Chord launches AES/EBU standalone DAC

The majority of DACs are fitted with either coaxial digital or optical connections but increasingly AES/EBU connections are appearing.

Chord has spent many months experimenting with what has often been a difficult connection, and believes that the Chord Signature AES/EBU is the right answer.

One of the challenges with the AES/EBU connection is that audiophiles have often found that, despite the technical advantages that the AES/EBU connection offers, a high-quality S/PDIF connection will produce the better quality sound.

The Signature AES/EBU is a new design where each conductor is separately shielded using a high-frequency effective shield.

The three solid-core conductors are produced using a specially treated high-purity oxygen-free copper.

The insulation is gas-foamed polyethylene and the shields are of a multi-layer design using a composite of materials.

High-quality Neutrik XLR connectors are used.

Attention has been paid to the termination and configuration of the cable and the way in which the shields are connected.

The result is a cable that Chord feels will allow users to hear just how good the AES/EBU connection can sound, and that the Signature AES/EBU is a viable alternative to the more commonly used S/PDIF connection.

The Chord Signature AES/EBU is available in 1m lengths.

Other lengths to special order.