Audio T Verdict
Chord Company BurndyT is a specialist upgrade cable for compatible Naim Audio equipment using Burndy multi-pin connections.
The most important thing to understand before buying one is that there is no universal BurndyT cable. Different Naim components require different connector arrangements and internal wiring configurations, so choosing the correct version is essential.
Chord Company hand builds each BurndyT to order using multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors, its flagship Taylon® insulation, high-density silver-plated braid and foil high-frequency shielding, and crimped ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins.
BurndyT sits above BurndyX in Chord Company's Burndy range. Both use silver-plated OFC conductors, extensive high-frequency shielding and ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins, but BurndyT moves to Chord Company's Taylon® insulation rather than the XLPE insulation used in BurndyX.
Audio T currently offers seven 1.23m BurndyT configurations through this product page. Because the correct cable depends entirely on the Naim equipment being connected, we strongly recommend checking the required configuration with us before ordering if there is any uncertainty.
Chord Company BurndyT Cables for Naim Audio
Chord Company BurndyT cables are specialist multi-pin cables designed for compatible Burndy-equipped Naim Audio products.
They are available in numerous wiring configurations because different Naim power supplies, source components and amplifiers use different Burndy connections.
Choose the Correct Burndy Configuration
Burndy cables are application specific.
A 252, 552, CDS, 555 No.1, 555 No.2, Type 3 or Type 4 cable should not be selected simply because the connector appears physically similar.
Please choose the version specified for the equipment being connected. If you are unsure, contact Audio T before ordering.
Available Audio T BurndyT Options
The following seven configurations are currently selectable on this Audio T product page, all at 1.23 metres:
| Audio T Option |
Chord Company Configuration |
Manufacturer Pin / Connector Information |
| BurndyT 252 1.23m |
NAC252 Burndy |
15-pin |
| BurndyT 552 1.23m |
552 Burndy |
19-pin |
| BurndyT 555 No.1 1.23m |
555 No.1 |
10-pin |
| BurndyT 555 No.2 1.23m |
555 No.2 |
7-pin |
| BurndyT CDS 1.23m |
CDS Power Burndy |
13-pin |
| BurndyT Type 3 1.23m |
Type 3 |
12-way New Classic connection |
| BurndyT Type 4 1.23m |
Type 4 |
23-way New Classic connection |
Need a Different Burndy?
Chord Company manufactures Burndy cables in additional configurations and custom lengths beyond the seven 1.23m versions currently listed in the Audio T selector.
If the exact version required for your Naim system is not shown above, please contact Audio T rather than selecting the nearest-looking alternative.
555 No.1 and 555 No.2 Are Different Cables
This distinction is particularly important.
Chord Company lists:
- 555 No.1: 10-pin
- 555 No.2: 7-pin
They are separate Burndy configurations rather than different quality levels.
Chord Company's Naim connection guide identifies CD555PS connections to products including CD555, NDS and ND555 as using:
555 Burndy No.1 and No.2.
Do Not Substitute No.1 for No.2
The two 555 cables perform different connection roles and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Where a Naim system requires both, both correct configurations are needed.
Type 3 and Type 4 BurndyT
Chord Company expanded its Burndy range to support the newer Naim Audio 200 and 300 Series architecture.
The manufacturer identifies:
- Type 3: 12-way
- Type 4: 23-way
These should only be used with compatible Naim equipment requiring the relevant Type 3 or Type 4 connection.
Hand Built to Order
Every BurndyT is:
Hand built to order by Chord Company in the UK.
These are complex multi-conductor assemblies rather than conventional two- or three-conductor interconnects.
The number and arrangement of the internal connections varies according to the Burndy configuration required.
Multi-Stranded Silver-Plated OFC Conductors
Chord Company specifies:
Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors.
OFC stands for oxygen-free copper.
The conductor configuration is determined by the requirements of the particular Burndy application.
