Renowned A/V cable maker Chord Company has released a new interconnect line, the EpicX ARAY. Whilst not as affordable as the British manufacturer’s award-winning and affordable Shawline cables, the new EpicX ARAY promise superior performance.
Building on the already popular original Epic analog interconnect product line, the EpicX ARAY represents the next generation and benefits from the latest Chord Company cable technologies.
An upgrade from Chord’s Shawline interconnects, the EpicX ARAY provides heavier-gauge silver-plated conductors with upgraded geometry and increased shielding volume. EpicX ARAY also incorporates Chord Company’s performance-enhancing ARAY mechanical tuning technology, optimizing the potential of the heavy-gauge conductors.
EpicX ARAY’s ‘X’ label refers to the upgrade to XLPE (Cross-linked Polythene) insulation, an enhancement that has been rolling out across a number of Chord Company cables. XLPE complements the high-performance shielding architecture and proprietary ARAY conductor geometry technology central to the EpicX ARAY.
The EpicX ARAY is made in England and is handmade to order. Connectors are available in VEE 3 RCA, XLR, or DIN configurations.
EpicX ARAY’s connector contact areas/pins incorporate Chord’s innovative ChorAlloy™ multi-metal plating system. This supports lower intermodulation, and full solderability, and also includes a tarnish-free finish.
The EpicX Array interconnect cables are designed to be connected in a directional fashion. Arrows on the heat-shrink guide users as to the proper connection direction.
Availability and Pricing
EpicX ARAY interconnects are available now in 0.5 meter and 1 meter stock lengths, with custom lengths/terminations available to order. EpicX ARAY interconnects come with a lifetime warranty against defective materials and workmanship.
EpicX ARAY analog interconnect prices start at £420 (no U.S. price provided) for 0.5-meter lengths and can be purchased/ordered through Authorized Chord Company dealers.
Note: Chord Company (cable maker) and Chord Electronics (high-end audio component maker) are separate companies.
EIC Ian White is currently reviewing another new series of cables from Chord Company that he will be reporting on in a few weeks.
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