Audio T Verdict
Chord Company C-jack is a straightforward analogue interconnect for connecting equipment fitted with a mini-jack output to another mini-jack input or to a conventional pair of RCA line inputs.
That makes it particularly useful for portable players, laptops, compatible mobile devices, streaming products and other equipment where a 3.5mm analogue connection needs to become part of a conventional Hi-Fi system.
Despite its relatively accessible position in Chord Company's range, C-jack incorporates the company's ARAY conductor geometry. Chord Company developed this geometry from the Tuned ARAY configuration first used in its Sarum T range.
The important thing when ordering is to choose both the correct connector configuration and the correct length. Chord Company currently offers different standard lengths depending on whether you require mini-jack to mini-jack or mini-jack to twin RCA.
For a simple way of connecting a mini-jack-equipped analogue source into a Hi-Fi system without resorting to a generic adaptor lead, C-jack is the natural starting point in the Chord Company range.
Chord Company C-jack Analogue Mini-Jack Interconnect
Chord Company C-jack is an analogue interconnect designed for compatible line-level equipment including mobile devices, laptops, CD players, streaming devices and amplifiers.
Two connection formats are available from Chord Company:
- Mini-jack to mini-jack
- Mini-jack to 2 RCA
Current Chord Company C-jack Range
Chord Company's current standard C-jack configurations are:
| Connection |
Manufacturer Standard Lengths |
Purpose |
| Mini-jack to Mini-jack |
0.75m, 1m, 1.5m and 3m |
Connect compatible analogue mini-jack outputs and inputs |
| Mini-jack to 2 RCA |
0.75m, 1.5m and 3m |
Connect a compatible mini-jack analogue output to left and right RCA line inputs |
Audio T Online Options
The Audio T selector currently includes:
- 3.5mm to 2 RCA: 0.75m
- 3.5mm to 2 RCA: 3m
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm: 0.75m
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm: 1m
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm: 3m
Need a 1.5m C-jack?
Chord Company currently lists 1.5m versions of both the mini-jack to mini-jack and mini-jack to 2 RCA configurations.
If the 1.5m version you require is not shown in the Audio T selector, please contact your local Audio T store to discuss availability.
Mini-Jack to Mini-Jack
This version has a mini-jack connection at each end.
Chord Company currently manufactures it in:
It is intended for compatible equipment where both the source and receiving device use analogue mini-jack connections.
Mini-Jack to 2 RCA
This version connects a compatible analogue mini-jack output to a conventional pair of RCA connections.
Chord Company currently manufactures it in:
This configuration is particularly useful when connecting a mini-jack-equipped source to the left and right line inputs of an amplifier or other compatible Hi-Fi component.
Check the Input Before Connecting
The RCA version is intended for compatible analogue line connections.
Do not connect it to an RCA socket marked Phono unless that socket is specifically designed to accept a conventional line-level signal. A dedicated turntable phono input is intended for a much lower cartridge signal.
What Equipment Can C-jack Connect?
Chord Company identifies C-jack as suitable for line-level equipment including:
- Mobile devices with a compatible analogue connection
- Laptops
- CD players
- Streaming devices
- Amplifiers
The precise configuration required depends on the analogue sockets fitted to the equipment at each end.
Connecting a Portable Source to a Hi-Fi Amplifier
One of the most useful C-jack applications is connecting a source with a mini-jack analogue output to a conventional amplifier with RCA line inputs.
For that application, choose:
Mini-jack to 2 RCA.
The two RCA connectors connect to a suitable left and right line-level input on the amplifier.
Connecting Two Mini-Jack Components
If both devices use compatible mini-jack analogue connections, choose:
Mini-jack to mini-jack.
Examples can include compatible portable, desktop or computer-audio equipment.
Analogue, Not Digital
C-jack is an:
Analogue audio interconnect.
It should not be confused with a digital coaxial, optical or USB cable.
A 3.5mm Socket Is Not Always Analogue
Some equipment uses 3.5mm sockets for digital, combined or proprietary connections.
Check the equipment manual before ordering if you are unsure whether a particular socket provides the analogue connection required by C-jack.
ARAY Conductor Geometry
Chord Company specifies:
ARAY conductor geometry.
This is the principal published technical feature of C-jack.
Developed From Tuned ARAY
Chord Company states that the ARAY conductor geometry used in C-jack was developed from the:
Tuned ARAY conductor configuration.
Tuned ARAY was first used in Chord Company's Sarum T cable range before the underlying geometry was applied to more accessible cables.
Why Doesn't the Specification List Conductor Material?
Chord Company's current C-jack product page does not publish the conductor material.
Audio T therefore does not assign a conductor material based on another Chord Company cable.
Why Doesn't the Specification List Insulation?
Chord Company does not currently publish an insulation material for C-jack.
Materials such as XLPE, PTFE and Taylon® are used elsewhere in the Chord Company range, but should not automatically be attributed to C-jack.
Why Isn't Connector Plating Specified?
The current manufacturer C-jack page identifies the available connector formats but does not publish a connector-plating specification.
For that reason, no gold, silver or ChorAlloy™ plating claim is made here.
Manufacturer Specification Only
Chord Company publishes more detailed construction information for some of its higher-level interconnects.
Where a C-jack-specific specification is not published by Chord Company, Audio T deliberately leaves it unstated rather than borrowing data from another cable in the range.
Choosing the Correct Length
Choose a cable that reaches comfortably between the two components without stretching the connectors or forcing the cable into an unnecessarily tight bend.
0.75m
A useful compact length when devices are positioned close together.
