Audio T Verdict
Chord Company PowerARAY is an unusual product because it doesn't sit between the wall and your Hi-Fi equipment at all. Instead, it plugs into an unused mains socket alongside the system and works entirely in parallel with the mains supply.
Chord Company developed PowerARAY to provide a low-impedance route for unwanted high-frequency electrical noise. Its filtering operates across the live, neutral and earth connections, while the normal mains current supplying your amplifier, streamer, turntable or other equipment continues to flow through its existing power connection.
That distinction is important. PowerARAY is not a series mains conditioner and no system current flows through it. Chord Company deliberately avoids series filtering in this product because of the potential for altering mains impedance and power delivery.
Installation could hardly be simpler: place PowerARAY into a spare wall socket or an unused outlet on your mains distribution block, preferably adjacent to the connections supplying the Hi-Fi system.
As with products such as GroundARAY, this is the sort of system-tuning product we would rather demonstrate than make extravagant promises about. It takes seconds to install and remove, making a straightforward before-and-after comparison particularly easy.
Chord Company PowerARAY UK Mains Noise Reduction Plug
PowerARAY is a passive high-frequency noise-reduction device designed and hand built by Chord Company for use alongside Hi-Fi and audio-visual equipment.
This Audio T product is specifically the:
UK mains-plug version.
It connects directly to an unused UK mains socket and requires no connection to the audio signal path.
This Is the UK Mains Version
Chord Company manufactures PowerARAY for several international mains socket formats.
This Audio T product should be regarded specifically as the UK mains-plug version for compatible UK power sockets.
What Does PowerARAY Do?
Chord Company developed PowerARAY to reduce the amount of high-frequency electrical noise reaching a Hi-Fi or audio-visual system through the mains supply.
The manufacturer describes PowerARAY as providing a:
Low-impedance route for high-frequency noise.
This gives unwanted high-frequency energy an alternative route through the PowerARAY rather than allowing as much of it to continue towards the connected equipment.
Why Is High-Frequency Noise on the Mains?
Chord Company points out that a domestic mains supply reaches the listening room after travelling through a substantial network of power cabling.
Once inside the home, that supply is also shared with numerous electrical and electronic products.
Chord Company identifies the mains:
as routes through which unwanted high-frequency noise can be present.
Parallel Filtering
PowerARAY operates:
In parallel with the mains supply.
This is a fundamental part of the product design.
You do not connect your amplifier, streamer or other equipment through PowerARAY.
No System Current Flows Through PowerARAY
Chord Company specifically states:
No current flows through PowerARAY to supply the Hi-Fi system.
Your equipment remains connected normally to the wall socket or mains distribution product.
Think Alongside, Not In Between
A conventional series mains conditioner sits between the wall and the equipment.
PowerARAY does not. It occupies a neighbouring unused socket and operates in parallel alongside the system's existing mains connections.
Filtering Across Live, Neutral and Earth
Chord Company applies PowerARAY's parallel filtering to:
The filtering has been developed specifically to reduce unwanted high-frequency noise present on the incoming mains supply.
Why Chord Company Avoids Series Filtering
Chord Company deliberately does not use series filtering in PowerARAY.
The manufacturer states that series filtering can potentially affect:
- Mains impedance
- Power delivery to the system
PowerARAY therefore uses its parallel approach instead.
Where Should PowerARAY Be Plugged In?
Chord Company's preferred position is:
As close to the Hi-Fi system's mains connections as practical.
Suitable locations include:
- A spare socket on the same wall outlet
- An unused socket on a mains distribution block
- A nearby spare mains outlet supplying the system area
Use a Spare Socket Adjacent to the System
Chord Company specifically recommends locating PowerARAY adjacent to the power cabling feeding the audio system rather than simply placing it in an arbitrary socket elsewhere in the house.
Installation
PowerARAY requires no setup menu, calibration or adjustment.
- Identify a suitable unused UK mains socket near the system.
- Insert the PowerARAY fully into the socket.
- Leave the remainder of the Hi-Fi system connected as normal.
- Listen to familiar material and compare the system with and without PowerARAY fitted.
No Audio Connections Required
PowerARAY does not connect to:
- RCA sockets
- XLR sockets
- DIN sockets
- USB connections
- Ethernet connections
- Speaker terminals
Its only connection is to the mains supply.
Suitable Across Different Types of Equipment
Chord Company's current UK trade specification describes PowerARAY as compatible with component types through a UK mains socket.
That means it is not tied to one particular source component or amplifier architecture.
It works on the mains supply feeding the system rather than connecting directly to an individual audio signal.
Passive Operation
PowerARAY requires no external power supply, control interface or software.
Its noise-reduction system operates simply by being connected to the mains socket.
Hard-Set Resin-Filled Enclosure
Chord Company states that the PowerARAY technology is slightly microphonic.
