Audio T Verdict
Chord Company EpicX ARAY sits above ClearwayX and ShawlineX in the analogue interconnect range, combining ARAY conductor geometry with heavier silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors, XLPE insulation and more substantial shielding.
What makes this Audio T product particularly versatile is the number of different connection types available. Alongside conventional stereo RCA and balanced XLR pairs are dedicated subwoofer cables and specialist DIN configurations for compatible Naim and other DIN-equipped equipment.
These are not simply identical cables with different plugs fitted. Chord Company adapts the construction to suit each connection type. The XLR version uses an additional conductor for a balanced connection, while the DIN versions employ multi-tier shielding and connection-specific internal geometry to accommodate the different signals carried through a DIN interface.
The RCA version uses heavy-gauge silver-plated multi-strand oxygen-free copper conductors, XLPE insulation and ChorAlloy™ plated VEE 3 RCA plugs. The dedicated subwoofer version also uses ARAY technology but has its own tri-conductor construction optimised for the application.
Because the Audio T selector includes both standard and custom-length configurations, choose the connection first and the length second. For DIN and specialist Naim applications in particular, we recommend confirming the exact equipment combination before ordering.
Chord Company EpicX ARAY Analogue Interconnect
EpicX ARAY is a hand-built analogue interconnect range featuring Chord Company's ARAY conductor technology, high-bandwidth silver-plated conductors and upgraded XLPE insulation.
Depending on the selected configuration, EpicX ARAY is available for:
- Stereo RCA analogue connections
- Stereo balanced XLR connections
- DIN-equipped audio components
- Compatible Naim Audio systems
- Active subwoofer connections
Current Audio T Options
| Audio T Configuration |
Length |
Manufacturer Status |
| 2 RCA to 2 RCA |
0.5m |
Standard EpicX ARAY RCA length |
| 2 RCA to 2 RCA |
1m |
Standard EpicX ARAY RCA length |
| 2 RCA to 2 RCA |
1.5m |
Custom-length EpicX ARAY RCA configuration |
| 2 XLR to 2 XLR |
1m |
Standard EpicX ARAY XLR length |
| 2 XLR to 2 XLR |
1.5m |
Custom-length EpicX ARAY XLR pair |
| 2 XLR to 2 XLR |
2m |
Custom-length EpicX ARAY XLR pair |
| 1 RCA to 1 RCA Subwoofer |
3m |
Standard EpicX ARAY Subwoofer length |
| 1 RCA to 1 RCA Subwoofer |
5m |
Standard EpicX ARAY Subwoofer length |
| 1 RCA to 1 RCA Subwoofer |
10m |
Custom-length EpicX ARAY Subwoofer configuration |
| 4DIN to 4DIN SNAIC |
1m |
Specialist DIN / Naim configuration |
| 4DIN to XLR |
1m |
Specialist configuration for compatible Naim systems |
| 5DIN to 5DIN |
1m |
DIN analogue configuration |
Standard and Custom Lengths Are Mixed Together
The Audio T selector includes genuine Chord Company custom-length configurations alongside the manufacturer's normal standard lengths.
This does not make the longer cables unofficial or incorrect. It simply means that the standard length range varies according to the type of EpicX ARAY cable being ordered.
EpicX ARAY RCA
The conventional RCA version is a stereo analogue interconnect using two RCA plugs at each end.
Chord Company's current RCA construction uses:
- ARAY conductor technology
- Heavy-gauge silver-plated multi-strand oxygen-free copper conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Chord VEE 3 RCA plugs
- ChorAlloy™ plated RCA contacts
Heavy-Gauge Silver-Plated OFC Conductors
Chord Company specifies EpicX ARAY RCA with:
Heavy-gauge silver-plated, multi-strand oxygen-free copper conductors.
Oxygen-free copper is commonly abbreviated to OFC.
ARAY Conductor Technology
EpicX ARAY uses Chord Company's:
ARAY conductor technology.
The internal conductor arrangement is designed specifically for analogue signal transfer and forms a central part of the EpicX ARAY construction.
XLPE Insulation
The current EpicX ARAY uses:
XLPE insulation.
XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene.
The X-generation Epic analogue range moved to XLPE as part of Chord Company's ongoing development of its insulation materials.
Use the Current XLPE Specification
Older Epic analogue literature may refer to previous insulation materials.
The current EpicX ARAY specification uses XLPE.