Taylon Insulation
BurndyT uses Chord Company's proprietary:
Taylon® insulation.
Chord describes Taylon® as its flagship phase-stable insulation material.
It is the principal material distinction between BurndyT and the more accessible BurndyX range, which uses XLPE insulation.
White Outer Jacket
Chord Company identifies BurndyT by its:
White outer jacket.
This provides a straightforward visual distinction from other Burndy cable versions.
High-Frequency Shielding
The internal conductors are complemented by:
High-density silver-plated braid and foil combination high-frequency shielding.
Chord Company has developed this shielding approach specifically to reduce the ingress of unwanted high-frequency noise into sensitive signal and ground paths.
Why Does High-Frequency Noise Matter?
Chord Company's Burndy development work places particular emphasis on the amount of radio-frequency and other high-frequency electrical noise present in a modern listening environment.
Cables can behave as aerials for this unwanted energy. Chord therefore uses extensive shielding throughout BurndyT to reduce the amount of external high-frequency noise reaching the connected equipment.
Layered Screening
BurndyT uses multiple layers of screening rather than relying on one simple shield around the entire cable.
Chord describes the construction as protecting delicate signals against high-frequency noise.
ChorAlloy Plated Connector Pins
BurndyT terminates in Chord Company's:
Crimped ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins.
ChorAlloy™ is Chord Company's proprietary multi-metal connector-plating system.
Crimped Connections
Chord Company specifically describes the BurndyT connector pins as:
Crimp terminated.
The cable is assembled using the termination method and pin arrangement required for each particular Burndy configuration.
Designed for Compatible Naim Audio Equipment
Chord Company developed the Burndy range specifically around Burndy-equipped Naim Audio electronics.
Compatible applications span both older Naim equipment and the newer Type 3 and Type 4 connections used by more recent products.
What Does a Burndy Cable Do?
Burndy is a multi-pin connection used within compatible Naim systems, particularly where separate power supplies and audio components are connected together.
Depending on the specific Naim architecture, Burndy connections can carry multiple electrical paths within one multi-pin cable.
Why Are There So Many Versions?
Different Naim products use different numbers of pins, wiring arrangements and electrical connections.
Chord Company therefore manufactures separate Burndy configurations rather than attempting to create one universal cable.
BurndyT or BurndyX?
BurndyX
- Hand built to order
- Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- High-density silver-plated braid shielding
- Foil HF shielding
- ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins
- More accessible Burndy range
BurndyT
- Hand built to order
- Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors
- Flagship Taylon® insulation
- High-density silver-plated braid shielding
- Foil HF shielding
- ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins
- White outer jacket
- Higher-tier Burndy construction
The principal manufacturer-specified material difference is the insulation: BurndyX uses XLPE, while BurndyT uses Chord Company's flagship Taylon® material.
Compare Chord Company BurndyX cables at Audio T.
Custom Lengths
Chord Company states that Burndy cables are available in:
Custom lengths.
The seven configurations currently selectable through this Audio T page are all 1.23m versions, but other requirements can be discussed with your local Audio T store.
Check Before Ordering a Custom Cable
Because BurndyT cables are built to order and are available in multiple configurations, please confirm both the required Burndy type and required length before placing a custom order.
Key Features
- Chord Company BurndyT
- Designed for compatible Naim Audio equipment
- Hand built to order
- UK manufactured
- Multi-pin Burndy connection
- Multi-stranded conductors
- Silver-plated OFC conductors
- Chord Company Taylon® insulation
- Phase-stable insulation material
- High-density silver-plated braid shielding
- Foil high-frequency shielding
- Layered screening
- ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins
- Crimped connector terminations
- White outer jacket
- 252 configuration available
- 552 configuration available
- 555 No.1 configuration available
- 555 No.2 configuration available
- CDS configuration available
- Type 3 configuration available
- Type 4 configuration available
- 1.23m Audio T options
- Additional custom configurations available
- Custom lengths available through Chord Company
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company BurndyT?
