RCA Phono - 5 Pin DIN Interconnect Cable Recommendation

Ryder - I use exactly the same one for connecting my Rega Aria to my SN2.

Tried various other cables (TQ Black Diamond RCA, Naim HiLine) and found this one to be the best match for the Aria.

Enjoy it!

I use it to connect Hugo TT to 250DR - Expensive but worth it to get everything the TT has to offer.

G

Thanks for all responses. I have not listened much but initial impressions are certainly very encouraging. Having said that, as with most cables, the differences are not exactly day and night though the better cable surely elevated the system to a higher level of performance. The Flashback standard is not exactly embarrassed as it is still a decent sounding cable in its own right. It's just that the Chord Signature TA is the icing on the cake that  "completed" the system.

The other reason I considered the Chord Signature other than the intention of improving sound quality is I need another RCA to 5-pin DIN for my NAC 202 / NAP 200 system. Since I now have the Chord with the NAC 282 / NAP 250 DR, the Flashback will be used with the lesser system. At its price point of about £25 the Flashback standard is great value, and I am sure the Flashback PREMIERE will be a step up in both build and sound quality. The Flashback is still great for those who do not want to spend too much money on cables as it gets the job done, though not as stellar as the Chord.

Late to this thread, for me on a Naim system it's hard to beat a Naim Hiline phono to 5 Pin DIN connector.. and I have tried and have a few ... I currently use a Hiline phono to DIN between my Hugo and 252 and it really works a treat encouraging that Naim sound.

A key consideration is the phono connector, a potential weak point in the sound chain. I have found the best phono connectors with point contacts are  ETI Research  plugs and WBT plugs... the Naim Hiline Phono to DIN uses WBT plugs....

It would be interesting to compare the Flashback Premiere ( £40+) to the Chord Signature TA ( £800) to see if the gap is narrowed. At any rate, I do feel that better or costlier systems do benefit from better (costlier) cables.

I can surely recommend the Chord Signature TA not only for its sound but build quality. The wire is thicker and stiffer, and the RCA plugs  feel very solid when compared to the Flashback standard.

Simon, thanks for the post. I have no doubts the Hiline is a great sounding cable and in the right system will outperform any other cables which include the Chord Signature TA. I did not consider the Hiline as the price is above my budget. Some comments on the plugs breaking at the connection points are quite worrying as well.

The Chord Signature TA comes with "New PTFE RCA Plugs" as written on the box. Not sure if these new RCA plugs are any different from the previous ones, though I take note on the superiority of ETI Research and WBT plugs.

I need to get one of these cables at some point for my Hugo,does anyone know if the High-line and/or Chord Signature tuned array will fit in the Hugo openings properly,I have the second generation Hugo?

Apologize for the hijack..but I may be in the need of a 4pin to RCA.  (Out from 272 to LTA MZ2-S).  Do Naim make such an animal?

ryder. posted:

Simon, thanks for the post. I have no doubts the Hiline is a great sounding cable and in the right system will outperform any other cables which include the Chord Signature TA. I did not consider the Hiline as the price is above my budget. Some comments on the plugs breaking at the connection points are quite worrying as well.

The Chord Signature TA comes with "New PTFE RCA Plugs" as written on the box. Not sure if these new RCA plugs are any different from the previous ones, though I take note on the superiority of ETI Research and WBT plugs.

Actually I also do own and use RCA-DIN HiLine. I tried it in my particular application vs Chord Signature TA (Rega Aria phono-stage to SuperNait). For that particular connection I felt Chord Signature sounded better to my ears. HiLine sounds fantastic with streamers, CD players though.

Adam

No quarter posted:

I need to get one of these cables at some point for my Hugo,does anyone know if the High-line and/or Chord Signature tuned array will fit in the Hugo openings properly,I have the second generation Hugo?

The revised 1st gen Hugo with the slightly larger openings in the casework for the RCAs has just enough space to fit the WBT next gen connectors used on the Hi-Line.  The only issue is that with the sockets being spaced close together, the knurled edge of the outer locking rings can cog together, which makes tightening a little bit fiddly.  

Adam Zielinski posted:

Actually I also do own and use RCA-DIN HiLine. I tried it in my particular application vs Chord Signature TA (Rega Aria phono-stage to SuperNait). For that particular connection I felt Chord Signature sounded better to my ears. HiLine sounds fantastic with streamers, CD players though.

Adam

Thanks for the information Adam. So the Hiline sounded great with CD players and streamers (presumably better than the Chord), while the Chord Signature sounded better with the phono stage. I don't have the luxury to try the Hiline in my system so I wouldn't know, but so far I am really elated with the results I am getting with the Chord Signature.

For everyone's interest, I have spent more time with the system listening to familiar music. Without any doubt the Chord Signature is a better cable than the Flashback. I am really enjoying the Chord. Details below.

In summary, the Chord Signature is a more controlled and cleaner sounding cable. It has removed a lot of nasties and digital glare or hardness in the sound. It is like having the Dolby NR feature on cassette decks switched on when switching from the Chord to the Flashback. As a result, the overall presentation is smoother and more analogue than the Flashback cable. 

