Audio T Verdict
PowerARAY Professional takes Chord Company's plug-in mains-noise reduction concept considerably further than the standard PowerARAY.
It still works entirely in parallel with the mains supply, so your amplifier, source component or other equipment does not draw its operating current through the PowerARAY Professional. Instead, Chord Company uses dedicated SuperARAY conductors and MainsARAY noise-reduction devices on the live, neutral and earth connections to provide a low-impedance route for selected high-frequency noise.
Chord Company describes the operating principle as creating a potential gradient that converts selected high-frequency noise into heat. Because it sits alongside the system rather than in its mains-current path, there is no conventional series filter between the wall supply and the equipment.
The Professional version also receives much more substantial mechanical treatment. The internal components are located within a machined billet, encased in damping resin and supported on ultra-lightweight decoupled feet.
Audio T currently offers all three official UK versions: SignatureX, SarumT and flagship ChordMusic, each using an 80cm Chord Company power cable to connect the PowerARAY Professional enclosure to the mains supply.
At this level, we would strongly recommend hearing the different versions in the system rather than choosing solely by where they sit in the Chord Company hierarchy.
Chord Company PowerARAY Professional
PowerARAY Professional is a high-efficiency mains-noise reduction system developed using technology from Chord Company's SuperARAY, GroundARAY and MainsARAY projects.
It connects to the mains supply alongside the Hi-Fi or home-cinema system and operates:
Entirely in parallel.
It does not supply operating current to the audio equipment.
Audio T UK Options
Audio T currently offers all three UK PowerARAY Professional versions listed by Chord Company:
| Audio T Option |
Cable |
Length |
Chord Company Stock Code |
| PowerARAY Professional SignatureX |
SignatureX Power |
80cm |
POW1007.001.1 |
| PowerARAY Professional SarumT |
SarumT Power |
80cm |
POW1010.001.1 |
| PowerARAY Professional ChordMusic |
ChordMusic Power |
80cm |
POW1013.001.1 |
All Three Current UK Versions Are Listed
The current Audio T selector exactly matches Chord Company's three 80cm UK PowerARAY Professional configurations.
No UK variant needs adding or removing.
The Page Is Not SignatureX-Only
The original Audio T product title refers specifically to PowerARAY Professional SignatureX.
Because the product selector now also includes SarumT and ChordMusic versions, it is more accurate to treat this page as the:
PowerARAY Professional family
with the connecting cable chosen as the product option.
How PowerARAY Professional Works
Chord Company describes PowerARAY Professional as a high-efficiency device designed specifically to target:
High-frequency electrical noise.
Its internal design uses technologies developed from the company's SuperARAY and GroundARAY products.
Parallel Rather Than Series Operation
PowerARAY Professional operates:
In parallel with the electricity supply.
At no point does it sit between the incoming mains supply and the audio equipment.
Your Equipment Does Not Plug Into PowerARAY Professional
Your amplifier, streamer, DAC, phono stage or other equipment remains connected to the mains in the normal way.
PowerARAY Professional occupies another mains connection alongside the system.
PowerARAY Professional Does Not Use Power
Chord Company specifically states that:
PowerARAY Professional does not use power.
Although the device is connected to the mains supply, it is not an electrical load powering an internal conventional active circuit in the same way as an amplifier or source component.
Potential Gradient
Chord Company describes PowerARAY Professional as introducing a:
Potential gradient.
The manufacturer states that this turns selected high-frequency noise into:
Heat.
Live, Neutral and Earth Are Treated Separately
Inside PowerARAY Professional, Chord Company connects:
individually to dedicated noise-reduction systems.
Dedicated SuperARAY Conductors
Each mains connection is linked internally to:
Dedicated SuperARAY conductors.
SuperARAY is one of Chord Company's higher-level ARAY technologies and forms part of the Professional model's internal architecture.
Dedicated MainsARAY Noise Reduction
Chord Company also uses dedicated:
MainsARAY noise-reduction devices.
These are applied separately to the earth, live and neutral connections.
Low-Impedance Path to Ground
Chord Company describes the SuperARAY and MainsARAY arrangement as providing a:
Low-impedance path to ground.
