Audio T Verdict
Chord Company GroundARAY takes a rather different approach to system upgrades. Rather than sitting in the signal path or replacing an existing cable, it simply plugs into an unused socket on your Hi-Fi, network or AV equipment and works in parallel with the system.
Inside its substantial aluminium enclosure are five separate noise-reduction systems, each designed to operate across different high-frequency ranges. Together they provide a low-impedance, high-bandwidth route for unwanted HF noise on the signal ground, converting that unwanted energy into heat.
The great thing about GroundARAY is its flexibility. Versions are available for analogue, digital and network connections, so it can be tried on everything from an unused RCA or XLR input on an amplifier to the spare Ethernet socket on a network switch.
It can be used as a single upgrade or progressively added to several components throughout the system. We'd normally start close to the source, particularly with streaming systems, and work through the system from there.
This is also one of those products where demonstration is particularly worthwhile. GroundARAY doesn't ask you to change how you use your system, so trying one in an unused socket and listening for yourself is refreshingly straightforward.
Chord Company GroundARAY High-Frequency Noise Reduction Device
GroundARAY is a passive high-frequency noise-reduction device designed to connect to an unused socket on compatible Hi-Fi, network or audiovisual equipment.
Rather than being inserted between two components, GroundARAY works:
In parallel with the existing signal path.
Its purpose is to provide a low-impedance route for unwanted high-frequency electrical noise present on the signal ground of the connected equipment.
Choose the Connection to Match Your Equipment
The GroundARAY family is available with a wide range of connector types, allowing the same core noise-reduction technology to be used across analogue, digital, network and AV equipment.
Current connection formats include:
- RCA
- DIN
- BNC
- RJ45 Ethernet
- USB Type-A
- HDMI
- XLR Male
- XLR Female
Choose an Unused Compatible Socket
GroundARAY is designed to occupy a spare connection on the equipment.
Choose the connector version that matches an unused socket on the component you want to treat. If you are unsure which version is appropriate, contact Audio T with the make and model of your equipment before ordering.
Five Separate Noise-Reduction Systems
Inside each GroundARAY are:
Five separate noise-reduction systems.
Chord Company designs these systems to operate across different ranges of high-frequency interference.
They operate in parallel rather than relying on one single filtering element to address the entire frequency range.
Converts Unwanted HF Noise into Heat
The internal GroundARAY system provides a route into which unwanted high-frequency electrical energy can pass.
Chord Company's noise-reduction elements then convert this unwanted HF energy into:
Heat.
No external power supply is required.
Low-Impedance, High-Bandwidth Path
Chord Company describes GroundARAY as providing:
A very low-impedance, high-bandwidth route for high-frequency noise.
The device effectively provides somewhere for unwanted HF energy on the signal ground of the host component to go without being placed directly in series with the music signal.
GroundARAY Does Not Sit in the Signal Path
GroundARAY occupies an unused socket and operates in parallel with the connected equipment.
Your existing interconnect, streaming cable, HDMI cable or other primary connection remains in place.
Why High-Frequency Noise Matters
A modern Hi-Fi system can contain a considerable number of digital and electrical devices, including:
- Network routers
- Ethernet switches
- Music streamers
- Computers and servers
- DACs
- Televisions
- Projectors
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Wireless devices
These products can all contribute high-frequency electrical activity to the environment surrounding the audio system.
GroundARAY was developed specifically to target this unwanted HF noise on the signal ground of compatible equipment.
Precision CNC-Machined Aluminium Body
The GroundARAY is housed inside a:
Precision CNC-machined, thick-walled aluminium cylinder.
Chord Company deliberately uses substantial enclosure walls as part of the GroundARAY design, helping prevent the device itself from contributing unwanted high-frequency noise.
Internally Damped Construction
The GroundARAY enclosure is filled with a carefully selected material designed to deaden unwanted mechanical noise.
The final internal assembly is then locked into position to help reduce the influence of acoustic vibration on the device.
Advanced Internal Absorption Devices
Each GroundARAY contains a number of dedicated absorption devices connected through what Chord Company describes as a:
Double ultra-high-bandwidth connector system.
The individual elements and connection system are hand assembled during manufacture.
Hand Built in Wiltshire
GroundARAY is:
Hand built at Chord Company's factory in Wiltshire, England.
