Audio T Verdict
Chord Company PowerHAUS M6 is not simply an expensive six-way extension block. It is the flagship expression of Chord Company's approach to mains distribution, developed specifically for high-performance Hi-Fi and home-cinema systems where the quality of the power infrastructure deserves the same attention as the components connected to it.
The M6 deliberately avoids switches, neon indicators and conventional series filtering. Instead, three hybrid MainsARAY noise-reduction devices operate in parallel with three isolated internal bus bars, so unwanted high-frequency noise can be addressed without placing a filter directly between the mains supply and your equipment.
Everything about the construction reflects the level of system the M6 is aimed at: heavy-gauge internal wiring, carefully selected sockets, a high-performance 16A IEC input and a substantial aluminium enclosure designed to reduce the influence of mechanical vibration.
It is a big investment, but then the M6 is intended for genuinely ambitious systems. If you've already put considerable thought into source, amplification, loudspeakers, system supports and cabling, PowerHAUS M6 tackles another part of the chain that is very easy to overlook.
At this level we'd strongly recommend a demonstration. Mains products can be very system dependent, and hearing the M6 against your existing distribution arrangement is far more useful than trying to judge it from a specification sheet alone.
Chord Company PowerHAUS M6 Mains Distribution Block
PowerHAUS M6 is Chord Company's flagship six-way mains distribution block for high-performance Hi-Fi, home cinema and audiovisual systems.
The M in M6 stands for:
Master.
It sits at the top of the PowerHAUS range above the S6 and P6.
Six Mains Output Sockets
The UK PowerHAUS M6 provides:
Six mains output sockets.
This allows the block to provide a central power-distribution point for a complete audio or home-cinema system.
Typical connected components might include:
- Integrated amplifier
- Pre-amplifier
- Power amplifier
- CD player or transport
- Music streamer
- DAC
- Turntable power supply
- Phono stage
- AV processor
- Other suitable system components
Three Hybrid MainsARAY Devices
The most important technical distinction between the M6 and the other PowerHAUS models is its use of:
Three hybrid MainsARAY noise-reduction devices.
MainsARAY is Chord Company's proprietary ARAY technology adapted specifically for power distribution and the management of unwanted high-frequency electrical noise.
MainsARAY Works in Parallel
The three hybrid MainsARAY devices are connected:
In parallel with the internal bus bars.
They are therefore not inserted directly in series between the incoming mains supply and the connected Hi-Fi equipment.
No Series Filtering
PowerHAUS M6 takes a deliberately different approach from mains products that place filtering components directly in the power path.
Chord Company keeps its MainsARAY technology outside the direct circuit, allowing the block to target unwanted high-frequency noise without using conventional serial filters.
Why Avoid Series Filters?
Power amplifiers and other demanding audio components can draw substantial current from the mains supply, particularly during dynamic musical peaks.
Chord Company's design philosophy is therefore to avoid placing non-essential filtering components directly in series with the equipment.
The M6 instead uses its parallel MainsARAY architecture to address high-frequency noise while maintaining a direct power-distribution path.
Three Separate Bus Bars
PowerHAUS M6 does not use conventional star wiring.
Instead, its internal power distribution is arranged around:
Three separate bus bars.
These carry the live, neutral and earth connections through the block.
Bus Bars Isolated from One Another
The three internal bus bars are:
Physically isolated from one another.
Chord Company uses this arrangement to minimise unwanted interaction between the live, neutral and earth paths inside the M6.
Earth Bus Bar Kept Away from Live and Neutral
Particular attention is paid to the earth path.
Chord Company positions the earth bus bar:
As far away as practical from the live and neutral bus bars.
This forms part of the company's approach to maintaining a cleaner earth and reducing unwanted interference within the distribution block.
Why Not Star Wire the M6?
Star wiring is a familiar approach in many mains distribution products, but Chord Company considers it susceptible to radio-frequency interference.
The PowerHAUS M6 therefore uses its separated bus-bar architecture instead.
Heavily Shielded Internal Wiring
The M6 uses:
Heavily shielded ARAY wiring.