To address this, the manufacturer fills:
The entire enclosure cavity with hard-set resin.
This mechanically stabilises the internal assembly.
What Is Microphony?
Microphony describes the unwanted conversion of mechanical vibration into electrical effects within a component or circuit.
Chord Company's resin filling is intended to minimise this behaviour inside PowerARAY.
Do Not Open PowerARAY
Chord Company specifically advises customers not to attempt to open PowerARAY.
Doing so may damage the unit, invalidate the warranty and potentially compromise electrical safety.
PowerARAY or GroundARAY?
PowerARAY and GroundARAY are related products, but they connect to different parts of the system.
PowerARAY
- Connects to a mains socket
- Operates in parallel with the mains supply
- Targets high-frequency noise associated with incoming power
- Filtering applied to live, neutral and earth
- No system current passes through it
GroundARAY
- Connects to an unused socket on an audio or AV component
- Operates on the equipment's signal ground
- Available for several connector types
- Designed to address high-frequency noise generated or present within the system
Chord Company specifically suggests GroundARAY as a complementary approach where high-frequency noise is being generated within the equipment itself.
Compare Chord Company GroundARAY at Audio T.
Can PowerARAY and GroundARAY Be Used Together?
Yes. Chord Company presents the two products as addressing high-frequency noise at different points within the system.
PowerARAY works at the mains supply, while GroundARAY connects directly to unused sockets on individual components.
PowerARAY and PowerHAUS
PowerARAY can also be used in a spare socket on a suitable mains distribution block.
If you are considering a wider mains upgrade, Audio T can also advise on Chord Company's PowerHAUS distribution products and dedicated mains cables.
PowerARAY or PowerARAY Professional?
Chord Company also produces PowerARAY Professional as a higher-level mains noise-reduction product.
It uses the same basic application principle of operating in parallel rather than carrying the system's operating current.
PowerARAY remains the compact plug-in entry point into this particular part of Chord Company's ARAY noise-reduction range.
Is PowerARAY a Mains Conditioner?
PowerARAY is best described using Chord Company's own terminology:
A high-frequency noise-reduction / absorption device.
It does not sit in series with the mains supply in the way many conventional mains conditioners do.
Is PowerARAY a Surge Protector?
Chord Company does not publish PowerARAY as a surge-protection product.
It should therefore not be relied upon as a substitute for any surge or electrical protection required by your installation.
Does PowerARAY Regenerate the Mains?
No mains-regeneration function is published by Chord Company.
PowerARAY is specifically designed to provide a parallel route for high-frequency noise rather than generate a replacement AC supply.
Does It Limit Amplifier Current?
PowerARAY itself does not sit in the current path feeding the amplifier.
Chord Company specifically chose parallel rather than series filtering partly to avoid interfering with mains impedance and equipment power delivery.
Particularly Relevant to Power-Hungry Systems
Customers are understandably cautious about placing filtering products in front of large integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers and active speakers.
PowerARAY takes a different approach because the equipment remains connected directly to its existing mains outlet while PowerARAY occupies another socket alongside it.
Can I Use PowerARAY With a Mains Distribution Block?
Yes. Chord Company specifically identifies an unused socket on a mains distribution block as a suitable installation location.
For best results, Chord recommends positioning PowerARAY adjacent to the power connections being used by the audio system.
Can I Use It Directly in the Wall?
Yes. A spare wall socket close to the system is one of Chord Company's recommended locations.
Does It Need a Dedicated Socket?
PowerARAY itself occupies one mains outlet.
It is therefore worth checking that your wall outlet or distribution block has a suitable spare socket before purchase.
Can It Be Moved Between Systems?
Installation is completely plug-in, so PowerARAY can be moved between suitable UK mains sockets.
This also makes it particularly simple to compare its effect in different systems or locations.
Try It and Judge for Yourself
Chord Company's own installation advice is refreshingly simple: connect PowerARAY, listen to familiar music and judge the result for yourself.
Audio T takes much the same view with products of this kind. The easiest way to establish whether PowerARAY is worthwhile in your system is to hear it rather than rely entirely on descriptions of what it should do.
PowerARAY at Audio T Southampton
Audio T Southampton has previously highlighted the PowerARAY UK plug as a simple system upgrade because it can be inserted into a spare socket without changing the system's existing mains connections.
Read: Christmas Miracles - Perfect Hi-Fi Gifts
Key Features
- Chord Company PowerARAY
- UK mains-plug version
- Hand-built high-frequency noise-reduction device
- Connects to an unused mains socket
- Suitable for wall sockets
- Suitable for mains distribution blocks
- Designed to be positioned adjacent to system power connections
- Low-impedance route for high-frequency noise
- Operates entirely in parallel
- No system operating current passes through PowerARAY
- Filtering applied to live
- Filtering applied to neutral
- Filtering applied to earth
- No series filtering in the system power path
- No audio signal connections required
- No setup or calibration required
- Hard-set resin-filled enclosure cavity
- Resin treatment used to combat microphony
- Designed to complement GroundARAY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company PowerARAY?
