Chord C-Stream Ethernet Cable
Usage Guide
Blu-Ray
Computers
Playstation
Projector
AppleTV
TVs
XBOX
Streamers
Connection Guide
Ethernet Plug
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Item code: Chord C-Stream
Inc. VAT (20%) · Ex. VAT: £61.87 Ex. VAT · Inc. VAT (20%):
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SPEAKER CABLES:
A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.
OTHER CABLES:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.
NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.
Order before 12pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Chord C-Stream Ethernet Cable
The C-stream Ethernet cable perfectly illustrates the process used to develop and build every product that Chord produce. Chord's first step was to establish that Ethernet cables have an influence on sound quality. That’s the easy bit. Chord collected several different types of Ethernet cables, Cat 5, 6, and 7 variants, took them into the Demo Room and listened. They used different streamers, from entry level to high end and music at all available sample rates. What they learned from this was that different cables did influence sound quality and that those differences could be heard on both entry level and high end equipment. They could also be heard on music at all sample rates. They also learned that the direction in which the cable was connected had an influence on overall sound quality. As a result of this they designed the Chord C-stream Ethernet cable.
The C-stream is a very high quality Cat 7 specification cable; the contacts are gold-plated and the plug body is over-moulded, which provides excellent reliability and secure strain relief without deforming the cable and affecting performance. Obviously any conventional Ethernet cable is going to work regardless of the direction it’s connected. However the C-stream Ethernet cable is designed to be used as part of a music system and is directional, in that it will sound better when connected in a particular direction. When installing a C-stream, look for a small black dot at one end of the cable; this is the end of the cable that should be connected to the source component. For example, when used between a router and streamer, the plug with the black dot should be connected to the router.
Do Ethernet cables have an effect on sound quality?
Yes. Particularly when connected to a streamer. They did a lot of listening with various streaming devices, and every time changing the connection to the streamer made a big difference. They also experimented with the connection between Router and hard drive, and yes this bought improvements, but the most important connection is the one to the streamer. This difference was noticeable regardless of whether we were running the cable directly to a router or via a pre-installed Ethernet cable network or a system where the Ethernet signal is carried over the mains.
What differences can I expect to hear?
The effects on sound quality that Ethernet cables produce are very similar to those experienced with analogue and digital interconnects. Timing and coherence are the two really easy differences to hear, but like other interconnects it’s simple to spot the differences in levels of detail, tonal quality and dynamic performance.
The event that convinced Chord to that what they needed to make the Indigo and Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cables was listening to a live version of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” from the album “We’re All Together for the First Time”. Sixteen minutes of brilliant musicianship.
Put the Indigo Tuned ARAY Ethernet cable onto the streamer and this track comes to life, the skill and the level of understanding between the musicians makes for an irresistible way to spend sixteen minutes. Put the Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cable on and you’re there in the audience. The Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cable works exactly like Chord's other Sarum Tuned ARAY cables. There’s the same extraordinary level of detail and musical coherence that turns pretty much anything you listen to into a performance.
Are Ethernet cables directional?
Yes. The construction of Tuned ARAY cables is such that although they’ll carry a signal if connected in the wrong direction, sound quality will be badly affected. But every other Ethernet cable they tested and listened to also worked better in one direction than the other. The difference to sound quality the direction made varied from cable to cable.
In the case of the Chord C-stream Ethernet cable the difference was significant enough for they to mark one of the plugs with a small black dot. This is the source end of the cable. So if the cable is being used to connect the streamer, the plug without the dot should be connected to the streamer. The difference that direction makes to sound quality is again similar to the effects experienced with both analogue and digital interconnects. Timing, rhythm and coherence are all affected.
So are these cables all Cat specification twisted pairs?
No. The C-stream meets Category 7 specification, albeit with high quality oxygen free copper conductors. The Indigo and Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cables though both feature very high performance sub miniature coaxial cables for all critical signal paths. In the case of the Indigo the conductors are silver-plated and PTFE insulated and shielding is a dual layer, high density braid. The Sarum, like the other Sarum cables, features micro polished silver-plated conductors, foamed PTFE and a highly effective, heavy gauge foil and high density braid shield. Both the Indigo Tuned ARAY and the Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cables feature Tuned ARAY conductor configuration.
|
"This cable is certainly well made and the connectors are noticeably superior in construction to the usual all-plastic RJ45 plugs that often fitted to Ethernet cables and which squeeze the cable for strain relief. The C-stream, on the other hand, has a firm plastic clip and a gold-plated metal screen around the pins. As expected, the plugs are really east to click into the RJ45 sockets on both my Squeezebox Touch and my network hub." HiFi Choice Recommended July 2014 |
Specification :
- High speed Oxygen Free Copper conductors
- Individually shielded, twisted conductor pairs plus overall shield
- Low-loss low density polyethylene insulation
- 24ct. gold-plated signal contacts
- Over-moulded plug surround
- Non-compression strain relief system
- Lengths available in: 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m, 5m & 10m
- 10 Year Warranty
About The Chord Company 
The Chord Company is dedicated to offering excellence in audio and audio visual cable design. Chord products have earned numerous accolades in the audio and recording industries over the past two decades. Based in Salisbury UK, The Chord Company continues to drive cable design and technology to its limits with the majority of its spectacular array of performance products designed and made in the UK.