The shielding is designed to provide additional protection from radio-frequency interference within and around the distribution block.
Heavy-Gauge Internal Cabling
Chord Company uses specially selected:
High-quality, heavy-gauge internal cabling.
The cable, sockets and other internal components are selected specifically for their role within a high-performance power-distribution product.
Carefully Selected Mains Sockets
Chord Company states that the output sockets are selected not only for reliability but also through listening evaluation.
The same attention given to signal connectors elsewhere in the Chord Company range is therefore applied to the physical mains connections inside PowerHAUS.
16A IEC Power Input
PowerHAUS M6 uses a:
Heavy-duty 16A IEC input.
This provides the incoming mains connection for the complete distribution block and is designed to support demanding home audio systems.
Requires a Suitable 16A IEC Power Cable
The M6 uses the larger high-current 16A IEC input format rather than the smaller IEC connection commonly found on many individual Hi-Fi components.
Make sure the mains cable you intend to use has the correct equipment connector and is suitable for the PowerHAUS M6.
Upgrade the Incoming Power Cable
The incoming mains cable forms part of the complete PowerHAUS installation and can itself be upgraded.
Chord Company manufactures a range of specialist power cables at different performance levels, allowing the M6 to be partnered appropriately with the rest of the system.
Audio T can advise on suitable Chord Company power-cable options for the M6.
No Power Switch
PowerHAUS M6 is deliberately:
Unswitched.
Chord Company removes the switch rather than putting an additional component into the incoming power path.
No Neon Power Indicator
There is also:
No neon power indicator.
Chord Company considers indicator circuitry an unnecessary potential source of electrical noise within a high-performance distribution block.
No Conventional Serial Filters
The M6 also avoids:
Conventional series filtration.
Its three hybrid MainsARAY devices instead work in parallel with the distribution architecture.
Less Is Deliberately More
There are no switches, flashing lights or rows of controls on the M6.
The design is deliberately stripped of features Chord Company believes could introduce unwanted noise or interfere with power delivery.
Solid Aluminium Construction
The complete PowerHAUS M6 is housed in a:
Robust solid aluminium chassis.
The substantial enclosure protects the internal assembly while also providing a mechanically stable environment for the power-distribution circuitry.
Designed to Reduce Microphony
Chord Company specifically uses the solid aluminium construction to help minimise:
Unwanted microphonic effects.
Mechanical vibration is therefore considered alongside the electrical design rather than treating the enclosure simply as a cosmetic outer case.
600mm Long
PowerHAUS M6 measures:
- Length: 600mm
- Width: 110mm
- Height: 77mm including feet
It is a substantial mains block, so check there is enough space behind or alongside your equipment rack before ordering.
Measure the Installation Space
At 600mm long, the M6 is considerably larger than a conventional supermarket extension block.
Allow additional room for the incoming 16A power cable and the mains plugs connected to the six output sockets.
Designed for High-End Hi-Fi Systems
PowerHAUS M6 is intended for systems where power distribution has become an important part of the overall installation.
This can include systems built around:
- High-current integrated amplifiers
- Pre and power amplifier combinations
- Mono power amplifiers
- High-end digital sources
- Music servers and streamers
- Reference DACs
- High-performance analogue sources
Suitable for Home Cinema
The same principles apply to serious home-cinema systems.
PowerHAUS M6 can provide centralised mains distribution for suitable AV processors, source components and amplification where a six-output configuration meets the system requirements.
Developed from Chord Company's Own Demonstration Needs
Chord Company originally developed PowerHAUS because it wanted a mains-distribution system it was happy to use in its own demonstration room.
The company had experimented with numerous mains-block construction methods over many years before settling on the architecture that became PowerHAUS.
Decades of Power-Distribution Development
Chord Company has been building and using mains distribution products since the 1980s.
PowerHAUS draws on that experience together with the company's later development of ARAY noise-reduction technology.
Independently Safety Tested
Chord Company states that the final PowerHAUS designs were independently examined and certified to the appropriate safety standards after the internal wiring and shielding architecture had been finalised.
Do Not Modify the PowerHAUS
PowerHAUS M6 is a mains-voltage product and should not be dismantled, rewired or modified by the user.
