Chord EpicX ARAY XLR Interconnect Pair
A balanced EpicX ARAY interconnect for systems where scale, quietness, and tonal shape matter.
When Balanced Connections Need More Than Quiet
XLR can lower noise and improve system matching, but the balanced connector alone does not guarantee a better result. The cable still has to preserve timing, tone, space, and the small cues that make a system feel natural.
In a more revealing system, a basic balanced cable can sound clean but emotionally flat. The goal is a quieter connection that also keeps the music dimensional, textured, and easy to follow.
Chosen for Serious Balanced Source Chains
We chose the Chord EpicX ARAY XLR because it brings the EpicX analogue design into systems using true balanced outputs and inputs. Chord's EpicX ARAY platform uses unique ARAY technology, upgraded XLPE insulation, and ChorAlloy plated XLR connectors.
This makes sense between higher-quality DACs, streamers, preamps, and integrated amplifiers where the balanced connection is part of the system design. Compared with Shawline, EpicX ARAY adds a more substantial construction story with heavier-gauge conductors and improved shielding.
What the Specs Won't Tell You
Quiet Does Not Have to Mean Thin. The balanced connection helps with noise, while the EpicX ARAY construction helps preserve body, tone, and musical density.
Images Feel More Stable in the Room. ARAY technology supports timing and low-level signal organization, helping vocals and instruments hold their place more convincingly.
Large Systems Sound More Connected. Heavier-gauge conductors and improved shielding help the cable keep up when the rest of the system has more scale and resolution.
The Connector Is Part of the Performance. ChorAlloy plated XLR connectors help protect the final handoff between components.
The Audio Two Verdict
EpicX ARAY XLR is the cable we would consider when a balanced source chain is already part of the plan and the system is good enough to show the difference. It belongs between serious streamers, DACs, preamps, integrated amplifiers, and power amplifiers where quietness and musical flow both matter.
The upgrade is about making the system feel less mechanical and more believable. You should hear cleaner placement, more complete tone, and a stronger sense that the performance is taking shape in front of you.
Tech You Can Hear
| What You Hear | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| A quieter balanced connection with more body | Balanced XLR format works with EpicX ARAY construction |
| More stable vocal and instrument placement | ARAY technology supports timing and low-level signal organization |
| Better tonal density from serious source components | Heavier-gauge conductors help preserve body and weight |
| Less haze in larger systems | Improved shielding reduces interference in the analogue path |
| A stronger final handoff between components | ChorAlloy plated XLR connectors complete the cable path |
Technical Highlights
- EpicX ARAY analogue XLR interconnect pair
- Balanced XLR connection
- ARAY conductor technology
- Upgraded XLPE insulation
- Heavier-gauge conductors compared with Shawline
- Improved shielding compared with Shawline
- ChorAlloy plated XLR connectors
- Available lengths: 0.5m, 1m, 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m, 3.5m, and 4m
Why Choose Audio Two
Audio Two ships across Canada. That said, a system at this level is worth a conversation before you commit — we can make sure it's the right fit for your room, your source, and how you actually listen. Reach out and we'll help you get it right.