised conductor spacing
- Hard-skin insulation
- Advanced shielding
- Streaming-specific Super ARAY conductor geometry
- High-precision RJ45 connectors
- Gold-plated RJ45 contacts
- Directly soldered conductor connections
Designed Specifically for Music Streaming
Signature Super ARAY is not simply an analogue or digital interconnect fitted with RJ45 plugs.
Chord Company developed the conductor arrangement specifically around the requirements of a wired network connection used for music streaming.
The cable can be used between compatible RJ45-equipped network components including:
- Network switch and music streamer
- Router and dedicated network switch
- Music server and network switch
- NAS drive and network switch
- Other compatible wired network-audio devices
Where Should I Try It First?
In a typical streaming system, the connection between the network switch and the music streamer is a sensible place to start.
This also makes comparison straightforward: listen with your existing cable, substitute Signature Super ARAY and assess the difference in the same system.
Super ARAY Conductor Geometry
Signature Streaming uses:
Chord Company's Super ARAY conductor geometry.
The configuration was developed specifically for streaming cables rather than simply being transferred unchanged from an analogue interconnect.
Super ARAY evolved from Chord Company's earlier Tuned ARAY development and is used in several of the company's higher-performance digital products.
A Streaming-Specific Super ARAY Design
Different types of connections present different electrical and physical requirements.
Chord Company therefore adapts its ARAY concepts to the particular cable rather than assuming the same internal arrangement will suit RCA, USB, network and speaker connections equally well.
Signature Super ARAY Streaming uses a version developed specifically around its network conductor arrangement.
Heavier-Gauge Silver-Plated Conductors
Chord Company specifies:
Heavier-gauge silver-plated conductors.
These form one of the principal differences between Signature and the company's lower-level streaming cables.
No Published AWG Specification
Chord Company describes the Signature Streaming conductors as heavier gauge but does not currently publish a specific AWG or conductor-area figure for this product.
We therefore do not assign a conductor size based on another Signature cable.
Revised Conductor Spacing
Alongside the heavier conductors, Signature Super ARAY uses:
Revised conductor spacing.
The spacing forms part of the complete cable geometry and works in conjunction with the insulation, shielding and Super ARAY configuration.
Hard-Skin Insulation
The current cable uses:
Hard-skin insulation.
Chord Company specifically lists this material as part of the Signature Streaming construction.
Not SignatureX XLPE
Several current Signature analogue and power cables now carry the SignatureX name and use XLPE insulation.
Signature Super ARAY Streaming remains a separate current product and Chord Company continues to specify hard-skin insulation for it. The XLPE specification of SignatureX analogue cables should not be carried across to this network cable.
Advanced Shielding System
Chord Company describes Signature Super ARAY Streaming as using:
An advanced shielding system.
Shielding is a major focus throughout Chord Company's network-cable development because streaming equipment operates in an environment containing substantial high-frequency electrical activity.
A Modern Network Environment
A streaming system can contain numerous electrically active devices, including:
- Routers
- Network switches
- Music servers
- NAS drives
- Computers
- Wi-Fi access points
- Switch-mode power supplies
- DACs
- Digital displays
Signature's conductor arrangement and shielding are designed specifically with this sort of environment in mind.
High-Precision RJ45 Connectors
Signature Super ARAY Streaming is fitted with:
High-precision RJ45 connectors.
These provide the familiar wired network connection used by compatible music streamers, switches, servers and routers.
Gold-Plated RJ45 Contacts
The RJ45 connectors use:
Gold-plated contacts.
This remains Chord Company's current published connector specification for Signature Super ARAY Streaming.
Gold-Plated, Not ChorAlloy
Many current Chord Company analogue and digital cables use ChorAlloy-plated connectors.
Signature Super ARAY Streaming is different: Chord Company's current specification continues to state gold-plated RJ45 contacts.
Conductors Soldered Directly to the Contacts
Chord Company specifies that the Signature conductors are:
Soldered directly to the RJ45 contact pins.
This avoids the conventional termination technique used on many mass-produced network leads and allows the connector to form part of the complete Signature cable design.
RJ45 to RJ45
Signature Super ARAY Streaming is designed for:
RJ45 network connections at both ends.
Both connected components therefore require suitable wired network sockets.
Check the Connection Before Ordering
This is an RJ45 streaming cable.
It does not connect to USB, HDMI, optical, RCA, BNC, XLR or DIN sockets.