BurndyT is Chord Company's Taylon-insulated multi-pin cable for compatible Burndy-equipped Naim Audio products.
Is there one universal BurndyT cable?
No. Different Naim products require different Burndy connector and wiring configurations.
Which BurndyT versions does Audio T currently offer online?
The current 1.23m selector includes 252, 552, 555 No.1, 555 No.2, CDS, Type 3 and Type 4.
What is the BurndyT 252?
Chord Company identifies the NAC252 Burndy as a 15-pin configuration.
What is the BurndyT 552?
Chord Company identifies the 552 Burndy as a 19-pin configuration.
What is the BurndyT CDS?
Chord Company identifies the CDS Power Burndy as a 13-pin configuration.
What is 555 No.1?
Chord Company specifies 555 No.1 as a 10-pin Burndy configuration.
What is 555 No.2?
Chord Company specifies 555 No.2 as a 7-pin Burndy configuration.
Are 555 No.1 and No.2 interchangeable?
No. They are different Burndy configurations and should not be substituted for one another.
Do some Naim systems require both 555 cables?
Yes. Chord Company's Naim connection guide identifies CD555PS connections to CD555, NDS and ND555 as using 555 Burndy No.1 and No.2.
What is Type 3?
Chord Company identifies Type 3 as one of the newer Burndy formats used within Naim's newer 200 and 300 Series architecture and associates it with a 12-way connection.
What is Type 4?
Chord Company identifies Type 4 as the corresponding 23-way newer Burndy format.
Can I identify the correct cable purely from the number of pins?
We recommend confirming the exact equipment combination rather than ordering purely by appearance or pin count. The correct Burndy configuration must match the Naim application.
What length are the Audio T BurndyT options?
The seven currently selectable options on this product page are 1.23m.
Can I order another length?
Yes. Chord Company states that Burndy cables are available in custom lengths. Contact Audio T to discuss your requirement.
Does Chord Company make additional Burndy configurations?
Yes. The manufacturer's range includes more configurations than the seven currently listed in the Audio T selector.
What are the conductors made from?
Chord Company specifies multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors.
What does OFC mean?
OFC stands for oxygen-free copper.
What insulation does BurndyT use?
Chord Company's proprietary Taylon® insulation.
What is Taylon?
Chord Company describes Taylon® as its flagship phase-stable insulation material.
How can I visually identify BurndyT?
Chord Company identifies BurndyT by its white outer jacket.
How is BurndyT shielded?
Chord specifies high-density silver-plated braid and foil combination high-frequency shielding.
What plating is used on the connector pins?
Chord Company's proprietary ChorAlloy™ multi-metal plating system.
Are the connector pins soldered?
Chord Company specifies crimped ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins for BurndyT.
Is BurndyT made in the UK?
Yes. Chord Company describes BurndyT as hand built to order by its UK technicians.
What is the difference between BurndyT and BurndyX?
Both use multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors, extensive high-frequency shielding and ChorAlloy™ pins. BurndyX uses XLPE insulation, while BurndyT uses Chord Company's flagship Taylon® insulation.
Is BurndyT just a power cable?
Burndy is a specialist multi-pin connection used between compatible Naim components and power supplies. The exact electrical functions depend on the particular Naim application and Burndy configuration.
Can Audio T help identify which Burndy I need?
Yes. We strongly recommend checking with us before ordering whenever the required Burndy configuration is uncertain.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Where suitable demonstration or home-loan stock is available, contact your local Audio T store to discuss options.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Burndy configuration checking before ordering
- Naim equipment compatibility advice
- 555 No.1 and No.2 guidance
- Type 3 and Type 4 compatibility advice
- Custom-length enquiries
- Additional Chord Company Burndy configurations available to order
- BurndyT versus BurndyX comparisons
- System demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Cable installation guidance
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you need help identifying the correct Chord Company BurndyT configuration for your Naim Audio system.