This is the route through which the manufacturer intends selected high-frequency noise to be removed from the mains environment surrounding the system.
Why No Series Filter?
PowerARAY Professional does not insert a filter into the current path feeding your equipment.
This preserves the parallel operating principle shared with other Chord Company ARAY noise-reduction products.
Do Not Treat It Like a Conventional Inline Conditioner
There is no equipment outlet on PowerARAY Professional.
You do not connect your amplifier or source component through it.
Machined Internal Billet
Chord Company states that all internal components are:
Held in place by a machined billet.
This provides mechanical support for the internal ARAY and mains-noise reduction systems.
Damping Resin
The internal assembly is also:
Encased in damping resin.
This helps mechanically stabilise the internal components.
Ultra-Lightweight Isolation Feet
PowerARAY Professional sits on:
Ultra-lightweight decoupled feet.
Each foot is isolated from the chassis by a damping suspension ring.
Loosen the Foot Screws Before Use
Chord Company specifically instructs users to slightly loosen the screws holding the feet in place.
This allows the damping suspension system between the feet and chassis to operate correctly.
Keep the Unit Clear of Cables and Components
Chord Company recommends positioning PowerARAY Professional so that it remains:
Clear of other cables and components.
This should be considered when choosing where to place the enclosure and route its 80cm power cable.
Where Should PowerARAY Professional Be Connected?
Chord Company recommends connecting PowerARAY Professional:
As close as possible to the mains socket supplying the audio system.
The exact preferred position depends on the type of mains distribution being used.
Using a Twin Wall Socket
If the system is powered from a twin electrical wall socket, Chord Company recommends placing PowerARAY Professional:
In the socket next to the one supplying the equipment.
Switched Wall Sockets
If the PowerARAY Professional is connected to a switched socket, Chord Company states that:
The socket should be switched on.
This is required for the PowerARAY Professional to provide its intended operation.
Using PowerHAUS M6
If PowerARAY Professional is used with a Chord Company PowerHAUS M6, the manufacturer specifies:
Use the socket furthest from the mains power input.
View Chord Company PowerHAUS M6 at Audio T.
Using PowerHAUS S6
If PowerARAY Professional is used with a Chord Company PowerHAUS S6, the recommendation is different:
Use the socket closest to the mains power input.
View Chord Company PowerHAUS S6 at Audio T.
M6 and S6 Use Different Recommended Sockets
Do not assume that PowerARAY Professional should occupy the same position on every Chord Company distribution block.
- PowerHAUS M6: furthest socket from the power input
- PowerHAUS S6: closest socket to the power input
Using a Non-Chord Mains Distribution Block
If PowerARAY Professional is connected to a non-Chord Company mains block, Chord Company recommends:
The socket closest to the power input.
SignatureX 80cm Version
The SignatureX option connects the PowerARAY Professional enclosure to the mains supply using an:
80cm Chord Company SignatureX Power cable.
Chord Company's current SignatureX Power design uses:
- XLPE insulation
- Chord Company ARAY geometry
- Heavier-gauge conductors
- Foil shielding
- High-density braid shielding
- Silver-plated connector contacts
This is the entry point into the three Audio T PowerARAY Professional UK options.
SarumT 80cm Version
The SarumT version replaces the SignatureX connecting cable with:
80cm of Chord Company SarumT Power cable.
SarumT moves into Chord Company's Taylon®-insulated cable range.
Chord Company identifies Taylon® as a defining element across the internal construction of the current SarumT power cable.
ChordMusic 80cm Version
The flagship Audio T configuration uses:
80cm of ChordMusic Power cable.
Chord Company describes ChordMusic Power as its most complex mains cable design.
Its construction uses:
- Hybrid internal cable designs
- Multiple shielding arrangements
- Application-specific ARAY designs
- Taylon® insulation throughout the internal elements
- A modified Super ARAY system developed specifically for ChordMusic Power
Which Version Should I Choose?
SignatureX
The most accessible PowerARAY Professional configuration.
