Review of Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY Analog RCA Cable: Sound Control Elevated

Explore the impact of the ClearwayX ARAY cable on audio quality and why this RCA cable upgrade is a smart move for your Hi-Fi system.

Elevate Your Audio Journey with the Right Cable

At first glance, audio cables might seem like the unsung heroes of your Hi-Fi setup — subtle, often overlooked, and yet absolutely crucial. They don’t magically add new sounds or instruments to your music, but they carry the all-important signal between your components. Think of them as the highways your music travels on; a smooth, well-built road means less noise and distortion.

If you’ve invested in quality components, it only makes sense to match them with cables that preserve the purity of your sound. Enter the Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY RCA cable, the latest evolution in Chord’s Clearway lineup, designed to keep your audio signal crystal clear from source to amplifier.

What’s New in the ClearwayX ARAY?

Chord Company’s Clearway series has been a staple for audiophiles seeking quality at a reasonable price. The ClearwayX ARAY, priced around £130 (~$165) per meter, introduces a significant upgrade: the use of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) as the dielectric insulation. This material, previously reserved for Chord’s top-tier cables like Signature, Sarum, and ChordMusic, now brings enhanced electrical properties to this more accessible cable.

Aside from this, the cable retains its predecessor’s highlights:

• High-purity oxygen-free copper conductors
• Chord’s Tuned ARAY conductor geometry for optimized signal flow
• Dual-layer shielding to minimize interference
• RCA connectors with ChorAlloy plating, a durable multi-metal finish designed to maintain conductivity and resist tarnishing better than silver or gold plating

The build quality feels robust and reliable, hinting at years of dependable service. Plus, handy directional arrows on the cable jacket guide you on which end hooks to your source and which goes into your amp—a thoughtful touch often missed in the cable world.

Who Should Upgrade to ClearwayX ARAY?

This cable won’t transform every system overnight. It’s designed for setups where each component is invested enough (think around £1,000 or roughly $1,300 per piece) to truly benefit from improved cabling. If your system is more entry-level, you might not hear the full advantage of ClearwayX.

But if your rig is already transparent and revealing, upgrading to ClearwayX can refine the listening experience, sharpening the edges and deepening the layers of your soundstage.

Technical Snapshot

• Conductor Material: High-purity oxygen-free copper
• Connector Type: RCA with ChorAlloy plating
• Cable Length: 1 meter
• Geometry: Tuned ARAY conductor design
• Shielding: Dual-layer for noise reduction

The Listening Experience: A Step Beyond

Plugging the ClearwayX into a reference system featuring the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition music streamer, PMC Cor amplifier, and Epos ES14N speakers, the improvements became clear. Compared to the previous Clearway RCA model from 2022, this isn’t a revolution but a precise evolution.

Major Lazer’s “Pon De Floor” took on a new vibe, sounding punchier and more energetic. The drums struck with sharper intention, and the bassline revealed richer textures and deeper tension. It felt like more space opened up around the instruments, allowing them to breathe and command attention.

On Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” her voice gained a deeper, more textured presence. Every quiet pause and breath was more pronounced, and the instruments became weightier and more dynamic. Background noise diminished, and the overall soundstage felt more expansive and immersive.

Revisiting the old Clearway cable reminded us that it still delivers solid, detailed sound with punch and clarity. But the ClearwayX clearly nudges the experience up a notch, lending more control, energy, and musical nuance.

Final Thoughts on ClearwayX ARAY

The ClearwayX ARAY isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a thoughtful upgrade that brings Chord’s premium insulation technology into a more affordable realm. If you’ve found the previous Clearway to be good but crave something that extracts more detail and vibrancy from your setup, this cable is a worthy investment.

Ratings:

• Performance: 5/5
• Compatibility: 5/5
• Build Quality: 5/5

“The new ClearwayX achieved greater control, energy, and musical expressiveness from our system.” – DGL.RU Review Team

FAQ

• What makes the ClearwayX different from the previous Clearway cable?
  The key upgrade is the use of XLPE insulation, previously exclusive to Chord’s high-end cables, which improves signal integrity and reduces distortion.
• Is the ClearwayX suitable for all audio systems?
  It works with any system but shines most when paired with components worth around £1,000 or more, where its benefits become more noticeable.
• How durable are the RCA connectors on this cable?
  They use ChorAlloy plating, a multi-metal finish designed for longevity and resistance to tarnishing, which keeps the connection clean over time.
• Can I use the ClearwayX cable for digital connections?
  This cable is specifically designed for analog RCA connections; for digital signals, different cables optimized for those formats are recommended.
• Why does cable insulation matter so much?
  Insulation affects how cleanly the signal travels. Better materials like XLPE minimize interference and signal loss, preserving the original sound quality.

Ready to showcase your passion for music with style? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store and bring the vibe of your favorite records to your living space: Architeg Prints.