Audio T Verdict
Chord Company Clearway USB is the step up from C-USB for customers using USB as the digital connection between a computer, server, streamer or compatible mobile device and a DAC or USB-equipped audio component.
The biggest construction difference is the substantially more elaborate shielding. Clearway USB combines double-layer foil shielding with a high-density braid, while the connector assemblies are enclosed in alloy sleeves to improve plug shielding. Chord Company developed this arrangement to provide additional protection for the signal transfer and to combat noise passing between connected components.
The signal conductors are high-bandwidth silver-plated oxygen-free copper, with gold-plated connector pins and Chord Company's non-compression strain-relief system at each end.
The original USB-A to USB-B version remains available in 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m and 5m lengths. Chord Company has since expanded Clearway USB with A-C, C-B and C-C configurations, making the range suitable for a considerably wider selection of current computers, streamers, DACs and portable devices.
The important thing is to select the correct USB connector at both ends. USB-A, USB-B and USB-C are physically different connectors, and Clearway USB should be ordered in the exact configuration required by the equipment rather than relying on an adaptor.
Chord Company Clearway USB Digital Audio Cable
Clearway USB is a dedicated digital USB audio interconnect developed by Chord Company as the next step above its C-USB cable.
Its construction uses silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors with enhanced double-foil and high-density braid shielding, gold-plated contacts and shielded alloy connector surrounds.
Current Audio T Clearway USB Options
Audio T currently offers the original USB-A to USB-B Clearway USB configuration in all four manufacturer-standard lengths:
| Audio T Option |
Connection |
Length |
| Clearway USB A-B 0.75m |
USB-A to USB-B |
0.75 metres |
| Clearway USB A-B 1.5m |
USB-A to USB-B |
1.5 metres |
| Clearway USB A-B 3m |
USB-A to USB-B |
3 metres |
| Clearway USB A-B 5m |
USB-A to USB-B |
5 metres |
All USB-A to USB-B Standard Lengths Are Listed
Chord Company currently specifies 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m and 5m for Clearway USB-A to USB-B.
Audio T already carries all four, so there are no missing A-B variants on this product record.
Newer USB-C Clearway USB Options
Chord Company expanded Clearway USB to support USB-C connections in December 2024.
The manufacturer now offers:
- USB-A to USB-C
- USB-C to USB-B
- USB-C to USB-C
Each of these USB-C configurations is currently available from Chord Company in:
USB-C Versions Are Not Currently in the Audio T Selector
The current Audio T product options are USB-A to USB-B only.
If you require Clearway USB with USB-C, contact Audio T to discuss the current A-C, C-B or C-C manufacturer configurations.
Choosing the Correct USB Configuration
The letters describe the connector fitted at each end of the cable.
USB-A to USB-B
The traditional USB audio configuration used by many computers, music servers, streamers and DACs.
This is the version currently selectable on the Audio T product page.
USB-A to USB-C
For compatible equipment where the source uses USB-A and the receiving component uses USB-C.
USB-C to USB-B
Useful for compatible newer computers or source devices with USB-C connecting to a traditional USB-B audio input.
USB-C to USB-C
For compatible current equipment using USB-C at both ends.
Check the Sockets on Both Components
Do not order solely by the word "USB".
Check whether the source and receiving component use USB-A, USB-B or USB-C and select the corresponding Clearway USB configuration.
Designed for Digital Audio
Clearway USB is designed for compatible USB digital-audio connections.
Typical applications can include:
- Computer to DAC
- Laptop to DAC
- Music server to DAC
- Streamer to DAC
- Compatible phone or portable device to DAC
- Other compatible USB-equipped audio components
High-Bandwidth Silver-Plated OFC Conductors
Chord Company specifies Clearway USB with:
High-bandwidth silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors.
Oxygen-free copper is commonly abbreviated to OFC.
26AWG Original Clearway USB Construction
Chord Company's own launch specification for Clearway USB identifies the conductors as:
26AWG silver-plated oxygen-free copper.
This specification applies to the original Clearway USB-A to USB-B design represented by the current Audio T variants.
Why Keep the Gauge Specific to the A-B Version?
Chord Company's current headline specification confirms silver-plated oxygen-free copper across Clearway USB, while its original manufacturer launch information specifically states 26AWG for the A-B cable.
We therefore avoid automatically applying the 26AWG figure to newer USB-C configurations unless Chord Company explicitly publishes the same gauge for those versions.
