2020年 Hi-Fi Choice RECOMMENDED – Chord Company ClearwayX speaker cable


 

 Date:2020-11-12

 

ClearwayX has a translucent white outer covering, the ClearwayX speaker cable has 14 AWG multistranded, oxygen-free copper conductors. These are insulated with a new XLPE dielectric. The conductors are arranged in a twisted pair configuration inside a soft PVC internal jacket designed to minimize microphony effects or mechanically induced noise. This also serves to space the twin contra-wound foil shields away from the conductors. The shields protect the signal from external electrical interference.

After connecting the ClearwayX between my transmission line speakers and valve monoblocks, I
start off listening with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in B flat major by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Rudolf Kempe. The slow and tense opening is moving and very open. The instrument image placement is accurate and the soundstage is both wide and deep. As the piece progresses into the joyful Allegro Vivace, it is powerful and exhilarating and the ClearwayX does an excellent job of effortlessly driving the speaker. Bass control is tight and all of the complexities of the music are handled with ease. The overall performance is stirring and majestic, as I would expect from this piece.

Quality street
Schumann’s Cello Concerto played by Mstislav Rostropovich and the Leningrad Philharmonic oozes quality and refinement. Rostropovich’s playing is exceptional and the recording has a huge dynamic range.

To check out a vocal performance, I turn to the legendary I’ve Got The Music In Me from the direct-cut LP of the same name sung by Thelma Houston featuring Pressure Cooker. The emotion in Houston’s voice and the excitement of her performance are splendidly conveyed and her singing is forceful without being at all harsh. The rhythmic instrumental backing has a super-tight bass that is
both full and punchy throughout.

In short, the ClearwayX is a great screened loudspeaker cable at the price and it works well across a wide range of different musical genres.