This includes assembly of the internal noise-reduction system as well as the specialist connection hardware.
GroundARAY RCA
The RCA version can be connected to a spare compatible RCA socket on equipment such as:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Pre-amplifiers
- DACs
- CD players
- Streamers
- Other compatible audio components
The socket should be unused and electrically suitable for the GroundARAY connection.
GroundARAY XLR
GroundARAY is available in both:
This allows it to partner different balanced inputs and outputs depending on the socket arrangement provided by the equipment.
Check Whether You Need Male or Female XLR
XLR equipment can use male and female sockets for different connection functions.
Check the physical socket on the component before ordering, or give Audio T the exact make and model so we can help identify the appropriate GroundARAY.
GroundARAY RJ45
The RJ45 version is particularly useful within wired music-streaming systems.
It can be connected to a spare compatible Ethernet socket on equipment such as a network switch, allowing the GroundARAY technology to operate on the network side of the system.
Audio T has demonstrated the RJ45 GroundARAY on Ethernet switches as part of real streaming systems.
GroundARAY USB Type-A
The USB Type-A version is designed for a spare compatible USB-A socket.
This can make it relevant to selected streamers, servers, computers, DACs and other digital audio equipment depending on the connections provided.
Use GroundARAY Only in a Suitable Unused USB Socket
USB sockets can be provided for many different purposes, including audio, storage, charging, service functions and accessories.
If you are unsure whether a USB socket is appropriate, check the equipment documentation or contact Audio T before connecting GroundARAY.
GroundARAY BNC
The BNC version can be used with compatible equipment providing an unused BNC connection.
BNC sockets are particularly common on selected specialist digital-audio components and professional-style interfaces.
GroundARAY DIN
The DIN version extends GroundARAY compatibility to equipment using suitable DIN connections.
DIN wiring and socket functions can vary between manufacturers, so check compatibility before ordering.
GroundARAY HDMI
The HDMI version allows the same GroundARAY approach to be used with compatible AV equipment providing an unused HDMI connection.
This can include selected televisions, projectors, AV amplifiers, processors and source components.
Where Should I Start?
GroundARAY can be used on one component or progressively introduced at several points throughout a system.
Audio T generally recommends starting towards the source of the system and working forward.
For a streaming system, a sensible starting sequence can be:
- Network switch
- Streamer or music server
- DAC or digital source
- Amplification
- Other compatible equipment
Try One at a Time
Adding GroundARAYs one at a time makes it much easier to judge their effect in your particular system.
Listen to a familiar piece of music, add the GroundARAY, and then decide whether that position is worthwhile before moving further through the system.
Can I Use More Than One GroundARAY?
Yes.
Chord Company specifically designed GroundARAY so multiple units can be used across different pieces of equipment within the same system.
They can also be used in multiple unused connections on a single compatible component where appropriate.
Does GroundARAY Replace My Existing Cables?
No.
GroundARAY is an additional parallel noise-reduction device. Your existing signal, digital, network or AV cables remain connected as normal.
Does GroundARAY Carry the Music Signal?
No.
The primary music or video signal does not pass through GroundARAY. The device connects to an unused socket alongside the equipment's normal working connections.
Does GroundARAY Need a Power Supply?
No.
GroundARAY is a passive device and does not require a separate mains adaptor or power supply.
Is GroundARAY the Same as PowerARAY?
No.
Both products form part of Chord Company's ARAY noise-reduction range, but they are intended for different applications.
GroundARAY
- Connects to unused equipment sockets
- Works with signal-ground HF noise
- RCA, DIN, BNC, RJ45, USB, HDMI and XLR versions
- Works in parallel
- No separate power required
PowerARAY
- Connects to an unused mains socket
- Targets HF noise associated with the mains supply
- Designed for wall sockets or mains distribution blocks
- Works in parallel with the mains
- Separate Chord Company product
Is GroundARAY the Same as PhonoARAY?
No.
PhonoARAY is specifically designed around turntable earthing and the sensitive connection between a turntable and phono stage.
GroundARAY is the broader plug-in noise-reduction system for unused compatible sockets on Hi-Fi, network and AV equipment.
