Hi-line vs chord signature tuned array

Hi, I ended up with a Chord Signature phono to din on my Hugo, over the Hi-line, which I also tried. When I did a comparison with the Hi-line, I found that it had more drive and bass, but the Signature had better clarity, a wider soundstage, and a lot more detail. Both are great but I primarily chose the Signature as it suited my equipment and speakers better. I would say that the timing was not quite as good on the Signature, but the other qualities it brought to the party made up for this. My equipment at that time was NDX>Hugo>SN2>NAC5>Dynaudio Contour LE1.4.

I did not undertake a direct A to B comparison. I heard the Hi-Line about three years ago and thought it improved slightly on the standard cable but for me it did not seem worth the outlay. Typical of me I probably did not give it enough time - I tend to make my mind up fairly quickly. Not so the Chord - it had me immediately digging out the credit card about 18 months ago. I thought it improved on the standard cable in every respect - and significantly in respect of detail. More recently I have also purchased a Chord STA XLR interconnect for my SCDR/250DR and that was also a very worthwhile upgrade. It was interesting to note how much quieter the normal tweeter 'hiss' was through the Chord. I think Chord make pretty good products. I have just taken the plunge with some Epic Reference speaker cables to go with my newly acquired KEF Reference 1 speakers. All still in packaging as I am extending my listening room - so will not see any action until mid August - cannot wait - have been 'sans hi-fi' since the beginning of April. I had a good long listen to my outgoing PMC GB1i's and the demo Reference 1's using both my NAC A5 and the demo Epic Reference. It was very interesting - they were pretty different - and actually I would have been happy living with either (well I have with the A5 - since 2008). The A5 had an almost startling amount of bass 'grunt' (power?) but whilst the general detail was audible there is no doubt the Epic Reference has a far more accurate and realistic presentation. It was particularly noticeable on an instrument like an acoustic guitar - something I play. The Epic Reference also had a much wider and more three dimensional soundstage as well. The differences were apparent through both pairs of speakers - but far more so via the KEFs. Did I mention that I just cannot wait to get it all set up!

Personally I attempted to 'like' HiLine twice with my NDX / nDAC / SN2. Never lasted long...

Could I suggest you also audition Tellurium Q Black Diamond - same price range as the cables you plan to test. It's my default reference cable - only SuperLumina DIN managed to improve on it.

Adam

Thx Alan/Adam,

do you use the naim speaker cable with those interconnects,

as I like you Alan have 2x 2m runs of chord epic speaker cable currently was going to move to the a5 when I get the snait2 but not yet heard the a5 

I use NACA5 for my SuperNait2 - tried many diferent cables - this is one is simply the best. Mind you - takes absolute ages to run it - several months of use (not days / weeks). But it's worth it.

I initially thought the hi-line was my preferred choice but within 10 minutes of the Sig Aray  on home demo was hearing more of anything and surprisingly more musical.   In fact before anyone commits to a SL or Sarum I would suggest  a good listen to the Sig.   

Regards,

Lindsay

I currently employ a custom Cobra (2m) DIN > XLR between my HCDR and active ATC speakers. I purchased a demo STA earlier this year to go between my nDac and 82 and it was immediately obvious the improvement over the standard lavender IC. Since then I've enjoyed the system immensely, letting everything settle in. 

The next two cable moves I plan to make are Power Line the nDac (bare) and as good as the Cobra is, I can't help but think it's a current bottleneck, replace it with something up the Chord ladder. For a few different reasons I'd also like to have a longer IC between the HCDR and ATCs. So I've been considering calling my Chord dealer and asking about pricing for a 3m DIN>XLR cable. Seems the current choices are:  Music, STA, Signature, and Shawline. 

3m of STA would be pretty (pretty pretty) pricey! I shudder to think what Music would cost (Interestingly, the USA importer of Chord still has the price list up from Dec 2014, so I have no idea what the premium for Music is at 1m lengths). Going with STA between the HCDR and ATCs would ensure more consistent matching between nDac and 82. However, since the voltages are lower between nDac/82 compared to after the 82, I've assumed the better cable should be there. Alternatively if I'm running lengths of 3m will the STA's performance justify the difference over the Signature TA? 

Strat, not sure if you've compared Sig TA directly to STA, but if so, I'd appreciate if you could point me towards the thread where you did!

Thanks

Aric

Aric,

No I haven't I've heard full Sarum TA wired systems but wasn't prepared to make that level of investment - although I do have Sarum TA power lead but that's another story! -  but in truth the reason I tried the Sig was the frailty of the Hiline    You only need a slightly careless moment when fitting and it snaps so I home demo'd the Sig and the fuller sound and resolution was apparent. But I would suggest a home demo before committing. 

Regards,

Lindsay

Chord interconnect only able to compete with Hiline is Sarum series. If you wish to for for Chord, try Sarum instead of series below it. Or else just go for Hiline which you will not regret. The Hiline  sound more laid back but Sarum sound more up-front, so if the interconnect change if your setup sensitive enough then your speaker require to re-position.

Or Mogami W2549 (or use Mogami W2534 in pseudo-balanced config - slightly better but rather more complicated).

BNN posted:

Chord interconnect only able to compete with Hiline is Sarum series. If you wish to for for Chord, try Sarum instead of series below it. Or else just go for Hiline which you will not regret. The Hiline  sound more laid back but Sarum sound more up-front, so if the interconnect change if your setup sensitive enough then your speaker require to re-position.

Okay - I agree the Hiline is more laid back but have you tried a Signature TA?  To me it's resolution and soundstage was considerably enhanced over the Hiline.

Regards,

Lindsay

I would be more enthusiastic of the Hiline if there weren't so many reports of quality defects. I don't believe this is a manufacturing problem, rather a design issue that systematically reveals itself with a break around the rear of the connector plug. Sounds like Naim addressed the issue with the SuperLumina design, but I'm not interested in having to send off the cable for a replacement or fix. Cables shouldn't break.

Aric,

In 12 years of Naim ownership the Hiline is my only gripe with the company.  I recognise that it is designed that way for the de-coupling effect but all the same twice mine has been repaired now albeit - and all due credit - they do it at no cost.  However, the opportunity to try the Signature TA came along and in my opinion it is sonically superior.  I would recommend anyone to demo.

Regards,

Lindsay

Thanks Lindsay.

Unfortunately in the States finding a dealer who carries Chord and would happen to have both STA and Signature TA in a minimum length of 2m with Din>XLR connections is probably not going to happen. But I agree with you, if I could arrange such a happy occurrence in my living room it would go a long way towards making the right choice. 

In any event, I'm quite confident that Signature TA would seriously destroy my current Cobra IC. Price will probably be the final arbitrator. 

Should also say I'm seriously impressed with the quality of Chord wires. 

Chord plugs are less likely to fall apart too. 

The Strat (Fender) posted:

Should also say I'm seriously impressed with the quality of Chord wires. 

So am I  but I currently still use a Hi-Line on my CDS3 and have never had an issue with its robustness 

Likewise an old time fan of Chord, (Norse gods have time on their hands, don't cha know, but keen to see what a hi line can do, SH of course!

I tried Chord Sig TA Din/XLR between 272/XPSDR-300DR and it killed the sound. Two friends also confirmed this (well known forum member) so just like everything else a home demo is needed. My WitchHat Hatpin Din/XLR out performs the Chord hands down. Saying all this I do use the Chord Sig TA from phono stage the pre and it works wonders. It was a surprise to me it just did not suit the pre to amp connection.

Again it all adds to the complexity's of our hobby, there is never a given in anything to do with HiFi it would seem.