Audio T Verdict
The English Electric EE1 is a small and refreshingly simple network upgrade. There are no settings, apps or power supplies to worry about. It simply sits between two Ethernet cables and is designed to reduce unwanted electrical noise travelling around a wired streaming system.
Inside, English Electric combines galvanic isolation with targeted filtering, converting unwanted noise into heat while allowing the network data to continue through the connection.
It's also easy to experiment with. Try it between your network switch and streamer, compare the system with and without it, and decide whether the difference is worthwhile. That's far more useful than getting dragged into an argument about whether a network isolator should make a difference in theory.
For more ambitious systems, the EE1 Plus sits above it with Chord Company's ARAY technology, a precision-machined aluminium enclosure and upgraded mechanical isolation.
English Electric EE1 Network Noise Isolator
The EE1 is a passive in-line network noise isolator designed for wired audio and video streaming systems.
It can be installed between compatible network components such as:
- Network switch and music streamer
- Network switch and music server
- Server and streamer
- Router and network switch
- Other compatible Ethernet-connected streaming equipment
Passive Operation - No Power Supply Required
The EE1 requires:
No external power supply.
English Electric describes the device as self-powered, with unwanted electrical noise converted into heat rather than requiring active electronics or a separate mains connection.
Simple to Add to an Existing Network
The EE1 does not need to be configured or recognised by your network.
Connect one Ethernet cable to each side, make sure the directional arrow follows the music/data path and continue using your streamer as normal.
Galvanic Isolation
One of the EE1's key technologies is:
Galvanic isolation.
This provides electrical separation between the network connections and is used to block low-frequency noise while reducing unwanted high-frequency noise passing through the network connection.
Targeted Network Noise Filtering
English Electric also uses:
Targeted filtering.
The design is intended to reduce unwanted electrical noise associated with network devices while allowing the digital data required for streaming to continue through the connection.
Why Can a Network Carry Electrical Noise?
Ethernet data itself is robust, but the physical network can connect together a large number of electrically active devices.
These may include:
- Routers
- Network switches
- Computers
- Music servers
- NAS drives
- Wi-Fi access points
- Smart televisions
- Switch-mode power supplies
The EE1 is designed to reduce unwanted electrical noise travelling alongside the network data before it reaches sensitive streaming equipment.
Directional Installation
The EE1 carries directional markings on its enclosure.
For optimum installation, English Electric recommends that the:
Arrow follows the direction of the music or data signal.
In a typical switch-to-streamer connection, the arrow should therefore point towards the streamer.
You Will Need an Additional Ethernet Cable
The EE1 sits between two Ethernet cables rather than replacing the network cable completely.
If you currently have one cable running directly from switch to streamer, adding an EE1 requires a second Ethernet cable to complete the connection.
Where Should I Put the EE1?
English Electric suggests several possible installation points.
Switch to Streamer
A particularly sensible starting point in a dedicated music-streaming system.
Router to Network Switch
A second possible position, particularly where further network-noise reduction is required.
Server to Streamer
Suitable where a music server connects directly to a separate network streamer.
Switch to Server
Another option in systems containing a dedicated network music server.
Using Better Ethernet Cables with the EE1
If different grades of Ethernet cable are being used within the system, English Electric recommends placing the higher-quality cable further along the signal path, between the EE1 and the server or streamer.
Chord Company offers network cables across several performance levels, including C-stream, Clearway, Epic and Signature.
View Chord Company C-stream Streaming Cable at Audio T.
Using More Than One EE1
English Electric states that:
Multiple EE1 units can be used within the same network.
For example, one EE1 could be installed between the router and network switch while another sits between the switch and streamer.
We'd recommend starting with one and experimenting before adding further units.
EE1 with English Electric 8Switch
The EE1 can be used alongside English Electric's dedicated 8Switch.
A typical arrangement is:
- Router or home network
- English Electric 8Switch
- EE1
- Music streamer
View English Electric 8Switch at Audio T.
EE1 Versus EE1 Plus
The EE1 Plus is the higher-performance model introduced above the original EE1.