If you are unsure which cable your streamer requires, contact Audio T with the exact make and model.
Standard 1 Metre Length
Chord Company's standard Signature Super ARAY Streaming length is:
1 metre.
This is an appropriate length for many systems where the network switch is positioned close to the streamer or music server.
Custom Lengths Available
Chord Company can also manufacture:
Custom Signature Streaming lengths to order.
If 1m does not suit your installation, contact Audio T with the required length before ordering.
Allow a Relaxed Cable Route
A cable that is slightly longer than the minimum required is preferable to one pulled tightly between components.
Allow enough length for a natural route without placing unnecessary strain on the RJ45 sockets.
Can I Use It Between Router and Streamer?
Yes, where both devices use conventional RJ45 network connections.
However, if your system also contains a dedicated network switch, it can be useful to compare the cable in different positions rather than assuming one particular connection will always be the most worthwhile.
Can I Use It Between Switch and Streamer?
Yes.
This is one of the most obvious applications for Signature Super ARAY Streaming in a dedicated network-audio system.
Can I Use It with a Music Server?
Yes, provided the music server uses a standard RJ45 network connection.
This can include dedicated audio servers as well as suitable network storage and transport products.
Can I Use It with a NAS Drive?
Yes, where the NAS connects to the network through RJ45.
The cable can be installed between the NAS and a compatible network switch or router.
Will It Work with Any Streamer?
It is suitable for streamers equipped with a conventional wired RJ45 network socket.
A streamer relying solely on Wi-Fi has no physical connection for the cable.
Does It Replace Wi-Fi?
Signature Super ARAY Streaming is intended for a wired network connection.
If your streamer supports both wired and wireless networking, selecting wired operation is normally handled within the streamer or network configuration itself.
Is It an Ethernet Cable?
It uses standard RJ45 network connections and is designed for communication between compatible network devices.
Chord Company deliberately refers to its high-performance products as streaming cables, reflecting the specific conductor, insulation, shielding and termination techniques developed for audio applications.
Does It Make the Internet Faster?
Signature Super ARAY Streaming is not sold as an internet-speed upgrade.
Its purpose is to provide Chord Company's high-end network-cable construction between compatible streaming components.
Does Chord Publish a Cat Rating?
Chord Company's current Signature Super ARAY Streaming specification does not publish a Cat 5e, Cat 6 or Cat 7 classification.
For that reason, we do not assign one to the cable.
Stick to the Manufacturer's Specification
Network-cable terminology can quickly become dominated by computer-industry categories and bandwidth claims.
Chord Company's current Signature specification instead concentrates on its conductor material, geometry, insulation, shielding and RJ45 terminations, so those are the specifications we use here.
Signature Super ARAY Versus Epic Streaming
Epic Streaming sits immediately below Signature in Chord Company's high-performance network-cable hierarchy.
Epic Streaming
- Silver-plated conductors
- High-speed insulation
- Separate-pair shielding
- High-density overall shielding
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Modified high-precision RJ45 connectors
- Direct-soldered conductors
- 1m standard length
Signature Super ARAY Streaming
- Heavier-gauge silver-plated conductors
- Revised conductor spacing
- Hard-skin insulation
- Advanced shielding system
- Streaming-specific Super ARAY geometry
- High-precision RJ45 connectors
- Gold-plated contacts
- Direct-soldered conductors
- 1m standard length
Compare Chord Company Epic Streaming Cable at Audio T.
Signature Super ARAY Versus ChordMusic Streaming
ChordMusic is Chord Company's flagship streaming cable and sits above Signature.
Signature Super ARAY
- High-end Signature range
- Silver-plated conductors
- Hard-skin insulation
- Super ARAY geometry
- Advanced shielding
- High-precision RJ45 connectors
- 1m standard length
ChordMusic Streaming
- Flagship Chord Company range
- Proprietary Taylon insulation
- Streaming-specific Super ARAY geometry
- Advanced mechanical and electrical noise reduction
- RJ45 network connection
- 1m standard length
- Custom lengths available
The most obvious published technology step into ChordMusic is the introduction of Chord Company's proprietary Taylon insulation and its flagship noise-control construction.
Compare Chord Company ChordMusic Streaming Cable at Audio T.
Signature Super ARAY Versus Shawline Streaming
Shawline provides a more affordable route into Chord Company's dedicated streaming-cable range.
Current Shawline Streaming uses high-speed silver-plated copper conductors, individually shielded twisted pairs, an overall shield, FEP insulation and gold-plated RJ45 contacts.
