Audio T Verdict
Chord Company Clearway Streaming is a dedicated RJ45 network cable developed specifically for high-quality streamed digital audio and video systems.
Its construction goes considerably further than a basic network patch lead. Four twisted pairs of high-speed 26AWG oxygen-free copper conductors are individually shielded from one another, with an additional overall screen beneath the outer jacket to provide further protection against external high-frequency noise.
Chord Company also uses low-loss low-density polyethylene insulation and slim-profile RJ45 connectors with 24ct gold-plated signal contacts. Zinc connector jackets provide additional mechanical and electrical protection, while the company's non-compression strain-relief system is designed to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the termination.
Clearway Streaming sits above C-stream in Chord Company's network-cable range and is particularly easy to accommodate because it is available in seven standard lengths, from a short 0.75m connection between nearby network components to a substantial 20m run.
It is also directional. Chord Company marks one RJ45 connector with a blue dot to identify the source end, removing any guesswork during installation.
If you use a wired network connection for music streaming and want to investigate Chord Company's approach to reducing high-frequency noise within that connection, Clearway Streaming is the logical step up from C-stream.
Chord Company Clearway Streaming Network Cable
Clearway Streaming is a high-performance network cable designed by Chord Company for streamed digital audio and video systems.
It connects compatible network equipment using:
RJ45 connectors at both ends.
Typical applications can include connections between compatible network switches, routers, music streamers, servers and other RJ45-equipped network devices.
All Seven Standard Lengths Available From Audio T
Audio T currently carries the complete standard Clearway Streaming length range published by Chord Company:
| Audio T Option |
Connection |
Length |
| Clearway Streaming 0.75m |
RJ45 to RJ45 |
0.75 metres |
| Clearway Streaming 1.5m |
RJ45 to RJ45 |
1.5 metres |
| Clearway Streaming 3m |
RJ45 to RJ45 |
3 metres |
| Clearway Streaming 5m |
RJ45 to RJ45 |
5 metres |
| Clearway Streaming 10m |
RJ45 to RJ45 |
10 metres |
| Clearway Streaming 15m |
RJ45 to RJ45 |
15 metres |
| Clearway Streaming 20m |
RJ45 to RJ45 |
20 metres |
No Missing Standard Lengths
Chord Company's current standard Clearway Streaming range is 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m and 20m.
All seven lengths are currently represented in the Audio T product selector.
Four Twisted Conductor Pairs
Clearway Streaming uses:
Four twisted pairs of high-speed oxygen-free copper conductors.
That means the cable contains four separate conductor pairs within its network-cable architecture.
26AWG Conductors
Chord Company's technical launch information specifies the conductors as:
26AWG.
AWG stands for American Wire Gauge and is the conductor-size designation used by Chord Company for Clearway Streaming.
High-Speed Oxygen-Free Copper
Chord Company describes the conductor material as:
High-speed oxygen-free copper.
Oxygen-free copper is commonly abbreviated to:
OFC.
No Silver-Plating Claim
Chord Company specifies oxygen-free copper conductors for Clearway Streaming.
The manufacturer does not describe the Clearway Streaming conductors as silver plated, so that specification should not be borrowed from higher-level Chord Company streaming cables.
Each Twisted Pair Is Individually Shielded
One of Clearway Streaming's central construction features is that:
Each of the four conductor pairs is individually shielded from the others.
This separates the individual twisted-pair signal paths within the cable.
Additional Overall Shield
Chord Company then adds:
An overall shield beneath the outer jacket.
This provides an additional layer of protection around the complete internal cable structure.
Designed to Combat High-Frequency Noise
Chord Company developed Clearway Streaming specifically to combat the pickup of external high-frequency noise.
The manufacturer's approach combines:
- Individually shielded twisted conductor pairs
- An additional overall shield
rather than relying on one outer screen alone.
Why Is High-Frequency Noise Relevant to Streaming?
Network cables connect electrically active digital components such as switches, routers and streamers.
Chord Company's streaming-cable philosophy focuses not simply on moving network data from one device to another, but also on reducing the pickup and transfer of unwanted high-frequency electrical noise through the connection.
Low-Loss Low-Density Polyethylene Insulation
The current manufacturer specification states:
Low-loss low-density polyethylene insulation.
This is the correct published insulation material for Clearway Streaming.
Do Not Substitute Insulation From Other Chord Cables
Chord Company uses materials including XLPE, FEP, PTFE and Taylon® elsewhere in its range.
Clearway Streaming's manufacturer-published insulation is low-loss low-density polyethylene.
Slim-Profile RJ45 Connectors
Clearway Streaming is fitted with Chord Company's:
Slim-profile RJ45 connectors.
The manufacturer developed the slimmer connector profile to provide broad compatibility with RJ45-equipped hardware.
24ct Gold-Plated Signal Contacts
The RJ45 connectors use:
24ct gold-plated signal contacts.