Double-Layer Foil Shielding
Clearway USB uses:
Double-layer foil shielding.
This provides the first part of the cable's enhanced shielding architecture.
High-Density Braid
The foil shielding is complemented by a:
High-density braid.
Chord Company combines the braid and double foil to increase protection around the digital signal conductors.
Why So Much Shielding?
Chord Company specifically developed Clearway USB to combat unwanted noise travelling between digitally connected components.
The shielding construction therefore comprises:
- Double foil
- High-density braid
- Shielded alloy connector surrounds
rather than relying on a simple single foil screen.
Alloy-Sleeved Connectors
The current manufacturer specification identifies:
Alloy-sleeved connectors for improved plug shielding.
Chord Company's original Clearway USB launch described these connector housings as zinc alloy.
Gold Connector Pins
Chord Company specifies:
Gold connector pins.
These form the electrical contact surfaces within the USB connectors.
Gold Contacts, Not ChorAlloy
The current Clearway USB specification states gold connector pins.
Audio T should not substitute ChorAlloy™ simply because that plating is used by numerous other current Chord Company cables.
Non-Compression Strain Relief
Clearway USB uses Chord Company's:
Non-compression strain-relief system.
This is designed to provide mechanical support at the termination without unnecessarily compressing the internal cable structure.
Why USB Cable Construction Matters to Chord Company
Chord Company's approach to USB audio focuses heavily on reducing unwanted high-frequency electrical noise between the source and DAC.
Clearway USB therefore builds upon the basic C-USB architecture with substantially increased shielding at both cable and connector level.
Clearway USB or C-USB?
C-USB
- USB digital audio interconnect
- Silver-plated conductors
- High-density insulation
- Lapped foil screen
- Gold-plated USB connectors
- A-B, A-C, C-B and C-C options
- Entry point into Chord Company USB cables
Clearway USB
- USB digital audio interconnect
- High-bandwidth silver-plated OFC conductors
- Double-layer foil shielding
- High-density braid
- Alloy-sleeved connector shielding
- Gold connector pins
- Non-compression strain relief
- A-B, A-C, C-B and C-C options
Chord Company positions Clearway USB as the natural next step from C-USB, with the enhanced shielding system forming one of the most important construction differences.
Clearway USB or Shawline USB?
Shawline USB sits above Clearway in the Chord Company range and introduces the company's ARAY conductor geometry together with ChorAlloy™ plated USB-A or USB-B connectors.
However, Chord Company does not currently offer Shawline USB with USB-C. Customers requiring a USB-C connector are directed to the C-series or Clearway ranges.
No Published Sample-Rate Specification
Chord Company's current Clearway USB product information does not publish a maximum PCM sample rate or bit depth.
Audio T therefore does not assign figures such as 24-bit/192kHz, 384kHz or 768kHz by assumption.
Do Not Add DAC Resolution to the Cable Specification
The maximum PCM or DSD capability of a DAC does not automatically become a specification of the USB cable.
Chord Company does not currently publish a maximum audio-resolution figure for Clearway USB, so none is stated here.
No Published USB Data-Rate Figure
Chord Company also does not currently publish a Mbps or Gbps data-transfer rating for Clearway USB on its product page.
For accuracy, Audio T does not infer one from the connector type.
No Published USB Protocol Generation
Chord Company's current Clearway USB product information does not explicitly assign a USB 2.0, USB 3.x or USB4 protocol classification to the cable.
Those protocol specifications are therefore not added to the customer-facing specification.
Connector Type and USB Protocol Are Different Things
USB-A, USB-B and USB-C describe physical connector formats.
They should not be used on their own to infer a specific USB protocol, data rate or audio-resolution capability.
Choosing the Correct Length
USB-A to USB-B
- 0.75m: Compact system connections
- 1.5m: Useful general-purpose length
- 3m: Longer equipment separation
- 5m: Longest standard A-B Clearway USB length
USB-C Configurations
- 0.5m: Short connection
- 1m: Standard compact system length
- 2m: Additional installation flexibility
- 3m: Longest currently published A-C, C-B and C-C length
Lengths Depend on the Connector Combination
The A-B and USB-C Clearway USB ranges use different standard length sets.
Do not assume that every Clearway USB connector combination is available in every length.
