Product review: Chord Clearway Analogue RCA interconnect – Hi-Fi Choice 420

Reviewed in February, 2017

“HAND BUILT IN Wiltshire, The Chord Company’s Clearway interconnect uses the maker’s proprietary ARAY technology like the C-Line RCA interconnect (HFC 403). This was originally developed for its flagship Sarum range and was designed to offer improvements in detail and transparency. Building on the C-Line ARAY design, the Clearway improves the conductors by using a very high-purity oxygen-free copper. The insulation has also been upgraded to Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) and the cable is screened with a higher density foil to improve shielding. It’s terminated with VEE 3 direct silver-plated RCA plugs, but can also come with DIN or XLRs and can be custom made to any length.

One direction

I connect the interconnect between my preamp and monoblocks with the arrows pointing towards the monoblocks, and run them in by playing music with the monoblocks switched off for 10 hours before undertaking any subjective listening tests. I start off with Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony No.3 played by The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Louis Frémaux. This recording is noted for some really deep organ notes during the first movement. The power and emotion is incredible, and the Clearway has no problem conveying this to my monoblock amplification without restraint. The more joyful second movement is sprightly and tuneful, and all sections of the orchestra are clear and well positioned within the soundstage.”

Hi-Fi Choice 420

Read the full review here

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