Mark Gusew evaluations a high-end balanced interconnect that boasts distinctive dielectric building…
Chord Firm
Sarum T Analogue XLR Cables
AUD $6,000 RRP (1 meter)
What’s a very powerful materials in an interconnect cable? Many would say it is the conductors, others the connectors and a few argue that none of it makes any distinction in any way. In reality, each constituent a part of an interconnect cable performs a task and shapes the standard of sound performed via it. However have you ever thought-about the function of the dielectric, or insulating materials, inside a cable? The Chord Firm definitely has, and might show that it makes a substantial distinction to general efficiency…
Polyethylene (PE) and Teflon (or PTFE) are two of the numerous insulating supplies utilized by Chord to fabricate its cables. They’re extensively thought to be being good supplies for the job. Nonetheless, within the firm’s two most costly fashions, these are changed with Taylon, a fabric that’s uncommon and unique, having its begin in army purposes. All cables within the Sarum T and the flagship ChordMusic vary use Taylon, with the variations being right down to the quantity used. The Sarum T XLR – or balanced interconnect – is what we’re reviewing right here, which sells in Australia for $6,000 for a 1-metre pair.
Chord extremely regards Taylon, arguing that it’s “probably the most phase-stable and impartial conductor insulation obtainable, and the most important step ahead in efficiency for the reason that introduction of PTFE”. Prospects who already personal earlier variations of Sarum cables with PTFE may be upgraded to the Sarum T specification and benefit from the sonic advantages of Taylon insulation.
Sarum T’s conductors are made from high-purity copper that is rigorously micro-polished after which silver-plated. They’re organized in what Chord calls ‘Tremendous ARAY’ geometry, which isn’t particularly revealed however optimised for the cable’s function. Being a balanced connection, there are two sign wires, the optimistic/sizzling and the unfavourable/chilly. But relatively than simply utilizing the outer shielding for the bottom connection, Chord makes use of a 3rd wire of an identical high quality for the earth/floor connection, taking the defend out of the circuit to scale back interference.
Every wire is shielded and has mechanical noise discount layers, together with a remaining high-density foil and silver-plated braid mixture defend. The cables are terminated with silver-plated pins in high-quality Neutrik XLR shells. A tough, white outer braided cowl completes the cable, which is each engaging and useful. All cables are hand-built on the Chord Firm’s manufacturing unit within the UK.
THE LISTENING
Utilizing a loom of Sarum T cables in two separate high-resolution hi-fi methods, I skilled repeatable sonic variations when swapping cables round – confirming that the variations are clearly audible. The Chord Sarum T is a particularly clear and neutral-sounding cable, with little of its personal character imposed on the music, to the purpose that I can’t detect any tonal impurity. Plugging the cable in however permitting it to the touch the wall or have a twisting pressure will make the higher bass seem barely murkier, however in any other case, it is as tonally pure as something I’ve heard.
On account of this neutrality, vocals – significantly male voices – have a smoothness and ease that is fairly particular. Mark Lanagan’s voice on One Hundred Days stayed uniform all through his vocal vary and had distinctive separation from the second voice within the refrain. Bass notes went very deep however did not sound exaggerated in tone, pace or influence. The guitar strums at the beginning have been holographic and had the form of area and air, plus glorious decay trails, that’s solely heard in top-notch cables similar to these.
Evaluating this premium Chord XLR in opposition to another cables that I needed to hand, I discovered the Nordost Heimdall 2 had a equally quick and impartial supply. Nonetheless, the Chord’s final decision of high quality element was superior, as was the sense of area and picture depth and scale. Certainly, the latter was dramatically higher on this respect, as you would possibly count on, given the value differential. It was the identical story for Tara Labs’ The two, which displayed inferior focus, readability and definition to the Chord – and picture depth and general musical ease have been no match both. With no extremely revealing system, you will not hear the variations clearly, however they’re definitely there, all the identical.
THE VERDICT
The newest Chord Firm Sarum T is extraordinarily costly by regular hi-fi cable requirements, but it surely’s the best-sounding interconnect I’ve but heard in my system. As such, when you’re lucky sufficient to contemplate investing in actually top-notch cables in your system, that is a necessary audition.