Chord VEE 3 RCA Plugs
EpicX ARAY RCA is fitted with:
Chord VEE 3 RCA plugs.
The current connectors use Chord Company's ChorAlloy™ plating.
ChorAlloy Plating
ChorAlloy™ is Chord Company's current connector-plating system and is used on the contact areas of EpicX ARAY RCA.
Standard RCA Lengths
Chord Company's current standard EpicX ARAY RCA lengths are:
Custom lengths are available to order.
Audio T 1.5m RCA
The 1.5m RCA option currently listed by Audio T is a valid custom-length EpicX ARAY cable.
It should not be described as a third manufacturer-standard RCA length.
RCA Turntable Applications
Chord Company also produces EpicX ARAY RCA for compatible RCA-equipped turntables, including a dedicated version with a flying earth lead.
If your turntable requires a separate earth connection, confirm the correct turntable-specific configuration rather than assuming a conventional line-level RCA pair includes one.
Turntable Earth Connections Vary
Some RCA-equipped turntables require a separate ground lead between the turntable and phono stage.
Check the requirements of your particular turntable before ordering.
EpicX ARAY XLR
EpicX ARAY XLR is the balanced analogue version of the range.
Chord Company adapted the cable design to use:
An additional conductor for the balanced connection.
This is an important distinction from simply fitting XLR plugs to an RCA cable.
Balanced Stereo XLR Pair
A conventional stereo XLR connection requires:
- One cable for the left channel
- One cable for the right channel
The Audio T 2 XLR to 2 XLR options therefore provide the appropriate stereo connection format.
ChorAlloy XLR Connector Pins
Chord Company currently fits EpicX ARAY XLR with:
ChorAlloy® plated connector pins.
Standard XLR Length
Chord Company's current standard EpicX ARAY XLR length is:
1 metre.
Custom lengths are available to order.
Audio T 1.5m and 2m XLR Pairs
The 1.5m and 2m XLR options are valid custom-length EpicX ARAY pairs.
The manufacturer-standard XLR length remains 1m.
RCA or XLR?
RCA
- Unbalanced stereo analogue connection
- Two RCA plugs per end
- 0.5m and 1m standard lengths
- Custom lengths available
- VEE 3 ChorAlloy™ plated RCA plugs
XLR
- Balanced stereo analogue connection
- Separate left and right cables
- Additional conductor in the EpicX XLR design
- 1m standard length
- Custom lengths available
- ChorAlloy® plated connector pins
Chord Company recommends listening to both where equipment provides both RCA and XLR connection options rather than assuming one connector format must automatically be preferable.
EpicX ARAY DIN
The DIN version is technically more involved because DIN connections can carry several signals within one connector.
Chord Company uses:
- High-bandwidth silver-plated oxygen-free conductors
- XLPE insulation
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Foiled high-frequency shielding for signal and ground
- An additional overall foil shield
- Split conductor geometry
- Zero-compression strain relief
- ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins
Multi-Tier DIN Shielding
Chord Company specifically describes EpicX ARAY DIN as using:
Multi-tiered shielding systems for all conductor pairs.
This is intended to reduce interaction between the different signals carried inside the DIN cable.
Signal and Ground Shielding
Chord Company separately specifies:
Foiled high-frequency shielding for both signal and ground.
An overall foil shield is then added around the wider assembly for additional high-frequency signal protection.
Split Conductor Geometry
EpicX ARAY DIN uses:
Split conductor geometry for impedance matching.
This is a specific manufacturer-published feature of the DIN version and should not simply be copied onto the RCA or XLR specifications.
Zero-Compression Strain Relief
The DIN cables use Chord Company's:
Zero-compression strain-relief system.
Chord Company states that this avoids changes to impedance at the connector termination.
Wide Range of DIN Configurations
The wider EpicX ARAY DIN family includes:
- 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 Wiring Standard
Two connectors can both be described as DIN while using different pins, wiring arrangements and signal directions.
Please confirm the exact make and model of both components before ordering a specialist EpicX ARAY DIN cable.
4DIN to 4DIN SNAIC
Audio T currently lists a 1m:
4DIN to 4DIN SNAIC configuration.
This is a specialist connection intended for compatible equipment using the appropriate 240-degree DIN/SNAIC arrangement.
4DIN to XLR for Naim New Classic
Audio T also lists a 1m 4DIN-to-XLR EpicX ARAY configuration.
