Audio T Verdict
SignatureX sits in a particularly interesting place in the Chord Company range. It is a genuine high-end interconnect, but without making the sizeable jump into the Taylon-based Sarum T and ChordMusic families.
The current X-generation brings XLPE insulation to the long-running Signature design while retaining the Tuned ARAY conductor geometry and extensive shielding that helped establish the range in the first place.
Inside are multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors with substantial high-frequency shielding, while the current RCA, DIN and XLR connectors use Chord Company's ChorAlloy-plated contact surfaces.
The real strength of SignatureX is its flexibility. RCA, DIN and balanced XLR configurations are available, alongside specialist combinations for Naim systems and turntable applications.
At this level we'd always recommend listening before buying. In a sufficiently revealing system, comparing SignatureX directly with EpicX, your existing cable and, if budget allows, Sarum T is by far the most useful way to choose.
Chord Company SignatureX Tuned ARAY Analogue Interconnect
Signature has been one of Chord Company's core high-performance cable ranges since 1998, evolving repeatedly as new conductor, shielding, connector and insulation technologies have become available.
The current SignatureX analogue interconnect combines:
- Multi-stranded silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors
- XLPE conductor insulation
- Tuned ARAY conductor geometry
- High-density silver-plated braid and foil shielding
- ChorAlloy-plated connector contacts
- Zero-compression strain relief
- RCA, DIN and XLR configurations
The Current SignatureX Generation
The major change that created SignatureX was the move to:
XLPE insulation.
Chord Company had already introduced its chosen XLPE formulation into SignatureXL speaker cable and SignatureX power products before applying the same insulation technology to its analogue interconnect range.
The existing Tuned ARAY conductor design and high-performance shielding architecture were retained.
Why the X?
The X identifies the latest XLPE-insulated generation of Signature analogue cable.
Older Signature Tuned ARAY reviews may refer to PTFE insulation and previous-generation connectors. The current SignatureX specification uses XLPE and ChorAlloy-plated contacts.
Multi-Stranded Silver-Plated OFC Conductors
SignatureX uses:
Multi-stranded silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors.
These form the signal path around which the cable's Tuned ARAY geometry and shielding system are constructed.
Separately Shielded Conductors
Chord Company's current SignatureX RCA design uses:
Separately shielded conductors.
This is an important distinction from simpler interconnect constructions where the shield itself may form a more fundamental part of the signal return.
XLPE Insulation
The current conductors are insulated using:
XLPE, or cross-linked polyethylene.
Chord Company introduced XLPE after extensive testing of insulation materials and subsequently incorporated it throughout several current X-generation products.
Tuned ARAY Conductor Geometry
SignatureX retains Chord Company's proprietary:
Tuned ARAY conductor geometry.
This is a key part of the Signature analogue design and differentiates it from lower-range cables using the standard ARAY configuration.
ARAY Versus Tuned ARAY
Chord Company uses several variations of its ARAY conductor technology throughout the range.
ClearwayX, ShawlineX and EpicX analogue interconnects use ARAY technology, while SignatureX steps up to Tuned ARAY. Sarum T then moves further to Super ARAY technology.
High-Frequency Shielding
SignatureX uses a substantial shielding architecture combining:
- High-density silver-plated braid
- Foil shielding
The shielding is designed to operate across a wide range of high frequencies and reduce unwanted interference reaching the analogue signal conductors.
Why Shield an Analogue Interconnect?
Behind a modern Hi-Fi system, low-level analogue signals may run close to equipment generating significant high-frequency electrical activity.
This can include:
- Music streamers
- Network switches
- DACs
- Digital source components
- Routers
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Mains cables
- Televisions and displays
SignatureX's extensive shielding forms an important part of the complete cable design.
ChorAlloy-Plated Connectors
Current SignatureX RCA, DIN and XLR connectors use:
Chord Company ChorAlloy-plated contact areas or pins.
This supersedes the older connector specifications found in reviews of previous Signature generations.
Ultra-Low-Mass RCA Connectors
The RCA version is fitted with:
Ultra-low-mass RCA connectors with precision PTFE surrounds.
The plug construction is designed as part of the complete interconnect rather than simply adding a generic RCA connector to the finished cable.
Zero-Compression Strain Relief
SignatureX uses a:
Zero-compression strain-relief system.
Chord Company developed the arrangement to support the cable mechanically without compressing the internal structure in a way that could alter its electrical characteristics.