Specification :
- High speed Oxygen Free Copper conductors
- Individually shielded, twisted conductor pairs plus overall shield
- Low-loss low density polyethylene insulation
- 24ct. gold-plated signal contacts
- Over-moulded plug surround
- Non-compression strain relief system
- Lengths available in: 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m, 5m & 10m
- 10 Year Warranty
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
|---|---|
| 0000g – 1000g | £ 3.95 |
| 1000g – 1400g | £ 4.95 |
| 1400g – 1800g | £ 5.95 |
| 1800g – 2000g | £ 6.95 |
| 2000g – 3000g | £ 8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by Future Shop by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days.
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe.
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours.
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days.
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion.
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chord C-Stream Ethernet Cable
The C-stream Ethernet cable perfectly illustrates the process used to develop and build every product that Chord produce. Chord's first step was to establish that Ethernet cables have an influence on sound quality. That’s the easy bit. Chord collected several different types of Ethernet cables, Cat 5, 6, and 7 variants, took them into the Demo Room and listened. They used different streamers, from entry level to high end and music at all available sample rates. What they learned from this was that different cables did influence sound quality and that those differences could be heard on both entry level and high end equipment. They could also be heard on music at all sample rates. They also learned that the direction in which the cable was connected had an influence on overall sound quality. As a result of this they designed the Chord C-stream Ethernet cable.
The C-stream is a very high quality Cat 7 specification cable; the contacts are gold-plated and the plug body is over-moulded, which provides excellent reliability and secure strain relief without deforming the cable and affecting performance. Obviously any conventional Ethernet cable is going to work regardless of the direction it’s connected. However the C-stream Ethernet cable is designed to be used as part of a music system and is directional, in that it will sound better when connected in a particular direction. When installing a C-stream, look for a small black dot at one end of the cable; this is the end of the cable that should be connected to the source component. For example, when used between a router and streamer, the plug with the black dot should be connected to the router.
Do Ethernet cables have an effect on sound quality?
Yes. Particularly when connected to a streamer. They did a lot of listening with various streaming devices, and every time changing the connection to the streamer made a big difference. They also experimented with the connection between Router and hard drive, and yes this bought improvements, but the most important connection is the one to the streamer. This difference was noticeable regardless of whether we were running the cable directly to a router or via a pre-installed Ethernet cable network or a system where the Ethernet signal is carried over the mains.
What differences can I expect to hear?
The effects on sound quality that Ethernet cables produce are very similar to those experienced with analogue and digital interconnects. Timing and coherence are the two really easy differences to hear, but like other interconnects it’s simple to spot the differences in levels of detail, tonal quality and dynamic performance.
The event that convinced Chord to that what they needed to make the Indigo and Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cables was listening to a live version of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” from the album “We’re All Together for the First Time”. Sixteen minutes of brilliant musicianship.
Put the Indigo Tuned ARAY Ethernet cable onto the streamer and this track comes to life, the skill and the level of understanding between the musicians makes for an irresistible way to spend sixteen minutes. Put the Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cable on and you’re there in the audience. The Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cable works exactly like Chord's other Sarum Tuned ARAY cables. There’s the same extraordinary level of detail and musical coherence that turns pretty much anything you listen to into a performance.
Are Ethernet cables directional?
Yes. The construction of Tuned ARAY cables is such that although they’ll carry a signal if connected in the wrong direction, sound quality will be badly affected. But every other Ethernet cable they tested and listened to also worked better in one direction than the other. The difference to sound quality the direction made varied from cable to cable.
In the case of the Chord C-stream Ethernet cable the difference was significant enough for they to mark one of the plugs with a small black dot. This is the source end of the cable. So if the cable is being used to connect the streamer, the plug without the dot should be connected to the streamer. The difference that direction makes to sound quality is again similar to the effects experienced with both analogue and digital interconnects. Timing, rhythm and coherence are all affected.
So are these cables all Cat specification twisted pairs?
