Audio T Verdict
Chord Company BurndyX provides owners of compatible Naim Audio equipment with a specialist alternative to the standard Burndy cables used between selected components and external power supplies.
These are considerably more complicated than conventional interconnects. A Burndy connection can contain numerous individual electrical paths, and different Naim products require different pin counts and wiring configurations. Choosing the correct BurndyX is therefore essential.
Chord Company hand builds each cable to order using multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors with XLPE insulation. These are complemented by high-density silver-plated braid and foil high-frequency shielding, with the cable terminated using crimped ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins.
BurndyX sits below BurndyT within Chord Company's specialist Burndy range. The two share silver-plated OFC conductors, extensive high-frequency shielding and ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins, while BurndyX uses XLPE insulation and BurndyT moves to Chord Company's flagship Taylon® insulation.
Audio T currently offers eight BurndyX configurations at 1.23m through this product page. These are application-specific versions rather than cosmetic options or different performance grades, so if you are uncertain which one your Naim system requires, please contact us before ordering.
Chord Company BurndyX Cables for Naim Audio
Chord Company BurndyX cables are specialist multi-pin cables designed for compatible Burndy-equipped Naim Audio products.
Chord Company manufactures them in numerous configurations because the wiring arrangement and connector type required varies according to the Naim equipment being connected.
Burndy Cables Are Application Specific
There is no universal BurndyX cable.
Do not select a cable purely because the connector appears similar or because another Burndy version works with a different Naim component.
The cable configuration must match the intended Naim application.
Audio T BurndyX Options
Audio T currently lists the following eight BurndyX configurations, each at 1.23 metres:
| Audio T Option |
Chord Company Configuration |
Manufacturer Pin / Connection Information |
| BurndyX 252 1.23m |
NAC252 |
15-pin |
| BurndyX 52 / 52PS 1.23m |
NAC52 with 52PS |
16-pin |
| BurndyX 552 1.23m |
552 |
19-pin |
| BurndyX 555 No.1 1.23m |
555 No.1 |
10-pin |
| BurndyX 555 No.2 1.23m |
555 No.2 |
7-pin |
| BurndyX SXPS 1.23m |
SXPS |
11-pin |
| BurndyX Type 3 1.23m |
Type 3 |
12-way |
| BurndyX Type 4 1.23m |
Type 4 |
23-way |
More Burndy Configurations Are Available
The eight options above are the configurations currently presented in the Audio T online selector.
Chord Company's complete Burndy range includes additional configurations, and the manufacturer also offers custom lengths.
If you require a version not shown here, contact Audio T rather than ordering the closest-looking option.
BurndyX 252
Chord Company specifies the:
NAC252 Burndy as a 15-pin configuration.
Select this version only for equipment requiring the NAC252 Burndy configuration.
BurndyX 52 / 52PS
Chord Company specifies:
NAC52 with 52PS as a 16-pin configuration.
NAC52 Connections Are Not All the Same
Chord Company separately identifies different NAC52-related Burndy configurations.
The Audio T 52 / 52PS option specifically corresponds to the manufacturer's NAC52 with 52PS 16-pin configuration.
Do not assume every NAC52 application uses this same cable.
BurndyX 552
Chord Company identifies the:
552 Burndy as a 19-pin configuration.
BurndyX 555 No.1
Chord Company specifies:
555 No.1 as a 10-pin configuration.
BurndyX 555 No.2
Chord Company specifies:
555 No.2 as a 7-pin configuration.
555 No.1 and No.2 Are Different Cables
The two 555 Burndy configurations are not alternative grades and they are not interchangeable.
Where a Naim application requires both 555 Burndy No.1 and No.2, the correct version of each cable is required.
BurndyX SXPS
Chord Company specifies:
SXPS as an 11-pin Burndy configuration.
This is a separate manufacturer-defined configuration and should not be substituted with another Burndy type.
BurndyX Type 3
Chord Company identifies Type 3 as the newer:
12-way Burndy format.
The manufacturer developed Type 3 and Type 4 Burndy cables to accommodate compatible later-generation Naim equipment.
BurndyX Type 4
Chord Company identifies Type 4 as the newer:
23-way Burndy format.
Type 3 and Type 4 Are Not Interchangeable
Type 3 is the 12-way format and Type 4 is the 23-way format.
