Audio T Verdict
The original English Electric EE1 provided a wonderfully simple way of experimenting with network-noise reduction: plug it between two Ethernet cables, listen and decide whether it earns its place in the system.
EE1 Plus takes the same passive approach considerably further. Alongside galvanic isolation and targeted common-mode filtering, it introduces Chord Company's proprietary ARAY technology, a substantial precision-machined aluminium enclosure and two decoupled isolation feet.
There are still no apps, settings, power supplies or firmware updates to worry about. It simply sits in-line within a wired streaming network and is designed to reduce unwanted electrical noise without interrupting the digital data passing through it.
At this level we'd strongly recommend a demonstration. Put it between your network switch and streamer, compare familiar music with and without it in the system and make your own mind up.
English Electric EE1 Plus Advanced Network Noise Isolator
The EE1 Plus is a high-performance passive network noise isolator developed for wired audio and video streaming systems.
It builds on the original EE1 with a more ambitious noise-reduction design incorporating:
- Galvanic isolation
- Targeted common-mode filtering
- Chord Company ARAY technology
- Heavy-duty precision-machined aluminium enclosure
- Two premium decoupled isolation feet
- Completely passive, self-powered operation
Passive Operation
The EE1 Plus requires:
No external power supply.
It is a completely passive device designed to convert unwanted electrical noise into heat while allowing network data to continue through the connection.
No Setup Required
There is no app, configuration screen or network account.
Install the EE1 Plus between two Ethernet cables and continue using your streamer, server and music apps exactly as before.
Galvanic Isolation
The EE1 Plus incorporates:
Galvanic isolation.
This creates electrical separation within the network connection and forms one part of English Electric's strategy for reducing unwanted network-borne electrical noise.
Targeted Common-Mode Filtering
EE1 Plus also introduces:
Targeted common-mode filtering.
Common-mode noise can be present simultaneously on conductors within an electrical connection. The filtering in EE1 Plus is designed specifically to reduce this unwanted noise while maintaining the network data travelling through the device.
Chord Company ARAY Technology
The major technological addition over the original EE1 is:
Chord Company's proprietary ARAY technology.
ARAY technology has been developed through Chord Company's work with cable and high-frequency noise control and is now incorporated into a growing range of its noise-reduction products.
EE1 Versus EE1 Plus
The standard EE1 uses passive noise filtering and galvanic isolation.
EE1 Plus retains that basic principle but adds targeted common-mode filtering, ARAY technology, a substantially upgraded enclosure and dedicated mechanical isolation.
Designed for Wired Streaming Systems
EE1 Plus is intended to sit between Ethernet cables within compatible audio and video networks.
Possible installation points include:
- Network switch to music streamer
- Network switch to music server
- Server to streamer
- Router to network switch
Where Should I Try It First?
In a dedicated Hi-Fi streaming system, the connection immediately before the music streamer is a sensible place to begin.
A typical arrangement might be:
- Router
- Network switch
- EE1 Plus
- Music streamer
This also makes it straightforward to compare the system with and without the EE1 Plus installed.
Using More Than One EE1 Plus
English Electric states that:
Multiple EE1 Plus units can be used within the same network.
For example, one could be installed between the router and network switch while another is positioned between the switch and streamer.
We'd suggest starting with one and experimenting with its position before adding additional units.
Precision-Machined Aluminium Enclosure
The EE1 Plus uses a:
Heavy-duty precision-machined aluminium enclosure.
This is a significant physical upgrade over the compact original EE1 and forms part of the Plus model's approach to both electrical and mechanical noise control.
Decoupled Isolation Feet
Underneath the enclosure are:
Two premium decoupled isolation feet.
These provide mechanical isolation between the EE1 Plus enclosure and the supporting surface.
EE1 Plus with English Electric 8Switch
EE1 Plus can be used alongside the English Electric 8Switch to create a network connection developed specifically around streaming audio.
A typical arrangement is:
- Router or home network
- English Electric 8Switch
- EE1 Plus
- Music streamer
View English Electric 8Switch at Audio T.
EE1 Versus EE1 Plus
English Electric EE1
- Passive network noise isolator
- Galvanic isolation
- Targeted filtering
- Self-powered operation
- No external power supply
- Compact construction
- Entry point into English Electric network isolation
English Electric EE1 Plus
- Advanced passive network noise isolator
- Galvanic isolation
- Targeted common-mode filtering
- Chord Company ARAY technology
- Self-powered operation
- Precision-machined aluminium enclosure
- Two decoupled isolation feet
- Higher-level noise-reduction design
Compare English Electric EE1 at Audio T.
Does EE1 Plus Replace the Original EE1?
No.
The EE1 Plus is a higher-performance model rather than a replacement. Both versions remain available, allowing the level of network-noise treatment to be matched to the system and budget.
Does EE1 Plus Replace a Network Switch?
No.
EE1 Plus is an in-line network noise isolator rather than a network switch or router.
It is used alongside your existing network infrastructure.
Does It Provide Wi-Fi?
No.
