World-renowned for producing some of the finest hi-fi cables, interconnects, and accessories, Chord Company has revived the historic English Electric brand for a side project focused on network noise isolation. With the upcoming release of the new, higher-end EE1+, I decided to revisit the more affordable version to remind myself just what these little marvels can do.

What’s In The Box?

The English Electric EE1 is a network noise isolator designed to sit discreetly between Ethernet cables in a streaming audio or video system. According to Chord Company's marketing, it drastically reduces digital noise nasties while allowing the music signal to pass unhindered. It achieves this through common mode filtering, selectively removing low-frequency noise and filtering out high-frequency interference, all while ensuring uninterrupted data flow.

Close Up Of That Classic Logo

close up of that resurrected iconic logo

Digital signals are robust but often carry some level of noise, typically transferred from home network devices. In a hi-fi system, this can manifest as a slight muddiness or even degradation of the all-important music signal.

Bullet Points

I am a big fan of bullet points so here’s few to be going on with…

Targeted filtering reduces harmful network noise.
Galvanic isolation blocks low-frequency noise, reduces high-frequency interference, and preserves data integrity.
Compact yet powerful – easy to install and discreet in any setup.
Stackable performance – using multiple EE1 units can further enhance results.
Self-powered – converts unwanted noise into heat.
Includes an additional Ethernet cable.

Hidden in the bottom of the box is that afore mentioned ethernet cable

Big Big Train

To put the English Electric EE1 to the test, what could be more fitting than English Electric by UK prog rockers Big Big Train? I chose the track A Boy in Darkness—because it’s ace—and yes, the EE1 actually does make a difference.

The song has clear influences from early Genesis and Yes and, in true prog rock tradition, is split into three parts. Part One explores the hardships of young boys forced to work in Victorian coal mines. Part Two is an instrumental section where an organ riff anchors a dynamic interplay of guitar, organ, and flute solos, bridging past and present. Part Three connects the tragic fate of a boy lost in the mines with a modern-day warning about children suffering at the hands of those entrusted with their care.

The verse sections are eerie, ghostly, and sparse, while the choruses are powerful and emotional. The lead vocal holds a fixed note as the surrounding instruments swirl dramatically, creating a striking contrast.

Into The Node

For this experiment, the EE1 was paired with the rather lovely Bluesound Node—a superb streamer in its own right that punches well above its weight. However, with the EE1 in place, the difference was immediately noticeable. There was a palpable increase in the sense of space around individual instruments and a wider soundstage. The vocal carried more passion, and the lyrics were easier to follow. A slight harshness present without the EE1 disappeared entirely once it was reintroduced into the signal path.

Summing Up

I really enjoyed revisiting the EE1 for this blog and believe it offers a worthwhile upgrade for the money. Its impact becomes even more apparent after using it for a while—only to remove it and notice how the sound suddenly feels a little flatter and less engaging.

Thanks for reading!

Andy, Jon and Farid - Audio T Cheltenham Store.

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