Audio T Verdict
ClearwayX ARAY is the point in Chord Company's analogue interconnect range where the construction takes a significant step beyond C-line, while remaining accessible enough to use throughout a well-sorted Hi-Fi system.
At its heart are heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors, Chord Company's ARAY conductor geometry and upgraded XLPE insulation. Dual-layer shielding surrounds the signal path, while the connection hardware is selected to suit the particular RCA, XLR, DIN or specialist cable configuration.
It is also an unusually versatile range. The conventional RCA version is joined by true-balanced XLR, numerous DIN configurations, mixed RCA/XLR and RCA/DIN cables, dedicated subwoofer versions and a separately available mini-jack/RCA model.
That flexibility makes choosing the correct version more important. A cable labelled RCA-to-XLR is not the same thing as XLR-to-RCA, DIN pin arrangements vary between equipment, and Chord Company specifies particular standard lengths for some versions while allowing longer custom cables to be built to order.
If you are unsure which configuration your system needs, give Audio T the make and model of the two components you want to connect and we can help identify the correct termination before you order.
Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY Analogue Interconnect
ClearwayX ARAY is a hand-built analogue interconnect range featuring Chord Company's ARAY conductor geometry, heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors, XLPE insulation and dual-layer shielding.
Depending on the application, ClearwayX ARAY can be supplied with RCA, XLR, DIN and other specialist analogue terminations.
Audio T Connection Options
The current Audio T product selector combines several different ClearwayX ARAY analogue applications on one page:
| Connection Family |
Application |
Important Information |
| 2 RCA to 2 RCA |
Stereo unbalanced analogue |
Available in several standard and custom lengths |
| 2 XLR to 2 XLR |
Stereo balanced analogue |
0.5m and 1m are manufacturer standard lengths; longer versions are custom |
| 2 RCA to 2 XLR |
Mixed RCA/XLR analogue connection |
Check equipment compatibility and signal direction before ordering |
| 2 XLR to 2 RCA |
Mixed XLR/RCA analogue connection |
Separate configuration from RCA-to-XLR |
| 2 RCA to 5-pin DIN |
Compatible DIN-equipped equipment |
DIN pin configuration and signal direction must be confirmed |
| 1 RCA to 1 RCA Subwoofer |
Dedicated subwoofer connection |
3m and 5m are manufacturer standard lengths; custom lengths are available |
The Dropdown Contains Standard and Custom Cables
Some of the longer ClearwayX ARAY options listed by Audio T are custom-length Chord Company configurations rather than standard manufacturer lengths.
This is completely valid, but it is important not to assume that every connection family has the same standard length range.
ARAY Conductor Geometry
ClearwayX ARAY uses Chord Company's:
ARAY conductor geometry.
ARAY technology was originally developed for products further up the Chord Company range and has subsequently been applied across more accessible cable families.
Heavy-Gauge Oxygen-Free Copper Conductors
Chord Company specifies the ClearwayX ARAY analogue range with:
Heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors.
Oxygen-free copper is commonly abbreviated to:
OFC.
No Silver-Plated Conductor Claim
ClearwayX ARAY uses heavy-gauge OFC conductors.
Chord Company does not describe the ClearwayX ARAY analogue conductors as silver plated, so that specification should not be borrowed from ShawlineX, EpicX or other products further up the range.
XLPE Insulation
The current ClearwayX ARAY uses:
XLPE insulation.
XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene.
The introduction of XLPE was the defining update that changed the previous Clearway analogue interconnect into ClearwayX ARAY.
Why the X?
Earlier Clearway analogue cables used a different insulation material.
The current X-generation cable incorporates Chord Company's newer XLPE dielectric and should therefore be described specifically as:
ClearwayX ARAY.
Do Not Use the Old FEP Specification
Older Clearway analogue literature refers to FEP insulation.
The current ClearwayX ARAY manufacturer specification is XLPE.
Dual-Layer Shielding
Chord Company specifies:
Dual-layer shielding.
This surrounds the analogue signal path and forms an important part of the ClearwayX ARAY construction.
ClearwayX ARAY RCA
The RCA version is a conventional stereo analogue interconnect with two RCA plugs at each end.
Chord Company fits the current RCA version with:
ChorAlloy™ plated Chord VEE3 RCA connectors.
It is hand built in the UK and is available in a variety of lengths, with custom lengths and terminations available to order.
Suitable for RCA-Equipped Turntables
Chord Company specifically states that the RCA version is:
Ready for use with RCA-equipped turntables.
As always, check whether the turntable also requires a separate earth connection.
Turntable Earthing Varies
The fact that ClearwayX ARAY RCA is suitable for RCA-equipped turntables does not remove the need for a separate earth lead where the turntable or phono stage requires one.
ClearwayX ARAY XLR
The XLR version is not simply the RCA cable with different plugs fitted.