English Electric EE1
- Passive in-line network isolator
- Galvanic isolation
- Targeted filtering
- Converts unwanted noise into heat
- No external power supply
- Directional installation
- Compact and easy to install
English Electric EE1 Plus
- Advanced passive network isolator
- Galvanic isolation
- Targeted common-mode filtering
- Chord Company ARAY technology
- Precision-machined aluminium enclosure
- Two premium decoupled isolation feet
- Higher-level noise-reduction design
The original EE1 remains the more affordable and compact entry point, while EE1 Plus adds technologies derived from Chord Company's higher-end noise-reduction products.
View English Electric EE1 Plus at Audio T.
No App, Software or Subscription
The EE1 does not require:
- An app
- A network account
- Firmware updates
- A subscription
- A separate control interface
Your streamer, server and streaming services continue to operate exactly as before.
Audio T Has Tried It
Our Portsmouth team demonstrated the EE1 in a revealing Naim 300 Series system with Dynaudio Confidence 50 loudspeakers, placing the isolator between an English Electric 8Switch and Naim NSS 333 streamer.
Read: Chord Strikes the Right Notes with System Upgrade Options
Our Cheltenham team also revisited the EE1 in 2025 and experimented with its position within a streaming system.
Read: Audio T Cheltenham and the English Electric EE1
Demonstration Makes Sense
Network accessories can be system dependent, so we'd suggest trying the EE1 rather than buying purely on claims or specifications.
Install it in one position at a time and compare familiar music with and without the isolator in circuit.
Key Features
- English Electric EE1
- High-performance network noise isolator
- Designed for streaming audio and video
- Passive operation
- No external power supply required
- Converts unwanted noise into heat
- Galvanic isolation
- Targeted filtering
- Low-frequency noise blocking
- High-frequency noise reduction
- Maintains network data transfer
- Directional installation
- Arrow indicates signal direction
- Installs between two Ethernet cables
- Suitable between switch and streamer
- Suitable between router and switch
- Suitable between server and streamer
- Multiple EE1 units can be used
- Compatible with English Electric 8Switch
- EE1 Plus upgrade available
- No app required
- No firmware required
- 24-month English Electric warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the English Electric EE1?
It is a passive in-line network noise isolator designed to reduce unwanted electrical noise within wired streaming audio and video systems.
Does the EE1 need a power supply?
No. It requires no external power supply.
How does the EE1 work?
English Electric uses galvanic isolation and targeted filtering to reduce unwanted electrical noise while maintaining network data transfer.
Does it convert noise into heat?
Yes. English Electric describes the passive design as converting unwanted noise into heat.
Does the EE1 have a direction?
Yes. The arrow on the unit should follow the direction of music/data flow through the system.
Where should I install it?
Between two compatible Ethernet connections. A common starting point is between a network switch and music streamer.
Do I need another Ethernet cable?
Yes. Because the EE1 sits in-line, adding it to an existing single-cable connection requires a second Ethernet cable.
Can I use it between my router and switch?
Yes. English Electric specifically suggests this as another possible installation point.
Can I use it between a switch and streamer?
Yes. This is one of the most obvious applications in a dedicated streaming system.
Can I use it with a music server?
Yes, where the server uses compatible wired Ethernet connections.
Can I use more than one EE1?
Yes. English Electric states that multiple units can be installed at different points within the network.
Can I use it with the English Electric 8Switch?
Yes. An EE1 between the 8Switch and streamer is a common configuration.
Does it need an app?
No. It is a passive in-line device with no software setup.
Does it affect which streaming services I can use?
No. Streaming-service compatibility is determined by your streamer, not the EE1.
What is the difference between EE1 and EE1 Plus?
EE1 Plus adds Chord Company ARAY technology, targeted common-mode filtering, a precision-machined aluminium enclosure and premium decoupled isolation feet.
Does the original EE1 use ARAY technology?
Chord Company does not specify ARAY technology for the original EE1. ARAY is a published feature of EE1 Plus.
What warranty does it have?
English Electric products are covered by a 24-month return-to-base warranty from the original date of purchase, subject to the manufacturer's terms.
Can Audio T demonstrate the EE1?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss demonstration or home-trial availability.
Related English Electric and Chord Company Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help choosing the best EE1 position in your network
- Streamer and music-server setup advice
- English Electric 8Switch integration guidance
- EE1 and EE1 Plus comparison advice
- Network-cable recommendations
- Complete streaming-system setup guidance
- 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 the English Electric EE1 or discuss the most useful place to install one in your streaming system.