Chord Company is well-known for its extensive line of interconnect and related products and has announced a new product from its English Electric brand, the EE1 Plus Network Noise Isolator.
Built on the previously released EE1, the EE1 Plus refines the ability to reduce noise that may be present in network-connected/streaming systems.
The EE1 Plus fits between Ethernet cables, eliminating the network noise often generated by household devices, without hindering digital signals.
The EE1 Plus requires no power to connect and operate. It converts unwanted noise into heat. This ensures digital data quality remains unaffected. It features galvanic isolation, targeted common-mode filtering, and Chord Company’s proprietary ARAY technology.
Noise reduction can be achieved in various configurations:
- Between a data switch and a streamer/server.
- Between a server and a streamer
- Between a router and a data switch.
Further reduction can result in connecting additional devices, such as between a router and a data switch, and between the switch and a streamer. The EE1 Plus is made from precision-machined aluminum and includes two decoupled isolation feet.
Note: Chord Company (cable maker) and Chord Electronics (high-end audio component maker) are separate companies.
The Bottom Line
Chord Company offers a wide range of affordable interconnect and loudspeaker cabe solutions, but their two most recent product releases, the PhonoARAY and EE1 Plus (through its English Electric brand) are designed for audiophiles with either terrible grounding issues or “contaminated” Ethernet lines that are impacting musical enjoyment.
All of us have experienced grounding issues with a turntable, but that’s often solved with a secondary ground wire or rerouting power and interconnect cables around the affected components — and it cost nothing. Some of us have used cheater plugs from Home Depot for $4 and solved the problem that way.
But when it comes to home networks, routers, switches, and network streamers — the problem can usually be solved by using a better router or higher quality “generic” CAT7 or CAT8 cables (if you insist on being that fancy). Spending hundreds of dollars on a solitary noise isolator seems like a questionable ask unless nothing else works.
Price & Availability
The Chord Company English Electric EE1 Plus is available from authorized dealers and is priced at £600. For a limited time, is supplied with a free 0.75m C-Stream streaming cable.
English Electric products are covered by a 24-month (return-to-base) warranty from the initial date of purchase, covering defective materials and workmanship.
For more information: chord.co.uk
Related Reading
