Early Impressions : Chord Epic Twin vs Naca5

Posted by: ryder. on 31 October 2016

I am currently listening to the Chord Epic, freshly soldered with Naim plugs at the amp side and bananas at the speaker end. I have to say, the difference between the Chord Epic and Naca5 is not subtle at all. They sound very different! I was not expecting a significant difference between these speaker cables but it's really an eye (or ear) opener for me.

I have to say, I am surely leaning toward the Chord Epic at the moment. Just tried some tracks and the Chord Epic is more open and detailed than the Naca5. The sound is airier, larger and 3-dimensional. The Naca5 has more body in the mids and sounds thicker. It's just a completely different presentation. The bass quality is also different between the two.

It's still early days with the cables having about 30 minutes on them. Although they are barely run-in I am impressed. We'll see if the cables will stand the test of time with extended listening sessions. For those who are still on the Naca5, I would recommend that you try other alternatives, Super Lumina, TQ Black, Ultra Black, Chord or whatever. You wouldn't know what you have been missing if you didn't try.

The Naca5 may fit well when matched with Naim speakers. However, for those who are on non-Naim speakers, it may be worthwhile to explore other alternatives.

Posted on: 31 October 2016 by Mayor West

Ryder, have you tried TQ black? 

Posted on: 31 October 2016 by ryder.

Mayor, no I have not tried the TQ Black. I have lived with the Naca5 for 7 years and this is the first time I have experienced a positive improvement in sound quality with the Chord Epic. The other cable that I have tried with the Naim amps is the Rega SC42, and this one sounded noticeably worse than the Naca5, dull and uninspiring.

Posted on: 31 October 2016 by Mayor West

OK cool. I was just thinking that if you hadn't heard it then it is definitely worth an audition... I was initially using Chord Epic Twin which is really good, but I found TQ Black to be a really good upgrade in comparison. I'm sure they're very similar in price as well. 

Posted on: 31 October 2016 by ryder.

Thanks for the heads-up. I am aware that the TQ Black and Ultra Black are great cables. Nevertheless I am pleased with the changes the Chord Epic Twin has brought to the system. It made my system sound more refined and focused.

I can't wait to install the Wireworld Matrix 2 power strip. I hope to have another round of improvement when I ditch the compromised extension block (with a red light and on/off switch).