No. The C-stream meets Category 7 specification, albeit with high quality oxygen free copper conductors. The Indigo and Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cables though both feature very high performance sub miniature coaxial cables for all critical signal paths. In the case of the Indigo the conductors are silver-plated and PTFE insulated and shielding is a dual layer, high density braid. The Sarum, like the other Sarum cables, features micro polished silver-plated conductors, foamed PTFE and a highly effective, heavy gauge foil and high density braid shield. Both the Indigo Tuned ARAY and the Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cables feature Tuned ARAY conductor configuration.
|
"This cable is certainly well made and the connectors are noticeably superior in construction to the usual all-plastic RJ45 plugs that often fitted to Ethernet cables and which squeeze the cable for strain relief. The C-stream, on the other hand, has a firm plastic clip and a gold-plated metal screen around the pins. As expected, the plugs are really east to click into the RJ45 sockets on both my Squeezebox Touch and my network hub." HiFi Choice Recommended July 2014 |
Specification :
- High speed Oxygen Free Copper conductors
- Individually shielded, twisted conductor pairs plus overall shield
- Low-loss low density polyethylene insulation
- 24ct. gold-plated signal contacts
- Over-moulded plug surround
- Non-compression strain relief system
- Lengths available in: 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m, 5m & 10m
- 10 Year Warranty
About The Chord Company
The Chord Company is dedicated to offering excellence in audio and audio visual cable design. Chord products have earned numerous accolades in the audio and recording industries over the past two decades. Based in Salisbury UK, The Chord Company continues to drive cable design and technology to its limits with the majority of its spectacular array of performance products designed and made in the UK.
Specification :
- High speed Oxygen Free Copper conductors
- Individually shielded, twisted conductor pairs plus overall shield
- Low-loss low density polyethylene insulation
- 24ct. gold-plated signal contacts
- Over-moulded plug surround
- Non-compression strain relief system
- Lengths available in: 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m, 5m & 10m
- 10 Year Warranty
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
|---|---|
| 0000g – 1000g | £ 3.95 |
| 1000g – 1400g | £ 4.95 |
| 1400g – 1800g | £ 5.95 |
| 1800g – 2000g | £ 6.95 |
| 2000g – 3000g | £ 8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by Future Shop by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days.
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe.
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours.
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days.
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion.
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Write Your Own Review
Chord C-Stream Ethernet Cable
We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.
Please do:
- - Write 50-300 words for the product
- - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
- - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
- - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
The Chord C-Stream Ethernet cable receives consistently positive feedback for delivering audible sound quality improvements in streaming systems, with customers reporting enhanced detail, clarity, wider soundstage, and better bass control compared to standard cables. Users praise its build quality, value for money, and reliable performance across various high-end audio setups. Service experiences are noted as positive, including helpful upgrades. However, some design considerations warrant attention: the over-moulded RJ45 connector may be oversized, causing tight or incompatible fits in certain network switches, and the cable lacks electrical shielding, which may be a limitation for users requiring fully shielded systems. One recurring negative theme identified is a reported loose connection issue affecting signal reliability in at least one unit.
It provides a reliable and stable connection for streaming Hi-Res FLAC music, with excellent detail, clarity and a clean, natural presentation. It has worked particularly well with my Mark Levinson No. 5101 and has given me a very enjoyable streaming experience.
Overall, I am very happy with the Chord C-Stream and would happily recommend it.
I have it connected between an English Electric EE8 network switch and my Cyrus Stream XR with an English Electric EE1 LAN filter in between (also connected with a Chord C-Stream Ethernet cable).
Worth noting that some Chord C-Stream Ethernet cables have a slightly larger RJ45 over-moulded plug than others, which means it may be a tight fit in some network switches, including the English Electric EE8 (the larger head version does not allow side-by-side connections of the same cable type in the EE8).
Also worth noting is that this cable is not electrically shielded, so it does not include a ground connection if you are looking for a shielded ethernet system from end to end.
I own several Chord cable products and have always been impressed with their build quality and performance. People will tell me I could have saved money by buying a simple Ethernet cable, but I wanted to get something that was of high quality but didn’t break the bank.
This was it!
Despite my scepticism, I heard an improvement in spaciousness and detail, especially bows on strings. The sound stage seemed broader. I think this was a good upgrade.
Very happy with this cable sounds very good.
Pictures had a major improvement in sharp edges and and colour stability, especially noticeable for example on news channel if a gentleman is wearing a check pattern jacket which used to shimmer with a standard cable, but is more stable with the Chord cable. 4K streams of Amazons Grand Tour have stunning colour balance, better small detail and are a lot brighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Write Your Own Review
Chord C-Stream Ethernet Cable
We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.
Please do:
- - Write 50-300 words for the product
- - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
- - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
- - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
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