Signature moves further with heavier-gauge conductors, revised spacing, Super ARAY geometry and its more advanced shielding architecture.
Why Demonstration Matters
Network-cable changes can be particularly system dependent.
The usefulness of an upgrade will depend on factors including the streamer, network hardware, DAC, amplification and loudspeakers.
Chord Company itself encourages customers to borrow Signature Super ARAY Streaming from a retailer and hear it in their own system.
Compare It at Home
Keep the rest of the system unchanged and compare Signature with your existing network cable.
If your system contains several wired network connections, try the cable in one position at a time so you can identify where it is most worthwhile.
Signature Is Still a Current Chord Company Range
Signature remains part of Chord Company's current cable hierarchy.
While several analogue and power products have evolved into SignatureX versions, the streaming cable continues under the:
Signature Super ARAY Streaming
name.
Key Features
- Chord Company Signature Super ARAY Streaming
- High-end RJ45 network audio cable
- Designed specifically for music streaming
- Streaming-specific Super ARAY geometry
- Heavier-gauge silver-plated conductors
- Revised conductor spacing
- Hard-skin insulation
- Advanced shielding system
- High-precision RJ45 connectors
- Gold-plated RJ45 contacts
- Conductors soldered directly to connector contacts
- RJ45 to RJ45 connection
- Suitable for network switches
- Suitable for music streamers
- Suitable for music servers
- Suitable for routers
- Suitable for compatible NAS drives
- 1m standard manufacturer length
- Custom lengths available
- No manufacturer-published Cat classification
- Epic Streaming below in the range
- ChordMusic Streaming above in the range
- Home demonstration recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company Signature Super ARAY Streaming?
It is a high-performance RJ45 network cable developed specifically for music-streaming systems, using silver-plated conductors, hard-skin insulation, advanced shielding and Super ARAY conductor geometry.
Is Signature Super ARAY Streaming still current?
Yes. It remains part of Chord Company's current Signature range.
Has it been replaced by SignatureX Streaming?
No. Chord Company still names the current product Signature Super ARAY Streaming Cable.
What connectors does it use?
High-precision RJ45 connectors at both ends.
Are the RJ45 contacts gold plated?
Yes. That remains Chord Company's current published specification.
Are the conductors soldered to the connectors?
Yes. Chord Company directly solders the conductors to the RJ45 contact pins.
What conductor material is used?
Chord Company specifies heavier-gauge silver-plated conductors.
What conductor gauge is it?
Chord Company does not currently publish an AWG or cross-sectional-area figure for Signature Super ARAY Streaming.
What insulation does it use?
Hard-skin insulation.
Does it use XLPE?
Chord Company's current Signature Streaming specification states hard-skin insulation rather than XLPE.
Does it use Super ARAY technology?
Yes. The Super ARAY conductor geometry is specifically developed for streaming cables.
Is it shielded?
Yes. Chord Company specifies an advanced shielding system.
What is the standard length?
1 metre.
Can I order another length?
Yes. Chord Company offers custom lengths to order.
Can I connect a network switch to my streamer?
Yes. This is one of the most obvious applications for the cable.
Can I use it between a router and switch?
Yes, where both use standard RJ45 network connections.
Can I use it with a music server?
Yes, provided the server has a compatible RJ45 network socket.
Can I use it with a NAS drive?
Yes, where the NAS connects to the network through RJ45.
Will it work with a Wi-Fi-only streamer?
No. A physical RJ45 network socket is required.
Does it make my broadband faster?
It is not designed or marketed as an internet-speed upgrade. Its purpose is as a high-performance wired network connection within a music-streaming system.
What Cat rating is it?
Chord Company does not currently publish a Cat classification for Signature Super ARAY Streaming, so Audio T does not assign one.
What is below Signature in the Chord Company streaming range?
Epic Streaming provides the next major step below Signature.
What is above Signature?
ChordMusic Streaming is the flagship model and adds Chord Company's Taylon insulation and more elaborate noise-control construction.
Can I demonstrate Signature Super ARAY Streaming?
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 planning network-audio cable connections
- Streamer and network-switch setup advice
- Music-server and NAS guidance
- Epic, Signature and ChordMusic comparison advice
- Help choosing the correct cable length
- Custom-length enquiries
- Complete streaming-system 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 Signature Super ARAY Streaming, order a custom length or discuss where a network-cable upgrade is most worthwhile in your system.