GroundARAY in an Audio T System
Audio T Cardiff has tested GroundARAY in a real system using a Bluesound Node, Leema Acoustics Tucana amplifier and Spendor D7.2 loudspeakers.
The demonstration included GroundARAY units at several points in the system, from the Ethernet switch through to unused XLR inputs on the amplifier.
Read: Humming to the Wrong Tune - How to Get Rid of Unwanted Noise
Recognised in the Hi-Fi+ Awards
Chord Company's wider ARAY noise-reduction products, including GroundARAY, were Highly Commended in the Cable System category of the Hi-Fi+ Awards 2026.
Key Features
- Chord Company GroundARAY
- High-frequency noise-reduction device
- Connects to unused equipment sockets
- Operates in parallel
- Does not sit in the main signal path
- Five separate noise-reduction systems
- Multiple HF operating ranges
- Converts unwanted HF energy into heat
- Low-impedance noise path
- High-bandwidth construction
- Precision CNC-machined aluminium enclosure
- Thick-walled aluminium construction
- Internally damped enclosure
- Double ultra-high-bandwidth connector system
- RCA version available
- DIN version available
- BNC version available
- RJ45 version available
- USB Type-A version available
- HDMI version available
- XLR Male version available
- XLR Female version available
- Suitable for Hi-Fi equipment
- Suitable for network audio equipment
- Suitable for compatible AV equipment
- Can be used individually
- Multiple GroundARAYs can be used in one system
- Passive operation
- No separate power supply required
- Hand built in Wiltshire
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company GroundARAY?
GroundARAY is a passive high-frequency noise-reduction device that connects to an unused socket on compatible Hi-Fi, network or AV equipment.
How does GroundARAY work?
It provides a low-impedance, high-bandwidth route for unwanted HF noise on the signal ground, using five parallel noise-reduction systems operating across different high-frequency ranges.
Does the music signal pass through GroundARAY?
No. GroundARAY connects to an unused socket and operates in parallel with the normal signal path.
What happens to the unwanted noise?
Chord Company's internal noise-reduction systems convert unwanted high-frequency electrical energy into heat.
Which connections are available?
The current GroundARAY family includes RCA, DIN, BNC, RJ45, USB Type-A, HDMI, XLR Male and XLR Female versions.
Which GroundARAY should I choose?
Choose a version that matches a suitable unused socket on the component you want to treat. Audio T can check compatibility if you provide the exact equipment model.
Can GroundARAY be used with a network switch?
Yes. The RJ45 version can be used in a suitable spare Ethernet socket on compatible network equipment.
Can it be used with a streamer?
Yes, provided the streamer has a suitable unused connection corresponding to one of the available GroundARAY versions.
Can it be used with an amplifier?
Yes. RCA, DIN or XLR versions may be suitable depending on the unused connections provided by the amplifier.
Can GroundARAY be used with a DAC?
Yes, where the DAC provides a suitable unused compatible connection.
Can it be used with a television or projector?
Yes. Chord Company includes audiovisual equipment among GroundARAY's intended applications, with HDMI among the current connection options.
Does GroundARAY need power?
No. It is a passive device and requires no separate power supply.
Can I use more than one?
Yes. GroundARAYs can be used at multiple points throughout a compatible Hi-Fi or AV system.
Where should I put the first GroundARAY?
Audio T generally suggests starting near the source. In a streaming system, the network switch can be a useful place to begin before moving through the streamer and the rest of the system.
Is GroundARAY the same as a mains conditioner?
No. GroundARAY connects to unused signal, digital, network or AV sockets. Chord Company's PowerARAY and PowerHAUS products address the mains side of a system.
Is GroundARAY the same as PowerARAY?
No. PowerARAY plugs into an unused mains socket, while GroundARAY connects directly to an unused socket on compatible equipment.
Is GroundARAY hand built?
Yes. Chord Company builds GroundARAY by hand at its Wiltshire factory.
Can I demonstrate GroundARAY before buying?
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss demonstration or home-trial availability.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help choosing the correct GroundARAY connector
- System-specific positioning advice
- Network switch and streaming-system guidance
- Help identifying suitable unused equipment sockets
- GroundARAY and PowerARAY comparison advice
- Complete Chord Company system guidance
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Advice on using multiple GroundARAYs
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help choosing the correct GroundARAY connection or deciding where to try one first in your system.