Chord Signature Tuned ARAY Digital AES/EBU 1M

If your equipment is fitted with AES EBU outputs and inputs, the Signature AES/ EBU is well worth listening to.

The unique wiring geometry is a result of extensive experimentation with signal paths that remain shielded from each other along the length of the cable. The conductors are built from the same ultra cast copper that Chord use exclusively for digital connections. The insulation is a specially developed low-density gas foamed polyethylene.

There is a proviso however. If your components have both AES/EBU and coaxial connections, we recommend that you try to listen to both types of connection for yourself. In our experience it will be easy to decide which one better suits your system.

The Cable

The Signature AES/EBU is built from three conductors, each separately shielded with a composite twin layer shield. Single crystal Continuous Cast Copper carries the signals, insulation is a gas foamed polyethylene and the composite dual layer shield functions both as an effective shield and a very resistive conductive layer, which makes it perfect for use with digital cables. The tri-coaxial configuration is unusual but extremely effective. We use the same construction method with many of our XLR terminated analogue interconnects as well, including the mighty Sarum Tuned ARAY balanced interconnects.

The Plugs

The Signature AES/EBU is heavily influenced by our Sarum Tuned ARAY cables. The tri conductor configuration means that we can produce a balanced digital cable that closely follows the wiring geometry we use in so many of our other high performance cables. The Signature AES/EBU is fitted with our favourite Neutrik XLR connectors, and crucial to the performance, great care is taken with strain relief in order to avoid an impedance changing compression on the cables.

Use it with

During extensive testing, the Signature AES EBU was compared to several alternative cables and produced a class leading performance. However, Chord would suggest that it is always worth comparing the connection options available on your components. Try the AES EBU against the standard coaxial output and see which one you prefer.