- 80cm SignatureX Power cable
- XLPE insulation
- ARAY geometry
- Foil and high-density braid shielding
SarumT
Moves further up the Chord Company range with the SarumT Power cable.
- 80cm SarumT Power cable
- Taylon® insulation
- Higher-level Chord Company construction
ChordMusic
The flagship PowerARAY Professional configuration.
- 80cm ChordMusic Power cable
- Taylon® insulation
- Modified Super ARAY technology
- Chord Company's most complex mains cable architecture
Our Advice
At these price points, system matching matters.
Arrange a demonstration and compare the versions in the system rather than assuming the most expensive configuration is automatically the right choice for every installation.
The Cable Does Not Power Your Hi-Fi Equipment
The SignatureX, SarumT or ChordMusic cable attached to PowerARAY Professional connects:
The PowerARAY Professional itself to the mains socket.
It is not an output lead used to supply an amplifier or source component.
The 80cm Cable Is Part of the PowerARAY Professional
The three options refer to the quality and construction of the cable connecting the PowerARAY Professional enclosure to the mains supply.
Your existing equipment power cables remain connected as normal.
PowerARAY or PowerARAY Professional?
PowerARAY
- Compact plug-in device
- Connects directly to a spare mains socket
- Parallel noise-reduction principle
- Filtering applied across live, neutral and earth
- Simple entry point into PowerARAY technology
PowerARAY Professional
- Separate mechanically isolated enclosure
- Dedicated SuperARAY conductors
- Dedicated MainsARAY devices
- Individual live, neutral and earth treatment
- Machined internal support
- Damping resin
- Decoupled isolation feet
- SignatureX, SarumT or ChordMusic connecting cable
Compare Chord Company PowerARAY at Audio T.
PowerARAY Professional and GroundARAY
Chord Company states that PowerARAY Professional can be used alongside other ARAY products.
GroundARAY connects to an unused socket on an individual audio component, while PowerARAY Professional connects to the mains supply.
View Chord Company GroundARAY at Audio T.
PowerARAY Professional and PhonoARAY
PhonoARAY addresses the separate earth connection between a turntable and phono stage, whereas PowerARAY Professional works at the mains supply.
The two therefore perform different roles within the wider Chord Company ARAY noise-reduction range.
View Chord Company PhonoARAY at Audio T.
Not a Surge Protector
Chord Company does not publish PowerARAY Professional as a surge-protection device.
It should therefore not be relied upon as a substitute for electrical protection required by your installation.
Not a Voltage Regulator
No voltage-regulation function is published by Chord Company.
PowerARAY Professional is specifically a high-frequency noise-reduction device.
Not a Mains Regenerator
PowerARAY Professional does not generate a replacement mains waveform.
Its published function is to operate in parallel with the existing supply and provide an alternative route for selected high-frequency noise.
Can It Restrict Amplifier Current?
PowerARAY Professional is not inserted in the current path feeding the amplifier.
The equipment remains connected directly to the mains or distribution block through its normal power cable.
Key Features
- Chord Company PowerARAY Professional
- High-efficiency mains-noise reduction system
- Operates in parallel with the mains supply
- Does not sit between mains supply and audio equipment
- Chord Company states the device does not use power
- Introduces a potential gradient
- Selected high-frequency noise converted into heat
- Live treated individually
- Neutral treated individually
- Earth treated individually
- Dedicated SuperARAY conductors
- Dedicated MainsARAY noise-reduction devices
- Low-impedance path to ground
- Internal components held by machined billet
- Internal assembly encased in damping resin
- Ultra-lightweight decoupled isolation feet
- Damping suspension rings beneath feet
- SignatureX 80cm UK option
- SarumT 80cm UK option
- ChordMusic 80cm UK option
- Suitable for wall socket installation
- Suitable for mains distribution blocks
- Compatible with other Chord Company ARAY products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company PowerARAY Professional?
It is a high-efficiency mains-noise reduction system using technologies developed from Chord Company's SuperARAY, GroundARAY and MainsARAY products.
Does it plug into the mains?
Yes. The PowerARAY Professional is connected to a suitable mains socket using its attached 80cm power cable.