Chord Company adapts the internal conductor configuration to produce a:
True balanced connection.
The manufacturer specifies identical conductors for:
Neutrik XLR Connectors
ClearwayX ARAY XLR is fitted with:
Neutrik XLR plugs containing Chord Company ChorAlloy® plated connector pins.
Standard XLR Lengths
Chord Company's current standard XLR lengths are:
Custom lengths are available to order.
Audio T Also Lists Longer XLR Versions
Longer XLR pairs on the Audio T selector, including 1.5m and 2m, should be regarded as custom-length Chord Company configurations.
ClearwayX ARAY DIN
The DIN version uses the same core ClearwayX ARAY technologies:
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Heavy-gauge OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Dual-layer shielding
- ChorAlloy® plated connectors and pins
Extensive DIN Compatibility
Chord Company currently manufactures ClearwayX ARAY DIN in numerous configurations, including:
- 4-pin DIN to DIN
- 5-pin DIN to DIN
- 8-pin DIN to DIN
- RCA to DIN
- DIN to RCA
- DIN to XLR
- XLR to DIN
- 240-degree SNAIC configurations
DIN Is Not One Universal Connection
Different DIN-equipped components can use different pin counts, active pins and signal directions.
Do not order a DIN interconnect purely by connector appearance. Confirm the exact equipment at both ends first.
Particularly Relevant to Naim Audio Systems
Chord Company strongly recommends ClearwayX ARAY DIN for Naim Audio equipment, including classic and modern combinations.
The exact cable still depends on the particular Naim components involved.
DIN Cable Length and Naim
Chord Company specifies a standard ClearwayX ARAY DIN length of:
1 metre.
The manufacturer also specifically warns that shorter cables can have a detrimental effect on Naim Audio amplifiers.
Longer custom lengths are not identified by Chord Company as a problem.
Avoid Arbitrarily Short DIN Cables for Naim
If you are connecting compatible Naim equipment, do not assume that a shorter interconnect is automatically preferable simply because the components are close together.
Chord Company specifically recommends its 1m standard DIN length and cautions against shorter cables in Naim amplifier applications.
RCA to DIN and DIN to RCA
Chord Company supports both RCA-to-DIN and DIN-to-RCA configurations.
They should not automatically be treated as interchangeable because the required wiring and signal direction can vary according to the equipment.
Mixed RCA and XLR Versions
Audio T also lists mixed RCA/XLR ClearwayX ARAY configurations.
Where one end is RCA, the connection is not a fully balanced XLR-to-XLR signal path.
RCA to XLR Is Not the Same as XLR to XLR
ClearwayX ARAY XLR-to-XLR can be configured as a true balanced connection.
A mixed RCA/XLR cable has an unbalanced RCA connection at one end and should only be used with equipment for which that particular configuration is appropriate.
ClearwayX ARAY Subwoofer Cable
Chord Company also produces a dedicated ClearwayX ARAY subwoofer cable using:
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Heavy-gauge OFC
- XLPE insulation
- Dual-layer shielding
The manufacturer offers it with ChorAlloy™ plated Chord VEE3 RCA plugs and XLR connections.
Standard Subwoofer Lengths
Chord Company's current standard ClearwayX ARAY subwoofer lengths are:
Custom lengths and terminations are available to order.
Audio T Lists Additional Subwoofer Lengths
The Audio T selector includes a considerably broader selection of subwoofer cable lengths.
Lengths outside the manufacturer's standard 3m and 5m options should be regarded as custom-length ClearwayX ARAY subwoofer cables.
ClearwayX ARAY Mini-Jack/RCA
Chord Company also manufactures a separate ClearwayX ARAY analogue mini-jack/RCA cable.
It uses heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper, XLPE insulation, ARAY geometry, dual-layer counter-wound heavy-gauge foil construction and ChorAlloy™ plated connectors.
The manufacturer-standard mini-jack/RCA lengths are:
Custom lengths are available.
ClearwayX ARAY or C-line?
C-line
- ARAY conductor technology
- Oxygen-free copper conductors
- HDPE insulation
- Foil shielding
- Gold-plated RCA connectors
- RCA-focused C-series interconnect
ClearwayX ARAY
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Heavy-gauge OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Dual-layer shielding
- ChorAlloy™ plated RCA connectors
- RCA, XLR, DIN and specialist configurations
- Hand built in the UK
Compare the Chord Company C-line Analogue RCA Interconnect.
ClearwayX ARAY or ShawlineX?
ShawlineX moves further up the Chord Company analogue range and uses XLPE-insulated silver-plated conductors together with a more advanced composite shielding system.
ClearwayX ARAY retains unsilvered heavy-gauge OFC conductors.
Multiple Award Winner
Clearway has been one of Chord Company's most consistently recognised analogue interconnect ranges.
The current ClearwayX ARAY RCA continued that record with What Hi-Fi? recognition in both 2024 and 2025.
