Hi-Fi Choice Recommeded - Chord Company Epic analogue RCA interconnect


 

 

Date: 2022-02-23

 

USING CHORD COMPANY’S tuned aray conductor geometry, Epic has been designed to offer a high level of sonic detail and dynamics. The tuned aray geometry developed for its top-of-the-range cables has also been employed here.

Braid to last
The cable is made from multistranded, oxygen-free copper conductors that have been heavily silver plated. These are insulated using a relatively large volume of a PTFE dielectric. The cable is sheathed in a PVC jacket in order to minimise mechanical noise, and this is covered with a nylon braid for extra protection. The cables are terminated with Chord’s direct silver-plated VEE 3 RCA plugs.

Connecting the Epic between my valve preamp and monoblocks, I kick off with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade played by the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. The stern and commanding opening of the first movement played on the strings, tuba and woodwind instruments swiftly progresses into a gentle section played on a solo violin. As the piece builds to a climax with the whole orchestra, the music is really captivating – the violin solos are clear without being at all harsh and the full orchestral sections are presented with a very wide and deep soundstage. The deep bass and huge dynamics of the recording are really well conveyed by the interconnect cables, which don’t cramp the abilities of my monoblocks.

To test out the high-frequency response, I turn to Herb Alpert And The Tijuana Brass’ Casino Royale. Alpert’s strident trumpet really stands out, and I am aware of the tremendous dynamics of the recording. There is no excessive harshness or over brightness with the trumpet and it really does sound like it’s being played live in my listening room. This is a real tribute to the silver plating on the conductors of the cable, confirming the Epic as a high-end interconnect that fully justifies its price tag.