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Ethernet Plug
Chord C-Stream Ethernet Cable
As low as £62.00 £51.67
SKU
Chord C-Stream
10 Years
New
24 hours
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.
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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.
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"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
UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 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 Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK 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 FutureShop.co.uk
- 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 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 UK Mail).
- 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.
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 Interlink Express 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 Interlink Express.
2. 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 futureshop.co.uk 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.
3. 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 subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 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
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- 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.
Customer Reviews
4.8 /5.0 of 17 Reviews
Excellent cable, excellent service from futureshop as always
Andrey
21 Jul 2023
Verified Buyer
I couldn't imagine the improvement that this cable could bring to my system, but it did, the soundstage has opened, the treble is much sweeter, the bass is more accurate, and I'm completely happy with the purchase.
Chord Ethernet C-Stream
Enzo Baldacchino
25 May 2023
Verified Buyer
Great cable and good value for money.
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!
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 makes an audible difference.
Chris Botten
19 Dec 2021
Verified Buyer
I ran one of these on either side of my network switch to my Nord streamer.
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.
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.
Excellent ethernet cable
Keith
6 Sep 2021
Verified Buyer
Used between an Uptone Audio Etheregen switch and an Auralic Aries G1 streamer it made a big difference over the standard Cat 6 cable. Much clearer sound with good detail and a strong base. Not quite as much detail as an Audioquest Cinnamon cable but a warmer sound that made poor recordings easier to enjoy and also half the price.
Fantastic improvement of sound quality
Mrs. Iantha Kirkup
28 Jun 2021
Verified Buyer
Bought this cable connecting an Arcam ST60 streamer to Virgin Hub 3 router. Increase in sound quality blew my mind. To be fair Arcam said they strongly advised using a shielded ethernet cable and it certainly made a big difference.
Ethernet improvenent
Mark
11 Apr 2021
Verified Buyer
If you’re a sceptic as to how good a simple cable upgrade can be look or hear no further. New connector to my NA7004 streamer has made an audible difference. It has a wider range and feels less constrained. Great product and looks and feels quality
Good Quality
Graham Hiles
20 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
Good signal from Ethernet C stream received at my Naim ND5 XS2 providing an excellent sound through my Rega Elicit R amplifier to my Dali Rubicon 8 speakers. Good bass and high frequency response, delivering clear music.
I have used all sorts of Ethernet cables in the past - from
Gordon James
11 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
I have used all sorts of Ethernet cables in the past - from free to well specified cheap, flat Cat 7. They all pale into insignificance compared to these Chords. They give a fuller, more detailed (satisfying) sound.
Ethernet C-Stream 15m from Router to Streamer
Michael
29 Oct 2020
Verified Buyer
Great product. Very reasonably priced and provides a clearly audible sound improvement over standard cables. I am sure there are even better products out there but you will have to pay much more to get a further lift, and better performance isn't always guaranteed. A rock solid AAA+ buy! Highly recommended.
Significant SQ improvement for modest cost
Mark Thomas
15 Sep 2019
Verified Buyer
Replacing a standard bundled cable supplied with my router, the Chord C-Stream provided an immediately noticeable improvement to soundstage, bass control and musical dynamics when connecting the router to my Naim NDX Streamer. I was sceptical that an ethernet cable carrying digital signals could make a difference to audio SQ but have been pleasantly surprised by the improvement possible with a relatively inexpensive cable. This has got to represent great value in a world where you can spend hundreds if not thousands of pounds on such cables. I'm tempted to investigate more exotic cables now but this cable is highly recommended it you don't want to spend silly money.
Outperform AQ Pearl Ethernet Custom Length Cable (with generic RJ45 connector)t
Mun Wai
12 Sep 2018
Verified Buyer
Outperform AQ Pearl Ethernet Custom Length Cable (with generic RJ45 connector). Replaced my network cable between the NAS and network switch where after 2 hours of burn-in, soundstage has become very much wider with separation of instruments becomes more discernible plus 'fuller' body...timing has improved also...surprisingly, harshness with mp3 files have been 'smoothened' out...my network setup is using iFi iPower or LPS where noise from power supply has already been removed...with the C-Stream coming in, did not expect earlier mentioned improvements can be achieved from a 0.7m length cable!!!
Top quality network cable
Ewarty
13 Dec 2017
Verified Buyer
I purchased two of these cables to connect my Sky Q and Blu Ray player to the house network.
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.
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.
An excellent product which did wonders for the...
Donald Harley
12 Sep 2017
Verified Buyer
An excellent product which did wonders for the detail and separation of the material played from my NAS. Indeed my totally positive experience is only marred by the fact that the supplied cable has some sort of loose connection which means that it is necessary to move the NAS unit until the signal actually gets through. Not ideal in a £50 cable.