This is the current manufacturer-published contact specification for Clearway Streaming.
Zinc Connector Jackets
The external connector jackets are manufactured from:
Zinc.
These jackets surround the RJ45 termination assembly.
Non-Compression Strain Relief
Chord Company uses its:
Non-compression strain-relief system.
The system is designed to support the cable at the termination without unnecessarily compressing the internal conductor arrangement.
Directional Construction
Chord Company specifies Clearway Streaming as a:
Directional cable.
One of the RJ45 connectors carries a blue dot.
Blue Dot Identifies the Source End
Chord Company's installation information states:
The blue dot indicates the source end.
Install the cable according to this manufacturer direction marking.
Follow the Blue-Dot Direction Marker
Do not choose the direction simply from the way the printing happens to sit once the cable is installed.
For Clearway Streaming, Chord Company specifically identifies the blue-dot RJ45 connector as the source end.
RJ45 Network Connection
Clearway Streaming uses standard-format:
RJ45 network connectors.
Both connected components therefore need compatible RJ45 network sockets.
For Wired Network Streaming
Clearway Streaming is designed for wired network connections.
It does not replace Wi-Fi or create a wireless network connection.
It can be used where compatible streaming hardware is connected through an RJ45-equipped wired network.
Typical Streaming-System Applications
Depending on the network architecture, Clearway Streaming can be used between compatible:
- Network switches
- Routers
- Music streamers
- Network audio players
- Music servers
- Other RJ45-equipped network components
Suitable for Network Switches
Chord Company specifically developed Clearway Streaming for compatibility with Ethernet-enabled hardware, including high-performance network switches.
The slim RJ45 connector profile is intended to make installation easier where multiple network ports are positioned closely together.
Not a USB Cable
Clearway Streaming should not be confused with a USB digital audio cable.
It uses:
RJ45 network connections.
For USB-equipped audio devices, use an appropriate dedicated USB cable such as Chord Company Clearway USB.
Not an RCA or BNC Digital Cable
Clearway Streaming is also different from an S/PDIF coaxial digital interconnect.
For RCA, BNC or digital mini-jack connections, products such as Chord Company Clearway Digital are designed for those applications.
What Ethernet Category Is Clearway Streaming?
Chord Company's current Clearway Streaming specification does not publish a Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7 or Cat 8 category.
Audio T therefore does not assign an Ethernet category to the product.
No Assumed Cat Rating
Clearway Streaming is described by Chord Company as a high-speed streaming cable using RJ45 connections.
Because the manufacturer does not publish a formal Ethernet category on the current product page, Audio T does not add one by assumption.
What Is the Maximum Network Speed?
Chord Company does not currently publish a maximum data-transfer speed for Clearway Streaming.
For that reason, this page does not assign a 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, 10Gbps or other network-speed rating.
What Is the Maximum Bandwidth?
Chord Company does not currently publish a MHz bandwidth specification for Clearway Streaming.
No bandwidth figure is therefore stated here.
Why Leave Those Figures Out?
Network-cable categories, data rates and bandwidth figures should come from the manufacturer for the specific product.
Audio T deliberately does not derive them from the RJ45 connector, conductor gauge or appearance of the cable.
Clearway Streaming or C-stream?
C-stream
- RJ45 streaming cable
- High-speed oxygen-free copper conductors
- Individually shielded twisted pairs
- Overall shield
- Low-loss low-density polyethylene insulation
- 24ct gold-plated signal contacts
- Entry-level Chord Company streaming cable
Clearway Streaming
- RJ45 streaming cable
- Four high-speed 26AWG OFC twisted pairs
- Each pair individually shielded
- Additional optimised overall shield
- Low-loss low-density polyethylene insulation
- Slim-profile RJ45 connectors
- 24ct gold-plated signal contacts
- Zinc connector jackets
- Step up from C-stream
Chord Company positions Clearway Streaming above C-stream, with additional shielding and its slim-profile zinc-jacketed RJ45 connector construction.
Clearway Streaming and Network Noise Isolation
A streaming cable can also be combined with compatible network-noise reduction products where appropriate.
Audio T's Cheltenham store has explored the role of network noise isolation with the English Electric EE1, which is designed to sit in-line between Ethernet cables in a wired streaming system.
Read: Audio T Cheltenham and the English Electric EE1
Choosing the Correct Length
0.75m
Useful for short connections between network equipment positioned close together.
1.5m
A practical general-purpose length for many equipment racks and nearby network connections.
3m
Provides greater flexibility where the network switch or router is positioned further from the streamer.
5m
Useful for connections spanning a larger equipment area or room.
10m
Designed for longer network runs where the source-side network equipment and receiving component are separated by a substantial distance.
15m
Provides additional reach for larger rooms and installations.
20m
The longest standard Clearway Streaming length currently published by Chord Company.
Allow for Sensible Cable Routing
Choose enough length to route the cable without stretching it or placing unnecessary strain on the RJ45 plugs.