At first listen, the bass appears to be less pronounced with the Chord. In actual fact the bass has actually improved in definition. It sounded tauter with better layering. The cheaper Flashback may have sounded like it has more bass than the Chord but it's actually bass with less control and definition. There is more bass but it's loose bass.

Vocals sounded smoother, basically everything sounded better with all nasties in the sound removed. All my rock CDs are now listenable, in fact very enjoyable. I have not expected this sort of quality from these recordings (I previously regarded the quality of my Coldplay and U2 albums to be poor). I keep turning up the volume and tapping my foot with the beat. The harshness and glare are all gone.

Everything But The Girl sounded sublime. A noticeable difference that I can detect easily. Music sounded bright with a bit of digital feel previously. It now sounds very balanced with the Chord. The Chord toned down the brightness and digital glare but at the same time preserved the dynamics in the music. Vocals and sound of instruments all sounded more like the real thing, more analog. The improved bass quality also added to the listening experience.

The improvements are consistent with all recordings that I have tried, both CD and FLAC files. Lisa Stansfield Love Without a Name on high definition FLAC sounds really good. The voice is right there in the room without the harshness.

The Chord Signature TA is highly recommended. It has truly completed my system.

For those who are using cheap RCA to DIN cables, I would recommend that you try some of the costlier alternatives which include the Naim Hiline. There is a marked difference in sound quality between these cables, not exactly subtle to my ears, in my system. In my experience, the effects of a better RCA to DIN cable that connects the source to the preamp are much greater than the effects of power cords. A caveat is I have never tried the Power Line but have used many after market mid range cords with my equipment throughout the years.

Good summary from Ryder.

Richard Dane posted:

No quarter posted:

I need to get one of these cables at some point for my Hugo,does anyone know if the High-line and/or Chord Signature tuned array will fit in the Hugo openings properly,I have the second generation Hugo?

The revised 1st gen Hugo with the slightly larger openings in the casework for the RCAs has just enough space to fit the WBT next gen connectors used on the Hi-Line.  The only issue is that with the sockets being spaced close together, the knurled edge of the outer locking rings can cog together, which makes tightening a little bit fiddly.  

Thanks  Richard,it sounds like it would be advisable to try a high-line to make sure it fits,and not buy blind.On the other hand,Ryder might have me leaning towards the Chord cable now...does the length of these cables matter in this case?(between Hugo and Pre-amp)?

NQ, it fits just fine as I and I think Simon (in Suffolk) can both attest.  It's just the locking collars on the Next Gen plugs are a bit fiddly that's all - and you do have to lock them up properly for best sound.

Adam Zielinski posted:

ryder. posted:

Simon, thanks for the post. I have no doubts the Hiline is a great sounding cable and in the right system will outperform any other cables which include the Chord Signature TA. I did not consider the Hiline as the price is above my budget. Some comments on the plugs breaking at the connection points are quite worrying as well.

The Chord Signature TA comes with "New PTFE RCA Plugs" as written on the box. Not sure if these new RCA plugs are any different from the previous ones, though I take note on the superiority of ETI Research and WBT plugs.

Actually I also do own and use RCA-DIN HiLine. I tried it in my particular application vs Chord Signature TA (Rega Aria phono-stage to SuperNait). For that particular connection I felt Chord Signature sounded better to my ears. HiLine sounds fantastic with streamers, CD players though.

Adam

Curious as to why you chose one interconnect over the other for each connection (or basically how these two cables compare to each other)?

I'm still on stock cables, so I'm thinking an upgrade between my DAC & 282 will be my next upgrade, currently leaning towards the HiLine but am curious how Chord compares.

How important is the cable between the source and dac,as compared to between the dac and pre?My source may eventually be the new Core.

No quarter posted:

How important is the cable between the source and dac,as compared to between the dac and pre?My source may eventually be the new Core.

I have played with a number of different digital cables & there does appear to be differences between them but I wouldn't say anything earth shattering.  I'm currently using an AES cable from a local retailer that sells direct.  Its a well constructed cable, Furutech ends with custom machined SS cover, 7N OCC solid silver conductors, Teflon insulation, good shield etc, all the components you typically look for in higher end cables.

[@mention:32400331793000954]The reason for choosing one interconnect over the other is rather simple for me - I choose the one which I feel sounds better in a particular application. I think Chords SIgnature TA appears to be more suitable for good analogue connections, whereas HiLine  works better for me if it connects a CD player or a streamer / nDAC

Just to give you some examples:

* NDS to 252 - I felt SuperLumina DIN was the best choice here

* CDX2 to 252 - HiLine sounds best to me.

* nDAC to SuperNait 2 - here I actually use TQ Black Diamond. I felt HiLine was a bit too bright in my setup here.

[@mention:65907191339557814]Each connection between each component is important. If anything is lost or distorted 'in transit' it cannot really be reclaimed later on.