Chord Company's current catalogue includes a dedicated 4DIN-to-XLR pair for compatible:
- Naim New Classic NAP 250
- Naim NAP 350
Check the Exact Naim Combination
The NAP 250 name has been used across several generations of Naim equipment.
Do not select a DIN-to-XLR cable based only on the words "NAP 250". Confirm the exact power amplifier generation and partnering preamplifier first.
5DIN to 5DIN
Audio T currently lists a 1m 5DIN-to-5DIN version.
This configuration should only be used where both components require the corresponding DIN pin arrangement and signal routing.
EpicX ARAY Subwoofer Cable
The dedicated subwoofer version is a separate EpicX ARAY analogue design rather than simply an unusually long stereo RCA interconnect.
Chord Company specifies:
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Tri-conductor configuration
- Silver-plated conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Internal PVC jacket
- High-frequency dual-layer combination shielding
- ChorAlloy™ plated Chord VEE 3 RCA plugs
Tri-Conductor Subwoofer Construction
The EpicX ARAY subwoofer cable uses a:
Tri-conductor configuration.
This is specific to the dedicated subwoofer version.
Internal PVC Jacket
Chord Company uses an internal PVC jacket to:
- Combat mechanical noise
- Maintain the intended spacing of the shielding system
Dual-Layer Combination Shield
The dedicated subwoofer cable uses a:
High-frequency dual-layer combination shield.
This is the shielding description Chord Company publishes specifically for the EpicX ARAY subwoofer design.
Standard Subwoofer Lengths
Chord Company's standard EpicX ARAY subwoofer lengths are:
Custom lengths and terminations are available.
Audio T 10m Subwoofer Option
The 10m EpicX ARAY subwoofer cable currently listed by Audio T is a custom-length configuration.
It is useful for larger rooms and installations, but sits beyond the manufacturer's standard 3m and 5m lengths.
Why Dedicated Subwoofer Cables?
Subwoofers are often positioned significantly further from the source electronics than other components.
A dedicated subwoofer cable therefore needs to accommodate long analogue signal runs while retaining the appropriate shielding and termination for the application.
EpicX ARAY or ClearwayX ARAY?
ClearwayX ARAY
- ARAY conductor geometry
- Heavy-gauge unsilvered OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Dual-layer shielding
- ChorAlloy™ plated VEE 3 RCA connectors
- RCA, XLR, DIN and subwoofer configurations
EpicX ARAY
- ARAY conductor technology
- Heavy-gauge silver-plated OFC conductors in the RCA version
- XLPE insulation
- More advanced application-specific shielding
- ChorAlloy™ plated connections
- RCA, XLR, DIN and subwoofer configurations
Compare Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY Analogue Interconnects at Audio T.
EpicX ARAY or ShawlineX ARAY?
Both ranges use silver-plated conductors and XLPE insulation, but EpicX ARAY moves to heavier conductor construction and more sophisticated geometry and shielding.
EpicX ARAY or SignatureX Tuned ARAY?
SignatureX moves further up the range and replaces ARAY with Chord Company's Tuned ARAY conductor geometry alongside its own higher-level shielding architecture.
Hand Built in the UK
EpicX ARAY analogue cables are hand built by Chord Company in the UK.
Audio T Portsmouth has also visited Chord Company's Amesbury facility and had first-hand experience of building EpicX ARAY RCA interconnects under the guidance of Chord Company's production team.
Read: Cable Guys for a Day - A Visit to Chord Company HQ
EpicX ARAY in a Real Audio T System
Audio T Cardiff has also compared Epic ARAY interconnects in a home system alongside higher-level Chord Company cabling.
Read: The Path to Cable Enlightenment
Key Features
- Chord Company EpicX ARAY
- Analogue interconnect range
- Hand built in the UK
- ARAY conductor technology
- XLPE insulation
- Heavy-gauge silver-plated OFC RCA conductors
- Multi-strand RCA conductor construction
- ChorAlloy™ plated VEE 3 RCA plugs
- Balanced XLR version
- Additional conductor used in XLR design
- ChorAlloy® plated XLR connector pins
- Extensive DIN configurations
- Multi-tier DIN shielding
- Signal and ground foil shielding
- Overall DIN foil shielding
- Split DIN conductor geometry
- Zero-compression DIN strain relief
- 4-pin DIN configurations
- 5-pin DIN configurations
- 8-pin DIN configurations
- 240-degree SNAIC options
- Naim-compatible DIN to XLR options
- Dedicated subwoofer cable
- Tri-conductor subwoofer geometry
- XLPE subwoofer insulation
- Internal PVC subwoofer jacket
- Dual-layer combination subwoofer shielding
- Custom lengths available
- Custom terminations available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company EpicX ARAY?