Does my amplifier plug into PowerARAY Professional?
No. Your amplifier and other equipment remain connected to their normal mains sockets.
Does PowerARAY Professional operate in series?
No. Chord Company specifically states that it operates in parallel with the electricity supply.
Does system current pass through PowerARAY Professional?
No. PowerARAY Professional does not sit between the incoming electricity supply and the audio equipment.
Does PowerARAY Professional use power?
Chord Company specifically states that PowerARAY Professional does not use power.
How does Chord Company say it deals with noise?
The manufacturer states that it introduces a potential gradient which turns selected high-frequency noise into heat.
What happens to live, neutral and earth?
Chord Company connects each individually to dedicated SuperARAY conductors and MainsARAY noise-reduction devices.
What does that provide?
Chord Company describes the internal arrangement as providing a low-impedance path to ground.
What are the three Audio T versions?
SignatureX 80cm UK, SarumT 80cm UK and ChordMusic 80cm UK.
Are all three official Chord Company products?
Yes. All three have current Chord Company trade stock codes.
Is the page only for the SignatureX version?
No. The Audio T selector now contains all three UK cable versions, so the page should be treated as the wider PowerARAY Professional product family.
What does the 80cm length refer to?
It is the length of the SignatureX, SarumT or ChordMusic power cable connecting the PowerARAY Professional enclosure to the mains socket.
Does that 80cm cable connect to my amplifier?
No. It connects PowerARAY Professional itself to the mains supply.
What is the SignatureX version?
It uses an 80cm SignatureX Power cable with XLPE insulation, Chord Company ARAY geometry, heavier-gauge conductors, foil shielding and high-density braid shielding.
What is the SarumT version?
It uses an 80cm SarumT Power cable from Chord Company's Taylon®-insulated range.
What is the ChordMusic version?
It uses Chord Company's flagship 80cm ChordMusic Power cable, featuring Taylon® insulation and a modified Super ARAY design developed specifically for the ChordMusic mains cable.
Where should PowerARAY Professional be connected?
Chord Company recommends positioning it as close as possible to the socket supplying the audio system.
Where should it go on a PowerHAUS M6?
Use the socket furthest from the mains power input.
Where should it go on a PowerHAUS S6?
Use the socket closest to the mains power input.
Where should it go on another brand of mains block?
Chord Company recommends the socket closest to the block's power input.
What about a twin wall socket?
Chord Company suggests using the socket next to the one supplying the equipment.
Does a switched wall socket need to be switched on?
Yes. Chord Company states that the socket should be switched on for full performance.
Does it have isolation feet?
Yes. PowerARAY Professional uses ultra-lightweight feet decoupled from the chassis by damping suspension rings.
Do I need to adjust the feet?
Yes. Chord Company recommends slightly loosening the screws holding them in place.
Why is the inside resin damped?
Chord Company encases the internal components in damping resin as part of the mechanical treatment of the device.
Should it touch other cables?
Chord Company recommends keeping the PowerARAY Professional clear of other cables and components.
Can it be used with GroundARAY?
Yes. Chord Company states that PowerARAY Professional can be used alongside other ARAY products.
Is it a surge protector?
Chord Company does not publish a surge-protection rating for PowerARAY Professional.
Is it a voltage regulator?
No voltage-regulation specification is published.
Does it regenerate the mains?
No. Chord Company describes it as a parallel high-frequency noise-reduction system rather than a mains regenerator.
Which version should I buy?
At this level, Audio T recommends arranging a demonstration and comparing the SignatureX, SarumT and ChordMusic configurations within the intended system where possible.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- SignatureX, SarumT and ChordMusic comparison advice
- PowerARAY versus PowerARAY Professional guidance
- PowerHAUS M6 and S6 positioning advice
- Help choosing the correct mains distribution setup
- GroundARAY and PhonoARAY system-matching advice
- Complete Chord Company mains-system demonstrations where available
- In-store demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- System-specific mains upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to compare the SignatureX, SarumT and ChordMusic PowerARAY Professional versions or discuss the optimum installation position within your existing mains setup.