1m
Currently published by Chord Company for the mini-jack to mini-jack version.
1.5m
Currently published by Chord Company for both mini-jack to mini-jack and mini-jack to 2 RCA configurations.
3m
Useful where a portable device, computer or source needs to reach equipment positioned further away.
Lengths Depend on the Connector Version
Do not assume every C-jack termination is available in every length.
Chord Company's current published matrix is 0.75m, 1m, 1.5m and 3m for mini-jack to mini-jack, and 0.75m, 1.5m and 3m for mini-jack to 2 RCA.
C-jack or C-line?
C-jack
- Analogue interconnect
- Mini-jack connection
- Mini-jack to mini-jack available
- Mini-jack to 2 RCA available
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Useful for portable and computer-based sources
C-line
- Analogue interconnect
- Conventional stereo RCA connection
- Designed for line-level Hi-Fi components
- ARAY technology
- Suitable where both components use RCA connections
If both pieces of equipment use conventional left and right RCA sockets, the Chord Company C-line is the more appropriate connection.
Compare the Chord Company C-line Interconnect at Audio T.
C-jack or ClearwayX Mini-Jack?
Chord Company's ClearwayX range provides a higher-level mini-jack/RCA option with a more extensively published construction specification.
ClearwayX uses ARAY conductor geometry, heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors, XLPE insulation, dual-layer counter-wound foil shielding and ChorAlloy™ plated connectors.
C-jack is the more accessible solution for customers who principally need a robust analogue mini-jack connection.
Key Features
- Chord Company C-jack
- Analogue audio interconnect
- Chord Company ARAY conductor geometry
- Geometry developed from Tuned ARAY
- Technology derived from Sarum T development
- Mini-jack to mini-jack configuration
- Mini-jack to 2 RCA configuration
- Designed for compatible line-level equipment
- Suitable for compatible mobile devices
- Suitable for laptops
- Suitable for CD players
- Suitable for streaming devices
- Suitable for amplifiers
- 0.75m mini-jack to mini-jack available
- 1m mini-jack to mini-jack available
- 1.5m mini-jack to mini-jack available from Chord Company
- 3m mini-jack to mini-jack available
- 0.75m mini-jack to 2 RCA available
- 1.5m mini-jack to 2 RCA available from Chord Company
- 3m mini-jack to 2 RCA available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company C-jack?
C-jack is an analogue interconnect available with mini-jack to mini-jack or mini-jack to two RCA connections.
Is C-jack analogue or digital?
Analogue.
What conductor geometry does it use?
Chord Company specifies ARAY conductor geometry.
Where did the ARAY design come from?
Chord Company states that its ARAY conductor geometry was developed from the Tuned ARAY configuration first used in the Sarum T range.
What connection options are available?
Mini-jack to mini-jack and mini-jack to 2 RCA.
What mini-jack to mini-jack lengths does Chord Company currently offer?
0.75m, 1m, 1.5m and 3m.
What mini-jack to RCA lengths does Chord Company currently offer?
0.75m, 1.5m and 3m.
Does Audio T currently list every manufacturer length?
No. The current online selector does not include either of the 1.5m C-jack variants. Contact Audio T if you require one.
Does Chord Company make a 1m mini-jack to RCA C-jack?
It is not listed in the manufacturer's current C-jack range. The 1m length is currently specified for mini-jack to mini-jack.
Can I connect a laptop to an amplifier?
Yes, provided the laptop has a compatible analogue mini-jack output and the amplifier uses a suitable analogue input. For conventional RCA amplifier inputs, choose mini-jack to 2 RCA.
Can I connect a streamer to an amplifier?
Yes, where the streamer provides the compatible analogue connection required by the selected C-jack version.
Can I connect two mini-jack devices?
Yes. Choose the mini-jack to mini-jack version where both devices provide compatible analogue mini-jack connections.
Can I connect C-jack to a phono input?
Do not connect a normal line-level source to a dedicated turntable phono input. Use a suitable AUX, Line, CD, Tuner or other line-level input instead.
Does C-jack use oxygen-free copper?
Chord Company's current C-jack product page does not publish the conductor material, so Audio T does not specify one.
Does C-jack use XLPE insulation?
Chord Company does not currently publish an insulation material for C-jack.
Does C-jack use ChorAlloy connectors?
Chord Company's current C-jack specification does not state ChorAlloy plating, so it should not be assumed from other Chord Company ranges.
Is C-jack shielded?
Chord Company's current C-jack product page does not publish a specific shielding construction.
What is the capacitance?
Chord Company does not currently publish a capacitance figure for C-jack.
What is the conductor gauge?
Chord Company does not currently publish a conductor gauge for C-jack.
Can I use C-jack as a headphone extension cable?
C-jack is sold by Chord Company as an analogue interconnect. Check the connection and intended application of the equipment involved rather than assuming compatibility as a headphone extension lead.
Which version do I need for an amplifier with RCA inputs?
If the source has a compatible mini-jack analogue output and the amplifier has conventional left and right RCA line inputs, choose mini-jack to 2 RCA.
Which version do I need if both devices use mini-jack?
Choose mini-jack to mini-jack.
Can Audio T help me choose the correct version?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store with the make and model of the two components you want to connect.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help choosing the correct mini-jack or RCA configuration
- Advice on selecting the appropriate cable length
- Help sourcing currently unlisted 1.5m options
- Analogue versus digital connection guidance
- Portable source and Hi-Fi system matching
- C-jack versus C-line advice
- Advice on higher-level Chord Company interconnects
- System demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you need help identifying the correct Chord Company C-jack connection and length for your equipment.