Use only the connection specified for the Naim equipment being connected.
Hand Built to Order
Chord Company states that Burndy cables are:
Hand built to order.
The construction required varies according to the particular Burndy configuration, including the number of electrical paths and connector arrangement.
Silver-Plated OFC Conductors
BurndyX uses:
Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors.
OFC stands for oxygen-free copper.
The manufacturer does not publish one universal conductor count for BurndyX because different Burndy configurations require different internal arrangements.
XLPE Insulation
The defining insulation material used in BurndyX is:
XLPE.
XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene.
This is the manufacturer-specified insulation for BurndyX and distinguishes it from BurndyT, which uses Chord Company's Taylon® material.
High-Frequency Shielding
Chord Company specifies a combination of:
High-density silver-plated braid and foil HF shielding.
The shielding is designed to reduce the ingress of unwanted high-frequency electrical noise.
Why Does Chord Company Concentrate on HF Noise?
Modern homes contain numerous potential sources of high-frequency electrical interference.
Chord Company's cable-development philosophy places significant emphasis on preventing cables from acting as paths for this unwanted energy into sensitive audio equipment.
The BurndyX construction therefore incorporates substantial shielding around its internal electrical paths.
Silver-Plated Braid
Chord Company uses:
High-density silver-plated braid
as part of the cable's shielding system.
Foil Shielding
This is complemented by:
Foil high-frequency shielding.
The two shielding methods are used together rather than relying on a single simple screen.
ChorAlloy Plated Connector Pins
The Burndy connectors use Chord Company's:
ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins.
ChorAlloy™ is Chord Company's proprietary multi-metal connector-plating system.
Crimped Pin Terminations
Chord Company specifies that the connector pins are:
Crimp terminated.
The exact pin arrangement depends on the Burndy configuration being manufactured.
Designed for Compatible Naim Audio Equipment
Chord Company developed BurndyX for:
Compatible Burndy-equipped Naim Audio products.
This includes traditional Burndy formats as well as newer Type 3 and Type 4 equipped models.
What Is a Burndy Connection?
Burndy is a multi-pin connection used between compatible Naim Audio components, particularly where external power supplies and associated equipment need to carry several electrical connections through one cable assembly.
The exact electrical function of an individual Burndy connection depends on the Naim product and system architecture.
Do Not Assume Every Burndy Carries the Same Signals
Different Burndy configurations have different internal wiring arrangements.
This is why the exact manufacturer-defined cable type must be matched to the equipment rather than choosing solely by physical appearance.
Why Are BurndyX Prices Different?
Chord Company states that Burndy cables are priced at different levels according to factors including:
- Complexity
- Number of wires required
- Material specification
Consequently, different BurndyX configurations can have different prices even when their finished length is the same.
BurndyX or BurndyT?
BurndyX
- Hand built to order
- Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- High-density silver-plated braid
- Foil HF shielding
- Crimped ChorAlloy™ plated pins
- More accessible Chord Company Burndy range
BurndyT
- Hand built to order
- Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors
- Taylon® insulation
- High-density silver-plated braid
- Foil HF shielding
- Crimped ChorAlloy™ plated pins
- Flagship Chord Company Burndy construction
The principal manufacturer-specified material distinction is the insulation.
BurndyX uses XLPE, while BurndyT uses Chord Company's flagship Taylon® insulation.
Compare Chord Company BurndyT cables at Audio T.
Custom Lengths Available
Chord Company states that Burndy cables are available in:
Custom lengths.
The current Audio T online options are all 1.23m, but other requirements can be discussed with your local store.
Confirm Type and Length Before Ordering
BurndyX cables are specialist hand-built products available in multiple configurations.
Please make sure both the required Burndy type and cable length are correct before placing an order.
Audio T Listens to BurndyX
Audio T Portsmouth has tested Chord Company BurndyX cables within a high-end Naim system, comparing them directly with the standard Naim-supplied Burndy connections.
The test formed part of a wider look at Chord Company system upgrades and provides useful real-world context for owners considering where BurndyX sits within a complete Naim system.