Adam Zielinski posted:

[@mention:32400331793000954]The reason for choosing one interconnect over the other is rather simple for me - I choose the one which I feel sounds better in a particular application. I think Chords SIgnature TA appears to be more suitable for good analogue connections, whereas HiLine  works better for me if it connects a CD player or a streamer / nDAC

Just to give you some examples:

* NDS to 252 - I felt SuperLumina DIN was the best choice here

* CDX2 to 252 - HiLine sounds best to me.

* nDAC to SuperNait 2 - here I actually use TQ Black Diamond. I felt HiLine was a bit too bright in my setup here.

[@mention:65907191339557814]Each connection between each component is important. If anything is lost or distorted 'in transit' it cannot really be reclaimed later on.

Thanks Adam, though I was more so interested in how the two compare sonically to each other? (understood that they were likely chosen based on what sounded best for each application). 

daren_p posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

[@mention:32400331793000954]The reason for choosing one interconnect over the other is rather simple for me - I choose the one which I feel sounds better in a particular application. I think Chords SIgnature TA appears to be more suitable for good analogue connections, whereas HiLine  works better for me if it connects a CD player or a streamer / nDAC

Just to give you some examples:

* NDS to 252 - I felt SuperLumina DIN was the best choice here

* CDX2 to 252 - HiLine sounds best to me.

* nDAC to SuperNait 2 - here I actually use TQ Black Diamond. I felt HiLine was a bit too bright in my setup here.

[@mention:65907191339557814]Each connection between each component is important. If anything is lost or distorted 'in transit' it cannot really be reclaimed later on.

 

Thanks Adam, though I was more so interested in how the two compare sonically to each other? (understood that they were likely chosen based on what sounded best for each application). 

Do you mean HiLine vs Chord Signature TA
It's a bit like asking which child do you love more and why?

But on a serious note - I would say Signature TA is the more 'analogue' sounding one - if there is such a thing. 
When used with a good turntable it just sounds 'right'. When I put my HiLine on the same source the sound became 'too mechanical' and 'analytical'. Some of the vinyl fluidity was gone and my RP10 started to sound like a very good CD player.

However when HiLine is used wiht a good quality digital source, it just snaps right into place. The analytical nature helps to resolve the digital source and make it sound quite relaxed and 'analogue'.

I do realise the above sounds slightly schizofrenic, but that's how I perceive those cables.

And TQ Black Diamond - it's closer to HiLine, but perhaps a bit more transparent. I'd say this is probably the most specialist application - has to be used with caution.

Richard Dane posted:

No quarter posted:

I need to get one of these cables at some point for my Hugo,does anyone know if the High-line and/or Chord Signature tuned array will fit in the Hugo openings properly,I have the second generation Hugo?

The revised 1st gen Hugo with the slightly larger openings in the casework for the RCAs has just enough space to fit the WBT next gen connectors used on the Hi-Line.  The only issue is that with the sockets being spaced close together, the knurled edge of the outer locking rings can cog together, which makes tightening a little bit fiddly.  

Richard, I have found if the outer cases to end up touching each other, it suggests the plugs are not optimally inserted and tightened, and SQ takes a hit... so in a way the Hugo socket spacing acts as a good cue for correct socket setup... and yes the tighter the knurled case on the WBA plug is made, the better the SQ.

No quarter posted:

How important is the cable between the source and dac,as compared to between the dac and pre?My source may eventually be the new Core.

My experience is almost the same as Daren_P's. I have tried 3 digital cables between the transport and DAC (2 AES/EBU and 1 SPDIF) and could not detect any major difference between all these cables when I compared them. If there is a difference, it would be extremely small to the point of negligible.

Out of the 3 digital cables which included XLO Signature and Belden, I chose the XLO as I thought it sounded a tiny bit more dynamic than the rest, perhaps due to the purple-coloured sheath which gave the impression of a strong sounding cable. It's surely a fickle judgment in the selection of the best sounding digital cable, in my case. Certainly not an easy task, unlike the RCA-DIN cable that goes between the DAC and preamp which revealed clear differences.

I am glad I have gone with this Chord Signature TA. It has surely transformed my system for the better.

I am not sure how would the Hiline compare to the Chord Signature TA. When compared to the Flashback standard, the Signature TA removed all the harshness, glare and digital nasties in the sound and the overall noise floor appeared to be lower. The end result is a more analogue and smoother sound. The good thing is the dynamics, leading edge and rawness in music are not compromised or rolled-off although the overall presentation is smoother. The intensity of the plucking of (guitar) strings and the energy of vocals are all preserved. In other words, music does not sound dull although it sounds smoother and more analogue.

I am not sure if there is a slight shift in tonal quality with the removal of all the background hiss and noise. There is more body to the sound, a fuller presentation as opposed to a leaner sound.

The Signature TA works a treat in my system.

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

Richard, I have found if the outer cases to end up touching each other, it suggests the plugs are not optimally inserted and tightened, and SQ takes a hit... so in a way the Hugo socket spacing acts as a good cue for correct socket setup... and yes the tighter the knurled case on the WBA plug is made, the better the SQ.

 

Simon, yes, I found the same thing - once properly tightened, there's no touching of the outer cases.