PowerARAY is a passive high-frequency mains-noise reduction device that plugs into an unused mains socket alongside a Hi-Fi or audio-visual system.
Is this the UK version?
Yes. This Audio T product is the UK mains-plug PowerARAY.
Does Chord Company make other regional versions?
Yes. Chord Company also manufactures PowerARAY for other international mains socket formats.
Where should I plug PowerARAY in?
Chord Company recommends a spare wall socket or an unused socket on a mains distribution block adjacent to the system's power connections.
Does my amplifier plug into PowerARAY?
No. PowerARAY occupies a separate unused mains socket and operates in parallel.
Does current flow through PowerARAY to my equipment?
No. Chord Company specifically states that no system operating current flows through PowerARAY.
What does PowerARAY filter?
Chord Company applies its parallel high-frequency noise filtering to the live, neutral and earth connections.
Does PowerARAY use series filtering?
No. Chord Company deliberately avoids series filtering in PowerARAY.
Why does Chord Company avoid series filtering?
The manufacturer states that series filtering may affect mains impedance and power delivery to the system.
What does Chord Company mean by a low-impedance route?
It is the manufacturer's description of the alternative electrical path PowerARAY provides for unwanted high-frequency noise.
Does PowerARAY connect to the audio signal?
No. It has no RCA, XLR, DIN, USB, Ethernet or loudspeaker connection to the system.
Can I use it with an integrated amplifier?
PowerARAY works at the mains supply rather than connecting to a specific component type. Chord Company's UK trade catalogue describes it as compatible with component types through a UK power socket.
Can I use it with a power amplifier?
Yes, as part of a suitable UK mains installation. The power amplifier continues to use its normal mains connection while PowerARAY occupies a separate spare socket.
Can I use it with digital equipment?
Yes. PowerARAY operates on the mains supply rather than depending on the type of audio circuitry in the component.
Can it be used with a mains distribution block?
Yes. Chord Company specifically recommends an unused socket on a distribution block as one possible location.
Can it plug directly into a wall socket?
Yes.
Is PowerARAY powered?
It connects to the mains supply but requires no separate external power supply or control connection.
Is PowerARAY active or passive?
Chord Company describes its operation as a parallel noise-reduction system and does not specify an active powered circuit requiring a separate supply.
Is PowerARAY a surge protector?
Chord Company does not specify PowerARAY as a surge-protection device. Do not rely on it to provide electrical protection that your installation may require.
Is PowerARAY a voltage regulator?
No voltage-regulation function is published by Chord Company.
Does it regenerate the mains?
No mains-regeneration specification is published. PowerARAY is designed to reduce high-frequency noise through parallel filtering.
Can it restrict amplifier dynamics?
PowerARAY does not sit in series with the equipment's power supply. Chord Company specifically chose the parallel approach to avoid the potential effect of series filtering on impedance and power delivery.
What is inside PowerARAY?
Chord Company does not publish a full component-level circuit specification, but identifies the internal ARAY technology as a high-frequency noise-reduction system.
Why is PowerARAY filled with resin?
Chord Company states that the technology is slightly microphonic, so the enclosure cavity is filled with hard-set resin to combat this.
Can PowerARAY be opened?
No. Chord Company specifically warns customers not to attempt to open the device because doing so may damage it, invalidate the warranty and compromise safety.
What is the difference between PowerARAY and GroundARAY?
PowerARAY connects to the mains supply. GroundARAY connects to an unused socket on an individual Hi-Fi or AV component and works on the equipment's signal ground.
Can PowerARAY and GroundARAY be used together?
Yes. Chord Company presents GroundARAY as a complementary way of addressing high-frequency noise generated within the audio system itself.
What is PowerARAY Professional?
PowerARAY Professional is Chord Company's higher-level mains noise-reduction device using the same general parallel-connection principle.
Does Chord Company publish PowerARAY's dimensions?
No dimensions are currently published by Chord Company for the standard PowerARAY UK mains plug.
Does Chord Company publish its weight?
No current manufacturer weight specification is published.
Does Chord Company publish a filter frequency?
No specific filter-frequency range is published for PowerARAY.
Should I simply take the manufacturer's word for it?
No. PowerARAY takes seconds to install and remove, so Audio T recommends listening in your own system or arranging a demonstration where available.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help choosing the best PowerARAY position
- Wall socket versus distribution-block advice
- PowerARAY versus GroundARAY guidance
- PowerARAY versus wider mains-conditioning advice
- Chord Company PowerHAUS guidance
- Advice on complete system mains upgrades
- In-store demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- System-specific setup advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to arrange a PowerARAY demonstration or discuss the best position for one within your existing mains setup.