RCA, DIN and XLR Configurations
SignatureX is a broad analogue interconnect family rather than a single RCA-only cable.
Chord Company manufactures suitable configurations using:
Mixed termination combinations are also available for compatible equipment.
Choose the Correct Configuration
RCA, DIN and XLR sockets perform different functions and are not interchangeable simply because an appropriate cable can be manufactured between them.
If you need a mixed connection, particularly for Naim equipment, contact Audio T with the exact models at each end so the correct wiring configuration can be specified.
SignatureX RCA
The conventional RCA version provides a stereo analogue connection between compatible equipment such as:
- CD player and amplifier
- Streamer and amplifier
- DAC and amplifier
- Phono stage and amplifier
- Pre-amplifier and power amplifier
SignatureX XLR
The dedicated XLR version is designed for balanced analogue connections.
Chord Company does not simply use the cable shield as the earth or return path. Instead, the SignatureX XLR construction adds:
A third identical conductor.
All three conductors are separately shielded and use Tuned ARAY geometry, keeping the overall shielding out of the signal circuit.
RCA or XLR?
If your equipment offers both connection types, there is no universal rule that says one will automatically be better in every system.
The best approach is to compare both where practical, particularly when the source and amplifier genuinely support a balanced connection internally.
SignatureX DIN
Chord Company offers an extensive range of SignatureX DIN connections for equipment from Naim, Quad and other manufacturers using DIN sockets.
Available manufacturer configurations include:
- 4-pin DIN
- 5-pin DIN
- 8-pin DIN
- DIN to DIN
- RCA to DIN
- DIN to RCA
- DIN to XLR
- XLR to DIN
- 240-degree SNAIC configurations
Designed to Support Naim Systems
SignatureX is particularly useful for Naim owners because Chord Company maintains a wide range of specialist DIN and XLR configurations.
Current options can accommodate both legacy Naim equipment and newer products from the New Classic family.
Naim Connections Can Be Model Specific
A 5-pin DIN plug does not automatically mean two pieces of equipment use the same wiring arrangement.
Give Audio T the exact source, pre-amplifier, power amplifier or power-supply models and we can help identify the correct cable.
Standard 1 Metre Length
Chord Company's standard SignatureX analogue interconnect length is:
1 metre.
Custom lengths can also be manufactured to order.
Custom Lengths
If 1m does not suit the equipment layout, SignatureX can be ordered in alternative lengths.
Allow sufficient length for the cable to form a natural route without pulling on the component sockets.
Turntable-Ready Version
Chord Company also offers:
A turntable-ready SignatureX version to order.
This allows suitable turntables and phono stages to benefit from the SignatureX cable platform where the required connection and grounding arrangement are compatible.
Dedicated Tonearm Cables
Chord Company manufactures dedicated Signature tonearm cable configurations separately from the conventional line-level interconnect.
These are available in slim and reference versions with different conductor layouts and tonearm connector options.
If you are connecting a turntable, speak to Audio T before ordering so the correct version can be specified.
SignatureX Versus EpicX
EpicX is the natural step immediately below SignatureX in the current analogue interconnect range.
EpicX ARAY
- Silver-plated multi-strand OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- ARAY conductor technology
- High-performance shielding
- ChorAlloy-plated connectors
- Hand built in the UK
SignatureX Tuned ARAY
- Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Tuned ARAY conductor technology
- Separately shielded conductors
- High-density silver-plated braid and foil shielding
- ChorAlloy-plated connectors
- Hand built in the UK
SignatureX Versus Sarum T
Sarum T sits above SignatureX and introduces a significantly different insulation and conductor platform.
SignatureX
- XLPE insulation
- Tuned ARAY technology
- Silver-plated OFC conductors
- Extensive silver-plated shielding
- ChorAlloy connector contacts
Sarum T
- Proprietary Taylon insulation
- Super ARAY technology
- Silver-plated OFC conductors
- Higher-level shielding construction
- ChorAlloy connector contacts
For a revealing system, comparing SignatureX and Sarum T directly is far more useful than assuming the more expensive option will automatically represent better value.
Hand Built in the UK
SignatureX analogue cables are:
Hand built by Chord Company in the UK.
The multiple conductor, shielding and termination configurations require careful assembly, particularly with balanced XLR and specialist DIN cables.
Signature Since 1998
The Signature range dates back to 1998 and is one of Chord Company's longest-running cable families.