EE1 Plus is intended for physical wired Ethernet connections and does not create a wireless network.
Does It Store Music?
No.
It contains no music storage and does not replace a NAS or music server.
Does It Affect Streaming Services?
No specific streaming service is required.
Compatibility with Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, Amazon Music and other services is determined by the connected streamer rather than EE1 Plus.
Can I Use It with a Music Server?
Yes, where the music server uses a compatible wired Ethernet connection.
English Electric specifically identifies switch-to-server and server-to-streamer connections as suitable positions for the EE1 Plus.
Can I Use It with a NAS?
It can form part of a conventional wired network containing Network Attached Storage.
The most useful installation point will depend on how the NAS, network switch, server and streamer are connected.
What Network Cable Should I Use?
The EE1 Plus sits between two Ethernet cables, so cable choice remains part of the complete network setup.
Chord Company offers streaming cables at several levels, including:
- C-stream
- Clearway Streaming
- Epic Streaming
- Signature Super ARAY Streaming
- ChordMusic Streaming
Browse Network and USB Cables at Audio T.
Introduced in 2025
The EE1 Plus was introduced in February 2025 as the higher-performance development of English Electric's original EE1.
Its development drew on Chord Company's experience with passive high-frequency noise reduction, ARAY technology and mechanical isolation.
Demonstration Recommended
Network accessories can be highly system dependent, so EE1 Plus is a product we'd always recommend hearing rather than simply taking on trust.
Install it at one point in the network, listen to familiar recordings and compare directly with the same system without the isolator.
Moving it to another point in the network can also help establish where it is most worthwhile.
Key Features
- English Electric EE1 Plus
- Advanced network noise isolator
- Designed for streaming audio and video
- Passive operation
- Self-powered
- No external power supply
- Converts unwanted noise into heat
- Galvanic isolation
- Targeted common-mode filtering
- Maintains network data quality
- Chord Company ARAY technology
- Heavy-duty enclosure
- Precision-machined aluminium case
- Two decoupled isolation feet
- Easy in-line installation
- Suitable between switch and streamer
- Suitable between switch and server
- Suitable between server and streamer
- Suitable between router and network switch
- Multiple EE1 Plus units supported
- Compatible with English Electric 8Switch
- Original EE1 remains available
- No app required
- No firmware required
- 24-month manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the English Electric EE1 Plus?
EE1 Plus is an advanced passive network noise isolator designed to sit between Ethernet cables in a wired audio or video streaming system.
Is EE1 Plus passive?
Yes. It requires no external power supply.
How does EE1 Plus work?
English Electric combines galvanic isolation, targeted common-mode filtering and Chord Company ARAY technology to reduce unwanted electrical noise while maintaining network data transfer.
Does it use ARAY technology?
Yes. ARAY is one of the principal upgrades over the standard EE1.
Does the original EE1 use ARAY?
Chord Company does not specify ARAY technology for the standard EE1. It is a published feature of EE1 Plus.
What is the enclosure made from?
Precision-machined aluminium.
Does EE1 Plus have isolation feet?
Yes. It uses two premium decoupled isolation feet.
Does it need an app?
No. There is no software setup or control app.
Where should I install it?
A good starting point is between the network switch and music streamer, although English Electric also recommends switch-to-server, server-to-streamer and router-to-switch positions.
Can I use more than one EE1 Plus?
Yes. English Electric states that multiple units can provide additional network-noise reduction.
Can I use EE1 and EE1 Plus together?
Yes. Multiple network isolators can be installed at different points within a suitable wired network.
Can I use it with the English Electric 8Switch?
Yes. Placing EE1 Plus between the 8Switch and streamer is a straightforward configuration to audition.
Does EE1 Plus replace my network switch?
No. It is an in-line noise isolator and is used alongside the existing router and switch.
Does it provide Wi-Fi?
No. It is intended for wired Ethernet connections.
Can I use it with an Innuos music server?
Yes, where the particular Innuos product is connected through compatible wired Ethernet. Audio T can help determine the most appropriate position within the network.
Can I use it with Qobuz or TIDAL?
Yes. EE1 Plus does not depend on a particular music service. Service compatibility is determined by the connected streamer.
Is EE1 Plus directional?
English Electric's current published EE1 Plus specification does not provide a directional installation instruction, so follow the markings and instructions supplied with the product rather than assuming the installation guidance for the original EE1 is identical.
Does it come with a power cable?
No power connection is required because EE1 Plus operates passively.
When was EE1 Plus launched?
It was launched in February 2025.
What warranty does it have?
English Electric products carry a 24-month return-to-base warranty from the original date of purchase, subject to the manufacturer's terms.
Can Audio T demonstrate EE1 Plus?
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 between EE1 and EE1 Plus
- Advice on the best network installation position
- English Electric 8Switch integration guidance
- Streamer and music-server setup advice
- Network-cable recommendations
- Help planning more complex wired streaming networks
- 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 Plus, compare it with the standard EE1 or discuss where network-noise isolation is most worthwhile in your streaming system.