If the unit requires attention, contact Audio T or an authorised Chord Company retailer.
PowerHAUS P6, S6 and M6
Chord Company now offers three PowerHAUS performance levels.
PowerHAUS P6
- Entry-level PowerHAUS
- Six output sockets
- Heavy-gauge internal cabling
- 16A IEC input
- No series filters
- No switches
- No neon indicators
- 520 x 112 x 65mm
PowerHAUS S6
- Studio performance level
- Six output sockets
- MainsARAY-derived technology
- Heavy-gauge internal cabling
- 16A IEC input
- Solid aluminium construction
- 460 x 110 x 77mm
PowerHAUS M6
- Flagship Master model
- Six output sockets
- Three hybrid MainsARAYs
- Parallel noise-reduction architecture
- Three isolated bus bars
- Heavily shielded ARAY wiring
- Solid aluminium construction
- 600 x 110 x 77mm
Compare Chord Company PowerHAUS P6 at Audio T.
Compare Chord Company PowerHAUS S6 at Audio T.
Why Choose M6 Over S6?
The M6 is not simply a longer S6.
Its flagship architecture adds the three hybrid MainsARAY devices working in parallel with the isolated bus bars, making it the most sophisticated PowerHAUS implementation.
In a sufficiently revealing system, comparing the two directly is the best way to decide whether the additional M6 engineering is justified.
Why Choose M6 Over P6?
P6 was designed to make the basic PowerHAUS philosophy available at a much lower price.
M6 is aimed at the opposite end of the scale: systems where Chord Company's most elaborate mains-distribution architecture is appropriate.
Can I Plug a Power Amplifier into PowerHAUS M6?
Yes, subject to the electrical requirements of the connected equipment and the complete installation.
The M6's high-performance 16A input and filter-free power path were specifically developed with demanding audio systems in mind.
Can I Plug Digital and Analogue Components into the Same M6?
Yes.
PowerHAUS M6 is intended to act as the mains-distribution centre for a complete system, which can contain both analogue and digital components.
Does PowerHAUS M6 Regenerate the Mains?
No.
The M6 is a mains distribution block with parallel ARAY noise-reduction technology. It does not generate a new AC waveform in the way a mains regenerator does.
Does PowerHAUS M6 Use a Transformer?
Chord Company's published architecture is based around heavy-gauge wiring, bus bars and parallel MainsARAY noise reduction rather than a mains isolation transformer.
Is PowerHAUS M6 a Surge Protector?
PowerHAUS M6 should be purchased for its mains-distribution and high-frequency noise-reduction architecture rather than treated as a substitute for specialist surge-protection equipment.
If surge protection is a particular requirement for your installation, discuss the complete power arrangement with Audio T.
Can I Use a PowerARAY with the M6?
Yes.
Chord Company's PowerARAY products are designed to operate in parallel with the mains supply and can be used with PowerHAUS distribution blocks.
Chord Company specifically recommends connecting PowerARAY Professional to:
The M6 socket furthest from the power input.
Positioning the M6
Place PowerHAUS M6 on a secure, stable surface with enough room for the connected mains plugs and cables.
Avoid placing excessive mechanical strain on either the 16A input or the output sockets.
Keep Signal and Power Cables Sensibly Routed
Where practical, keep low-level analogue and digital signal cables away from mains cables rather than bundling everything tightly together behind the equipment rack.
Good cable management remains worthwhile even when using a high-performance distribution block.
PowerHAUS at Audio T
Audio T has demonstrated Chord Company's PowerHAUS range in real systems rather than treating mains distribution as an isolated accessory.
Our Portsmouth team has compared PowerHAUS products with Naim systems, while the wider Audio T team has also spent time at Chord Company's Amesbury headquarters learning about the engineering and manufacturing behind the range.
Read: Chord Strikes the Right Notes with System Upgrade Options
Read: Cable Guys for a Day - A Visit to Chord Company HQ
Award-Winning Design
PowerHAUS M6 has received international recognition since its introduction, including a Hi-Fi+ Award in 2023.
Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
Chord Company currently covers its products with a:
Lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Cover is subject to Chord Company's warranty terms, exclusions and proof-of-purchase requirements.
Key Features
- Chord Company PowerHAUS M6
- Flagship PowerHAUS model
- Master performance level
- Six mains output sockets
- Three hybrid MainsARAY devices
- Parallel MainsARAY operation
- No series filtration
- Three internal bus bars
- Isolated bus-bar construction
- Separated earth bus bar
- Heavily shielded ARAY wiring
- Protection from RFI
- Heavy-gauge internal cabling
- Carefully selected output sockets
- Heavy-duty 16A IEC input
- Unswitched design
- No neon indicator
- Solid aluminium chassis
- Designed to minimise microphony
- Suitable for high-end Hi-Fi systems
- Suitable for home-cinema systems
- Suitable for demanding amplification
- 600mm length
- 110mm width
- 77mm height including feet
- Hand built in England
- Independently safety tested
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company PowerHAUS M6?
PowerHAUS M6 is Chord Company's flagship six-way mains distribution block for high-performance Hi-Fi and home-cinema systems.
How many sockets does it have?
Six mains output sockets.
What does the M in M6 stand for?
Master, denoting the flagship PowerHAUS performance level.
What is MainsARAY?
MainsARAY is Chord Company's proprietary ARAY noise-reduction technology adapted specifically for mains power distribution.
How many MainsARAY devices are inside the M6?
Three hybrid MainsARAY devices.
Are the MainsARAY devices in the power path?
No. They are connected in parallel with the internal bus bars rather than being inserted in series between the mains supply and equipment.
Does PowerHAUS M6 use conventional mains filters?
No. Chord Company deliberately avoids conventional serial filtering in the M6.
Does the M6 use star wiring?
No. It uses three isolated bus bars for live, neutral and earth.
Why is the earth bus bar separated?
Chord Company keeps it as far as practical from live and neutral as part of its approach to minimising unwanted interaction and maintaining a cleaner earth path.
Is the internal wiring shielded?
Yes. Chord Company specifies heavily shielded ARAY wiring for protection from radio-frequency interference.
What mains input does it use?
A heavy-duty 16A IEC input.
Does PowerHAUS M6 have a power switch?
No. It is deliberately unswitched.
Does it have a power indicator?
No. Chord Company avoids neon indicators because it considers them a potential source of unwanted noise.
Can I connect a power amplifier?
Yes, subject to the electrical requirements of the equipment and installation. PowerHAUS was developed to accommodate demanding home audio systems.
Can I connect both analogue and digital equipment?
Yes. The M6 can provide mains distribution for a complete Hi-Fi or AV system.
Is the M6 a mains regenerator?
No. It distributes the incoming mains supply and uses parallel MainsARAY technology to address high-frequency noise.
How big is the M6?
600mm long, 110mm wide and 77mm high including its feet.
What is the difference between S6 and M6?
M6 is the flagship model and adds three hybrid MainsARAY devices operating in parallel with its isolated bus-bar architecture.
What is the difference between P6 and M6?
P6 is the affordable entry-level PowerHAUS, while M6 uses Chord Company's flagship three-MainsARAY and isolated bus-bar architecture.
Can PowerARAY be used with M6?
Yes. For PowerARAY Professional, Chord Company recommends the M6 socket furthest from the incoming power connection.
Is PowerHAUS M6 built in the UK?
Yes. Chord Company hand builds PowerHAUS in England.
Does it have a warranty?
Chord Company currently provides a lifetime manufacturer warranty, subject to its terms and exclusions.
Can Audio T demonstrate PowerHAUS M6?
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss demonstration or home-trial availability and whether the M6 is appropriate for your system.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- PowerHAUS P6, S6 and M6 comparison advice
- Help matching mains distribution to your system
- 16A IEC power-cable guidance
- Chord Company power-cable upgrade advice
- PowerARAY integration guidance
- High-current amplifier setup advice
- Hi-Fi and home-cinema power planning
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- System-specific upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to compare PowerHAUS M6 with P6 or S6, discuss a suitable 16A power cable or arrange a demonstration in your system.