Chord Company also recommends avoiding excessive bending or undue force on its cables and holding the connector rather than the cable when disconnecting it.
Key Features
- Chord Company Clearway Streaming
- Dedicated streaming network cable
- RJ45 to RJ45 connection
- Four twisted conductor pairs
- 26AWG conductors
- High-speed oxygen-free copper conductors
- Each twisted pair individually shielded
- Additional overall shield
- Designed to combat external high-frequency noise
- Low-loss low-density polyethylene insulation
- Slim-profile RJ45 connectors
- 24ct gold-plated signal contacts
- Zinc connector jackets
- Non-compression strain-relief system
- Directional construction
- Blue-dot source-end indicator
- 0.75m standard length
- 1.5m standard length
- 3m standard length
- 5m standard length
- 10m standard length
- 15m standard length
- 20m standard length
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company Clearway Streaming?
It is a dedicated RJ45 network cable designed by Chord Company for streamed digital audio and video systems.
What connectors does it use?
RJ45 connectors at both ends.
What lengths does Chord Company currently offer?
0.75m, 1.5m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m and 20m.
Does Audio T offer all of those lengths?
Yes. All seven standard manufacturer lengths are currently represented in the Audio T selector.
How many conductor pairs are inside?
Four twisted pairs.
What conductor material is used?
Chord Company specifies high-speed oxygen-free copper.
What conductor size is used?
Chord Company's technical launch information specifies 26AWG conductors.
Are the conductors silver plated?
Chord Company does not specify silver-plated conductors for Clearway Streaming. The published conductor material is oxygen-free copper.
Are the conductor pairs shielded?
Yes. Each of the four twisted pairs is individually shielded from the others.
Is there an overall shield as well?
Yes. Chord Company adds an overall shield beneath the outer jacket.
What insulation is used?
Low-loss low-density polyethylene.
Does Clearway Streaming use XLPE?
Chord Company's current product specification states low-loss low-density polyethylene, not XLPE.
Does it use FEP?
No FEP specification is published for Clearway Streaming. Chord Company uses FEP on other streaming cables higher in its range.
What contacts are fitted?
24ct gold-plated signal contacts.
What are the connector jackets made from?
Zinc.
What is non-compression strain relief?
It is Chord Company's termination system designed to support the cable without unnecessarily compressing the internal conductors at the RJ45 connector.
Is Clearway Streaming directional?
Yes. Chord Company specifically describes it as directional.
How do I know which end is the source end?
Chord Company places a blue dot on the RJ45 connector that identifies the source end.
Is Clearway Streaming an Ethernet cable?
It is a wired network streaming cable using RJ45 network connectors and is designed for compatible Ethernet-enabled hardware.
What Ethernet category is it?
Chord Company's current product specification does not publish a Cat category, so Audio T does not assign one.
Is it Cat 6?
Chord Company does not currently specify Clearway Streaming as Cat 6.
Is it Cat 7?
Chord Company does not currently specify Clearway Streaming as Cat 7.
Is it Cat 8?
Chord Company does not currently specify Clearway Streaming as Cat 8.
What maximum network speed does it support?
Chord Company does not currently publish a maximum network-speed figure for Clearway Streaming, so Audio T does not state one.
What is its bandwidth?
Chord Company does not currently publish a MHz bandwidth specification.
Can I connect a streamer to a network switch?
Yes, where both devices use compatible RJ45 wired-network connections.
Can I connect a streamer directly to a router?
Yes, where the equipment and network configuration support a conventional RJ45 wired connection.
Can I use it with a music server?
Yes, where the server uses a compatible RJ45 network connection.
Can I use it for video streaming?
Chord Company specifically describes Clearway Streaming as designed for streamed digital audio and video.
Does it replace Wi-Fi?
No. Clearway Streaming is for a wired RJ45 network connection.
Is it the same as a USB cable?
No. USB audio uses a different connection and requires a dedicated USB cable.
Is it the same as a coaxial digital cable?
No. Clearway Streaming is a network cable. RCA and BNC S/PDIF connections require a dedicated coaxial digital interconnect.
What is the difference between C-stream and Clearway Streaming?
Chord Company positions Clearway Streaming above C-stream. Clearway Streaming uses four individually shielded 26AWG OFC twisted pairs, an additional overall shield, slim-profile RJ45 connectors, zinc connector jackets and 24ct gold-plated signal contacts.
Can Audio T arrange a demonstration?
Where demonstration stock is available, contact your local Audio T store to discuss trying Clearway Streaming within a suitable network audio system.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help choosing the correct network cable length
- Streamer and network-switch connection advice
- Wired streaming setup guidance
- C-stream versus Clearway Streaming comparisons
- Advice on higher-level Chord Company streaming cables
- English Electric network-switch and noise-isolation guidance
- System demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Network cable-routing advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for help choosing the correct Chord Company Clearway Streaming length or integrating it into a wired music-streaming system.