Its construction has changed substantially over that time, with major developments including improved shielding, ARAY technology, ChorAlloy connectors and the current XLPE insulation.
Demonstration Recommended
SignatureX is intended for high-resolution systems, so demonstration is particularly worthwhile.
Try it against the cable already in your system and, where possible, compare it with EpicX and Sarum T to establish which level offers the best balance for your equipment.
Signature Cables at Audio T
Audio T has been demonstrating Chord Company's Signature Tuned ARAY technology since its earlier generations, and it remains an important part of the current range.
Read: The Path to Cable Enlightenment - My Journey with Chord Cables
For a look back at the original Tuned ARAY generation:
Read: The Chord Company Signature Tuned ARAY Arrives
Key Features
- Chord Company SignatureX
- High-end analogue interconnect
- Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors
- Separately shielded conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Tuned ARAY conductor geometry
- High-density silver-plated braid shielding
- Foil high-frequency shielding
- Ultra-low-mass RCA connectors
- Precision PTFE RCA surrounds
- ChorAlloy-plated contact areas
- High-performance DIN connectors
- High-performance XLR connectors
- Zero-compression strain relief
- RCA configurations available
- DIN configurations available
- XLR configurations available
- Specialist Naim configurations available
- Turntable-ready version available to order
- 1m standard length
- Custom lengths available
- Hand built in the UK
- SignatureXL speaker cable available
- Signature Super ARAY streaming cable available
- Sarum T provides the next major analogue upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company SignatureX Tuned ARAY?
SignatureX is Chord Company's high-end analogue interconnect range using silver-plated OFC conductors, XLPE insulation, Tuned ARAY geometry and extensive high-frequency shielding.
What does the X mean?
The current X-generation incorporates Chord Company's selected XLPE insulation, replacing the PTFE used by earlier Signature analogue interconnects.
What conductors does SignatureX use?
Multi-stranded silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors.
What insulation does it use?
XLPE, or cross-linked polyethylene.
Does SignatureX use ARAY technology?
Yes. SignatureX specifically uses Chord Company's Tuned ARAY conductor geometry.
Is SignatureX shielded?
Yes. Chord Company specifies separately shielded conductors together with high-density silver-plated braid and foil high-frequency shielding.
What connector plating is used?
Current RCA, DIN and XLR connectors use ChorAlloy-plated contact areas or pins.
What is the standard length?
1 metre.
Can I order another length?
Yes. Custom lengths are available to order.
Is SignatureX available with RCA connectors?
Yes. The RCA version uses ultra-low-mass connectors with precision PTFE surrounds.
Is SignatureX available with DIN connectors?
Yes. A wide range of 4-pin, 5-pin and 8-pin DIN configurations is available.
Can I connect RCA equipment to DIN equipment?
Yes, suitable RCA-to-DIN and DIN-to-RCA configurations can be manufactured. Check the exact equipment models before ordering.
Is SignatureX suitable for Naim equipment?
Yes. Chord Company offers numerous SignatureX configurations for both legacy and current Naim products.
Is SignatureX available with XLR connectors?
Yes. A dedicated balanced XLR version is available.
How is the XLR version constructed?
Chord Company uses three identical conductors for hot, cold and earth/return, with all three separately shielded. This keeps the overall shield out of the signal circuit.
Should I choose RCA or XLR?
If both are available on your equipment, compare them where possible. The best choice depends on the equipment design and system rather than connector type alone.
Can SignatureX be used with a turntable?
Chord Company offers turntable-ready and dedicated tonearm configurations. Contact Audio T with the turntable and phono-stage details so the correct cable can be specified.
What is below SignatureX?
EpicX ARAY provides the next major analogue interconnect level below SignatureX.
What is above SignatureX?
Sarum T is the next major step and introduces Taylon insulation and Super ARAY technology.
Is SignatureX hand built?
Yes. Chord Company hand builds SignatureX analogue cables in the UK.
Can Audio T help identify the correct DIN cable?
Yes. DIN wiring can vary considerably, so give us the exact equipment models and we can help identify the correct connection.
Can I demonstrate SignatureX?
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 choosing RCA, DIN or XLR connections
- Specialist Naim cable guidance
- DIN wiring and compatibility advice
- Turntable and tonearm-cable guidance
- Custom length and termination enquiries
- EpicX, SignatureX and Sarum T comparison advice
- System-specific cable matching
- 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 SignatureX, identify the correct DIN or XLR configuration or discuss a custom length for your system.