CONDUCTORS: Pseudo-balanced multi solid core silver-plated signal and return conductors, plus secondary silver-plated signal return conductor.

CONFIGURATION: Separately shielded signal and return conductors. Single signal and dual return conductor configuration. Improves bass detail and definition, music sounds natural and coherent.

CONDUCTOR INSULATION: Low density foamed PTFE outperforms conventional extruded PTFE. We believe that to obtain the most neutral tonal characteristic from silverplated conductors it is vital to use PTFE insulation. Insulation is applied to strict tolerance to minimise unwanted mechanical noise.

SHIELDING: High frequency effective dual layer shielding, applied individually to signal and signal return conductors. Heavy gauge overlapped foil shield surrounded by 100% coverage silver-plated braid.

JACKET: PTFE shielding surround and external braided jacket. COLOUR: Black.

TERMINATIONS: Chord ultra low mass RCA (phono) plugs. PTFE insulated silver-plated centre pin, ultra low mass silver-plated signal return surround. Plug design avoids the use of any direct pressure on cable, eliminating changes to cable impedance. Precision machined acrylic plug surround controls unwanted resonance.

The most striking feature of the Chord Signature Plus is the unique vibration damping, precision machined acrylic plug surrounds. These were first used on the Chord Indigo cable. That something seemingly simple as a plug surround can have such a profound effect on the overall performance of the cable it is fitted to is genuinely surprising. By damping vibration and resonance, the acrylic plug surround lowers the perceived noise floor of the system to which it is fitted. The Signature Plus is built using the same conductors and shielding system as the Chord Signet. Simply fitting the acrylic plug surrounds improves performance in all areas but there is another change that is just as important. The Signature Plus (like the Indigo Plus) employs a third length of silver-plated, PTFE insulated wire. This is used to form a secondary signal return path.

The secondary return path fitted to the Signature Plus brings very obvious and striking improvements to timing, dynamics and sound stage. Rhythms become far more obvious and easy to understand, as do the subtle timbral differences that define the different tonal signatures of acoustic guitars. Voices are far more believable and realistic. Most of the improvements listed above are concerned with the involvement and enjoyment of music. The secondary return path and the acrylic plugs also contribute to the high fidelity aspect of a system. Sound stage, instrument separation and depth of image all take a big step forward.

The wiring configuration of the Signature Plus is closely based on the configuration originally used on the Chord Signature RCA. This gives owners of the original Chord Signature an opportunity to upgrade their existing cable.

Signature can be returned to the Chord factory and be upgraded to Signature Plus specification. This involves new plugs, new contact pins, the addition of the secondary return path and of course the vibration damping acrylic plug surrounds. Rather than having to purchase a whole new cable you can simply upgrade your existing one. The cost, combined with the performance improvements, makes upgrading a Signature or Signet to Signature Plus a genuine bargain.