Chord Company RumourX (2022) Review: Truly Pure Sound with ChorAlloy Connectors

Experience the refined clarity and balanced dynamics of the Chord Company RumourX 2022 speaker cable upgrade featuring innovative ChorAlloy connectors.

A Timeless Classic Gets a Shiny New Twist

Swapping out connector plating might not sound like a thrilling upgrade at first blush. But when you get a chance to listen to the Chord Company RumourX 2022 speaker cable fitted with the new ChorAlloy banana plugs, it’s hard not to nod along in approval.

The RumourX has long been a staple recommendation in the premium speaker cable segment—and deservedly so. On paper, its 6mm twisted pair design with relatively thin, stiff silver-plated copper conductors doesn’t scream innovation. Yet, this cable has stood the test of time since its debut in 1996 as only the second speaker cable ever made by Chord.

Over the decades, the Rumour has undergone only subtle tweaks: notably, the addition of a soft outer sheath encasing the two conductors, and a switch from PTFE (Teflon) to Chord’s favored cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) dielectric in late 2018. This steady evolution has kept the RumourX fresh without losing its signature sound.

Chord Company RumourX (2022) Specifications

• Construction: 6mm twisted pair cable
• Conductor Material: Silver-plated copper cores
• Dielectric: XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene)
• Connectors: 4mm banana plugs with ChorAlloy plating

Build and Connectors: Small Change, Big Shine

Compared to past iterations, the change from silver-plated connectors to ChorAlloy—a sophisticated multi-metal alloy whose exact makeup remains a company secret—might seem minor. But visually, this new finish gleams with a near-chrome brilliance, outshining the previous silver look.

Chord claims this plating not only improves the quality of the connection but also boosts resistance to tarnish over time. Sonically, this translates to a more musical experience—though cables, as passive components, don’t actively enhance sound but rather aim to preserve the purity of the signal with as little degradation as possible.

We tested the RumourX across several setups, spanning from our reference system—featuring a Naim ND555/555 PS DR music streamer, Burmester 088/911Mk3 amplifier, and ATC SCM50 speakers—to a more moderately priced combination of a Naim Supernait 3 amplifier and KEF LS50 Meta speakers.

Sound Quality: Familiar Yet Enhanced

Having the previous generation RumourX cable on hand made the differences readily audible. Across all systems, the core character of the cable remains intact: detailed, dynamically vibrant, and effortlessly confident in delivering rhythmic drive.

Listening to Ólafur Arnalds’ Found Songs and Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar soundtrack, it quickly became clear that the new cable version sounds more balanced with tighter, more controlled bass. The soundstage opened up, and the dynamic nuances felt a touch more refined.

High frequencies gained extra clarity—whereas the earlier model introduced a subtle edge in the treble that was easy to overlook, the 2022 RumourX smooths that out with more delicacy and openness.

Switching gears to Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’ Carnage, the 2022 cable’s transparency and purity truly shined, making the emotional depth of the music even more palpable. It felt like the ChorAlloy plating improved signal transmission without coloring or interfering, allowing us to savor every soulful note Cave is known for.

Verdict: Subtle Yet Worthwhile Upgrade

It’s important to note the differences aren’t night-and-day. Even on a highly resolving system, these improvements are nuanced. So if you own the previous RumourX, upgrading just for the ChorAlloy connectors isn’t a must. But for those seeking every little sonic edge, the 2022 version offers a mild but meaningful boost.

Ratings:

• Sound: 5/5
• Build Quality: 5/5
• Compatibility: 5/5

“It’s still a detailed and dynamically expressive performer, confidently delivering rhythmic drive.” – Chord Company RumourX Review

FAQ

• How does the ChorAlloy plating affect cable performance?
  The plating enhances connection quality and resists tarnishing, resulting in a slightly more musical and clearer sound transmission.
• Is the RumourX cable suitable for all amplifier-speaker pairings?
  Yes, its design and materials make it compatible with a wide range of high-fidelity systems.
• What kind of sound improvements can one expect with the 2022 update?
  You’ll notice a more balanced sound, tighter bass, clearer highs, and overall better dynamic nuance.
• Does the new cable require any special maintenance?
  No special care is needed beyond keeping the connectors clean to maintain the best contact.
• Is upgrading from the previous RumourX model necessary?
  Not essential, but if you’re an audiophile craving marginal gains, the update is worth considering.

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