EpicX ARAY is Chord Company's high-performance analogue interconnect range using ARAY conductor technology and XLPE insulation, with RCA, XLR, DIN and subwoofer configurations.
What conductors does the RCA version use?
Chord Company specifies heavy-gauge silver-plated multi-strand oxygen-free copper conductors.
What insulation does EpicX ARAY use?
XLPE, or cross-linked polyethylene.
What RCA connectors are fitted?
Chord VEE 3 RCA plugs with Chord Company's current ChorAlloy™ plating.
What are the standard RCA lengths?
0.5m and 1m.
Is Audio T's 1.5m RCA cable genuine?
Yes. Chord Company offers custom lengths, so the Audio T 1.5m version is a valid custom-length EpicX ARAY RCA cable.
Is the XLR version balanced?
Yes. Chord Company adapted the EpicX ARAY XLR design with an additional conductor to provide the balanced connection.
What is the standard XLR length?
Chord Company currently specifies 1m as standard.
Are Audio T's 1.5m and 2m XLR pairs genuine?
Yes. They are custom-length EpicX ARAY XLR pairs.
Does XLR automatically mean better than RCA?
No. Chord Company recommends trying both where equipment offers both connection types and choosing the one that best suits the system.
Does EpicX ARAY come with DIN connectors?
Yes. Chord Company offers an extensive DIN range including 4-pin, 5-pin and 8-pin arrangements and mixed RCA, DIN and XLR configurations.
What DIN options does Audio T currently list?
The current Audio T selector includes 4DIN-to-4DIN SNAIC, 4DIN-to-XLR and 5DIN-to-5DIN, all in 1m lengths.
What is the 4DIN-to-XLR cable for?
Chord Company offers a dedicated 4DIN-to-XLR pair for compatible Naim New Classic NAP 250 and NAP 350 applications. Exact system compatibility should be confirmed before ordering.
Will that 4DIN-to-XLR cable fit every NAP 250?
No. Different NAP 250 generations use different connection arrangements. Confirm the exact amplifier and preamplifier combination first.
What shielding does the DIN version use?
Chord Company specifies foiled high-frequency shielding for both signal and ground plus an overall foil shield.
What is split conductor geometry?
Chord Company describes EpicX ARAY DIN as using split conductor geometry for impedance matching.
What strain relief does the DIN version use?
Chord Company's zero-compression strain-relief system.
Does EpicX ARAY have a dedicated subwoofer cable?
Yes. The dedicated subwoofer version uses ARAY geometry, a tri-conductor arrangement, silver-plated conductors, XLPE insulation and application-specific shielding.
What are the standard subwoofer lengths?
3m and 5m.
Is the Audio T 10m subwoofer cable genuine?
Yes. It is a custom-length EpicX ARAY configuration rather than one of the two standard manufacturer lengths.
What RCA plugs does the subwoofer version use?
Chord Company specifies ChorAlloy™ plated Chord VEE 3 RCA plugs.
Is EpicX ARAY the same cable in every termination?
No. Chord Company adapts the internal conductor and shielding arrangement according to the connection type and application.
Can I order a custom length?
Yes. Chord Company offers custom lengths across the EpicX ARAY analogue range.
Can other DIN configurations be ordered?
Yes. The wider manufacturer range includes additional 4-pin, 5-pin and 8-pin DIN arrangements, RCA-DIN, DIN-RCA, DIN-XLR, XLR-DIN and SNAIC configurations.
Can Audio T check which version I need?
Yes. For DIN, Naim, XLR and specialist connections, provide the full make and model of both components and Audio T can help identify the appropriate configuration.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- RCA, XLR and DIN compatibility advice
- Help distinguishing standard and custom lengths
- Naim connection and generation checking
- DIN pin-configuration advice
- Subwoofer cable-length guidance
- Turntable and phono-stage connection advice
- ClearwayX versus EpicX ARAY comparisons
- EpicX ARAY versus higher-level Chord Company cables
- 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 EpicX ARAY connection or length for your system.