Key Features
- Chord Company Clearway USB
- Dedicated digital USB audio interconnect
- High-bandwidth silver-plated OFC conductors
- 26AWG original A-B conductor specification
- Double-layer foil shielding
- High-density braid shielding
- Enhanced noise protection
- Alloy-sleeved connectors
- Zinc-alloy connector construction identified in original launch specification
- Gold connector pins
- Non-compression strain-relief system
- USB-A to USB-B available
- USB-A to USB-C available from Chord Company
- USB-C to USB-B available from Chord Company
- USB-C to USB-C available from Chord Company
- A-B 0.75m available from Audio T
- A-B 1.5m available from Audio T
- A-B 3m available from Audio T
- A-B 5m available from Audio T
- USB-C variants available in 0.5m
- USB-C variants available in 1m
- USB-C variants available in 2m
- USB-C variants available in 3m
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company Clearway USB?
Clearway USB is a dedicated digital USB audio interconnect positioned above C-USB in Chord Company's range.
What Clearway USB versions does Audio T currently sell online?
The current Audio T selector contains USB-A to USB-B in 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m and 5m.
Are those four lengths correct?
Yes. They exactly match Chord Company's current standard USB-A to USB-B Clearway USB range.
Does Chord Company now make Clearway USB with USB-C?
Yes. Chord Company introduced USB-C Clearway USB configurations in December 2024.
What USB-C configurations are available?
USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-B and USB-C to USB-C.
What lengths are the USB-C configurations?
Chord Company currently specifies 0.5m, 1m, 2m and 3m for A-C, C-B and C-C.
Does Audio T currently list those USB-C versions?
They are not currently represented in the online selector on this product page. Contact Audio T if you require one.
What are the conductors made from?
Chord Company specifies high-bandwidth silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors.
What conductor gauge is the original Clearway USB?
Chord Company's original manufacturer launch specification states 26AWG for the USB-A to USB-B Clearway USB.
Are the newer USB-C versions definitely 26AWG?
Chord Company's current product information confirms silver-plated OFC conductors but does not separately publish the conductor gauge for the newer USB-C configurations, so Audio T does not automatically assign the 26AWG figure to them.
How is Clearway USB shielded?
Chord Company specifies double-layer foil shielding plus a high-density braid.
Are the connectors shielded too?
Yes. Chord Company specifies alloy-sleeved connectors for improved plug shielding.
What are the connector contacts?
Chord Company specifies gold connector pins.
Does Clearway USB use ChorAlloy?
Chord Company's current Clearway USB specification states gold connector pins. Audio T therefore does not substitute ChorAlloy™.
What strain relief does it use?
Chord Company's non-compression strain-relief system.
Can I connect a computer to a DAC?
Yes, where both products support a compatible USB digital-audio connection and the correct Clearway USB connector configuration is selected.
Can I connect a USB-C laptop to a DAC with USB-B?
Yes, Chord Company currently offers a USB-C to USB-B Clearway USB for compatible equipment.
Can I connect USB-C to USB-C?
Yes. Chord Company currently offers a C-C Clearway USB in 0.5m, 1m, 2m and 3m lengths.
Can I connect USB-A to USB-C?
Yes. A-C is also a current manufacturer configuration.
Does Clearway USB support 24-bit/192kHz?
Chord Company's current Clearway USB product page does not publish a maximum PCM sample rate or bit depth, so Audio T does not state one.
Does it support DSD?
Chord Company does not currently publish a DSD support specification for Clearway USB.
Is Clearway USB USB 2.0?
Chord Company's current customer-facing Clearway USB specification does not explicitly state a USB protocol generation, so Audio T does not assign one.
What data rate does Clearway USB support?
Chord Company does not currently publish a Mbps or Gbps data-rate specification for Clearway USB.
What is the difference between C-USB and Clearway USB?
Clearway USB adds significantly more elaborate shielding, combining double foil, high-density braid and shielded alloy connector surrounds.
What is the next step above Clearway USB?
Shawline USB sits further up Chord Company's USB cable range, although the current Shawline USB is limited to USB-A and USB-B rather than USB-C.
Can Audio T help identify which USB version I need?
Yes. If you provide the make and model of the two components being connected, your local Audio T store can help identify whether you need A-B, A-C, C-B or C-C.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- USB-A, USB-B and USB-C compatibility advice
- Help choosing the correct USB connector combination
- Advice on selecting the correct cable length
- Computer and DAC setup guidance
- Streamer and DAC compatibility advice
- C-USB versus Clearway USB comparisons
- Clearway USB versus Shawline USB comparisons
- Help sourcing current USB-C Clearway configurations
- 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 Clearway USB connector configuration or cable length for your digital audio system.