The English Electric EE1 Network Noise Isolator Review

Introducing the English Electric EE1 Network Noise Isolator: Beyond the Ordinary

Although English Electric might sound like a post-war factory building radio equipment made from Bakelite (some might welcome another retro redux), the products Chord Company's side hustle is fabricating are much more tuned into the modern world.

The EE1 Network Noise Isolator is the next piece in English Electric's line of audio-grade network products. But this is not another network switch; it's a 'high-performance network noise isolator'. Let's explain . . .

Advanced Technology: How EE1 Enhances Your Audio

The approach English Electric applies involves two passive technologies. The chip filters off low-frequency noise while the EE1, via an impedance-optimised common mode filter, removes higher-frequency interference. It effectively 'top and tails' the hash from the data passing through - not unlike the crossover in a speaker. Data is handled by rearranging word length (bit depth), so less error correction is employed by the receiving device – such as a streamer.

It's worth noting that a better-quality Ethernet cable – like the supplied Chord C-Stream – is best placed from the EE1's output rather than to its input.

 

Design and Practicality: The EE1's Unique Build

At first, we wondered why the unit was designed without an RJ45 connector to plug directly into your streaming device, but its relative heft makes it more practical and robust with this throughput design. Its aluminium casework with the English Electric logo, we gather, shields from microphony and external electronic noise. The underside rubber rails are a nice touch to keep it rested on a surface. However, they were superfluous in our case since the stiffness of the bundled 0.75m Chord C-Stream cable held it suspended inoffensively behind our equipment shelf.

Real-World Testing: EE1's Impact on Sound Quality

But really? Does a little block that takes 1s and 0s through it from the internet make our music sound better? It seems to work.

We had our EE1 in between the router and a Bluesound Node on our test system comprising a Chord Mojo and Marantz SR7015. Actually, it didn't just work; its performance truly surprised us. We gave the little box a challenging test using Club for Five's beautifully recorded version of Brothers in Arms.

 

Impressive Results: The EE1's Audible Difference

The multi-layered acapella track recorded with deep reverb allowed the EE1 to do its job with sound staging. The layers of choral voices were clear, separated and able to shine while the lead baritone voice's texture kept afloat on top of the mix. The distant pulses, sounding like cannon shots, had the subtlety of decay to suggest their distance, and as the chorus built into the deep bass tone, the impact was solid. Overall, the EE1 network noise isolator gave our music a livelier, more forward presentation.

 

Final Thoughts: Elevating Streaming Music with EE1 Network Noise Isolator

In conclusion, the English Electric EE1 network noise isolator offers a nuanced improvement to your streaming experience. By effectively filtering out a significant portion of network noise, it allows for a cleaner, more refined sound. This device subtly enhances the quality of streamed music, providing a more enjoyable and immersive listening experience. While it may not dramatically transform your system, the EE1 reliably elevates the audio to a higher level of clarity and detail, bringing a touch of sophistication to your daily music enjoyment.