Key Features
- Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY
- Hand built in the UK
- Analogue interconnect range
- Chord Company ARAY conductor geometry
- Heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Dual-layer shielding
- ChorAlloy™ plated RCA connectors
- Chord VEE3 RCA plugs
- RCA stereo versions
- True-balanced XLR versions
- Neutrik XLR plugs
- ChorAlloy® XLR connector pins
- DIN versions available
- 4-pin DIN configurations available
- 5-pin DIN configurations available
- 8-pin DIN configurations available
- RCA-DIN configurations available
- DIN-RCA configurations available
- DIN-XLR configurations available
- XLR-DIN configurations available
- 240-degree SNAIC configurations available
- Dedicated subwoofer versions
- Mini-jack/RCA version available
- Custom lengths available
- Custom terminations available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY?
ClearwayX ARAY is a hand-built analogue interconnect range using heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors, XLPE insulation, ARAY conductor geometry and dual-layer shielding.
What does the X mean?
The current X-generation cable uses upgraded XLPE insulation rather than the insulation used by the earlier Clearway analogue design.
Does ClearwayX ARAY use silver-plated conductors?
No silver plating is specified for the ClearwayX ARAY analogue conductors. Chord Company specifies heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper.
What connector plating does the RCA version use?
Chord Company ChorAlloy™ plating on Chord VEE3 RCA connectors.
Is the RCA version suitable for a turntable?
Chord Company specifically states that ClearwayX ARAY RCA is ready for use with RCA-equipped turntables. Check separately whether your turntable requires an earth lead.
Is ClearwayX XLR genuinely balanced?
Chord Company adapts the ClearwayX ARAY conductor configuration for XLR to create a true balanced connection with identical conductors for hot, cold and earth.
What XLR connectors are used?
Neutrik XLR plugs with Chord Company ChorAlloy® plated connector pins.
What are the standard XLR lengths?
0.5m and 1m.
Can I order longer XLR cables?
Yes. Chord Company offers custom lengths.
Are Audio T's 1.5m and 2m XLR versions valid?
Yes. They should be regarded as custom-length manufacturer configurations rather than standard XLR lengths.
Does ClearwayX ARAY come with DIN connectors?
Yes. Chord Company offers a wide range of 4-pin, 5-pin and 8-pin DIN configurations.
What is the standard DIN length?
1m.
Why does Chord Company caution against shorter DIN cables with Naim?
Chord Company specifically states that shorter ClearwayX ARAY DIN cables may have a detrimental effect on Naim Audio amplifiers and recommends the standard 1m length.
Can longer DIN cables be ordered?
Yes. Chord Company states that longer custom lengths are not a problem.
Does Chord Company make RCA to DIN?
Yes.
Does it make DIN to RCA?
Yes. The two configurations should not automatically be treated as interchangeable because wiring and signal direction can vary.
Does it make DIN to XLR?
Yes.
Does it make XLR to DIN?
Yes.
Does it support Naim SNAIC-style configurations?
Yes. Chord Company lists 240-degree SNAIC configurations within its ClearwayX ARAY DIN range.
Does Audio T sell RCA to XLR ClearwayX?
Yes. Mixed RCA/XLR configurations are represented in the current Audio T selector.
Is RCA to XLR the same as a true balanced XLR connection?
No. A mixed RCA/XLR cable has an unbalanced RCA connection at one end. The true-balanced construction described by Chord Company applies to the XLR-to-XLR version.
Does ClearwayX ARAY come as a subwoofer cable?
Yes. Chord Company produces a dedicated ClearwayX ARAY subwoofer cable.
What are the standard subwoofer lengths?
3m and 5m.
Can longer or shorter subwoofer cables be ordered?
Yes. Chord Company offers custom lengths and terminations.
Does Chord Company make a mini-jack version?
Yes. A dedicated ClearwayX ARAY mini-jack/RCA analogue interconnect is available separately.
What are the standard mini-jack/RCA lengths?
0.5m and 1m, with custom lengths available.
What conductor gauge does ClearwayX ARAY use?
Chord Company describes the analogue conductors as heavy gauge but does not publish an AWG figure on the current product pages.
What is the capacitance?
Chord Company does not currently publish a capacitance figure for ClearwayX ARAY analogue interconnects.
Can Audio T check which configuration I need?
Yes. For DIN, mixed RCA/XLR or specialist connections, give us the make and model of both components so we can identify the appropriate configuration.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- RCA, XLR and DIN compatibility advice
- DIN pin-configuration checking
- Naim connection guidance
- Mixed RCA and XLR compatibility checking
- Standard versus custom-length advice
- Subwoofer cable-length guidance
- Turntable and phono-stage connection advice
- C-line versus ClearwayX ARAY comparisons
- In-store demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you need help identifying the correct ClearwayX ARAY termination or length for your equipment.