Read: Chord Strikes the Right Notes With System Upgrade Options
Key Features
- Chord Company BurndyX
- Designed for compatible Naim Audio equipment
- Hand built to order
- Multi-pin Burndy connection
- Multi-stranded conductors
- Silver-plated OFC conductors
- XLPE insulation
- High-density silver-plated braid shielding
- Foil high-frequency shielding
- Combined HF shielding system
- ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins
- Crimped pin terminations
- 252 / NAC252 configuration
- 52 / 52PS configuration
- 552 configuration
- 555 No.1 configuration
- 555 No.2 configuration
- SXPS configuration
- Type 3 configuration
- Type 4 configuration
- 1.23m Audio T options
- Additional configurations available
- Custom lengths available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company BurndyX?
BurndyX is Chord Company's XLPE-insulated specialist Burndy cable range for compatible Naim Audio equipment.
Is there one universal BurndyX cable?
No. Chord Company manufactures numerous different Burndy configurations for different Naim applications.
How many BurndyX options does Audio T currently list?
Eight 1.23m configurations: 252, 52 / 52PS, 552, 555 No.1, 555 No.2, SXPS, Type 3 and Type 4.
What is BurndyX 252?
Chord Company specifies the NAC252 Burndy as a 15-pin configuration.
What is the 52 / 52PS BurndyX?
Chord Company specifies NAC52 with 52PS as a 16-pin Burndy configuration.
Can I use the 52 / 52PS cable with every NAC52 setup?
Do not assume so. Chord Company identifies more than one NAC52-related Burndy configuration. The Audio T option specifically refers to the NAC52 with 52PS 16-pin version.
What is BurndyX 552?
Chord Company specifies the 552 Burndy as a 19-pin configuration.
What is 555 No.1?
A 10-pin Burndy configuration.
What is 555 No.2?
A 7-pin Burndy configuration.
Are 555 No.1 and No.2 interchangeable?
No. They are different manufacturer-defined Burndy configurations.
What is the SXPS BurndyX?
Chord Company specifies SXPS as an 11-pin configuration.
What is Type 3?
Chord Company identifies Type 3 as a 12-way Burndy format used with compatible later-generation Naim equipment.
What is Type 4?
Chord Company identifies Type 4 as a 23-way Burndy format used with compatible later-generation Naim equipment.
Are Type 3 and Type 4 interchangeable?
No. Type 3 is 12-way and Type 4 is 23-way. Use the exact format required by the connected equipment.
Can I identify the cable I need just by counting pins?
We recommend confirming the exact Naim equipment combination rather than ordering solely by connector appearance or pin count.
What length are the standard Audio T options?
The current online selector lists 1.23m versions.
Does Chord Company make custom lengths?
Yes. Chord Company states that custom lengths are available.
Are there Burndy configurations that Audio T does not list online?
Yes. Chord Company's overall range contains additional Burndy configurations. Contact Audio T if the required type is not shown.
What conductor does BurndyX use?
Multi-stranded silver-plated OFC.
What does OFC mean?
OFC stands for oxygen-free copper.
What insulation does BurndyX use?
XLPE.
What does XLPE mean?
XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene.
How is BurndyX shielded?
Chord Company specifies high-density silver-plated braid combined with foil HF shielding.
What connector plating does BurndyX use?
Chord Company's proprietary ChorAlloy™ plating.
How are the connector pins terminated?
Chord Company specifies crimped connector pins.
Is BurndyX soldered?
Chord Company's published BurndyX description specifies crimped ChorAlloy™ plated connector pins.
What is the difference between BurndyX and BurndyT?
Both use multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors, extensive HF shielding and ChorAlloy™ plated pins. BurndyX uses XLPE insulation while BurndyT uses Chord Company's flagship Taylon® insulation.
Why do different BurndyX versions cost different amounts?
Chord Company states that Burndy cable pricing varies according to complexity, the number of wires required and material specification.
Is BurndyX made specifically for Naim?
Chord Company describes the current Burndy range as designed to connect compatible Naim Audio products.
Can Audio T help identify the right BurndyX?
Yes. Because the cables are application specific, we strongly recommend checking with your local Audio T store if you have any uncertainty.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Burndy configuration checking before ordering
- Naim equipment compatibility advice
- NAC52 / 52PS configuration guidance
- 555 No.1 and No.2 guidance
- SXPS compatibility guidance
- Type 3 and Type 4 advice
- Custom-length enquiries
- Additional Burndy configurations available to order
- BurndyX versus BurndyT comparisons
- 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 Chord Company BurndyX configuration for your Naim Audio system.