Audio T Verdict
Turntable earthing is normally thought of as a simple practical necessity: connect the earth lead from the deck or tonearm to the phono stage and keep unwanted hum at bay. Chord Company PhonoARAY takes a rather more sophisticated approach to that connection.
Instead of connecting the turntable earth directly to the phono-stage earth terminal, PhonoARAY sits between them. Inside is a hand-wound ultra-high-current series filter joining the two terminals, combined with a complex ARAY network connected in parallel.
Chord Company developed this arrangement because the earth connection itself can provide a route for unwanted interference between the turntable and the rest of the system. The PhonoARAY maintains the required earth connection while applying Chord Company's noise-reduction technology to that pathway.
The engineering goes beyond the electrical circuit. The ARAY system is housed inside a thick-walled machined aluminium enclosure, the internal chamber is resin filled to reduce microphony and the complete unit sits on lightweight decoupled isolation feet.
This isn't something every record player automatically needs, nor should it be treated as a cure for every possible source of turntable hum. But in a high-quality vinyl system with conventional separate turntable and phono-stage earth terminals, it provides a particularly interesting way of addressing an often-overlooked part of the analogue signal chain.
Chord Company PhonoARAY Turntable Earthing System
PhonoARAY is a dedicated earthing and noise-reduction system developed by Chord Company specifically with turntable playback in mind.
It connects between the earth terminal of the:
and the earth terminal of the:
- Phono stage
- Or amplifier's built-in phono input
The turntable therefore remains earthed to the phono equipment, but the earth connection now passes through the PhonoARAY system.
Why Chord Company Developed PhonoARAY
A turntable cartridge produces an extremely small electrical signal.
Chord Company points out that the output of a moving-coil cartridge can ultimately be amplified enormously before it reaches the loudspeakers, making the analogue front end particularly sensitive to unwanted electromagnetic interference.
At the same time, many turntables need a separate earth connection to the phono stage or amplifier.
Chord Company's concern is that this earth connection can itself provide a route for unwanted interference to travel:
- From the turntable towards the rest of the system
- From the system back towards the turntable
PhonoARAY was developed specifically to address that connection.
How PhonoARAY Works
Inside the PhonoARAY are two different noise-reduction elements working together.
Series Filter
A hand-wound ultra-high-current series filter connects the two PhonoARAY earth terminals.
This means the turntable and phono-stage earth connection passes through the filter.
Parallel ARAY System
A complex Chord Company ARAY system is connected in parallel.
Chord Company describes the combined arrangement as providing a double virtual-earth system for the turntable and phono stage.
Different From GroundARAY
PhonoARAY should not be confused with Chord Company's GroundARAY plug-in noise-reduction products.
GroundARAY connects to an unused socket on a component and operates in parallel with the equipment's signal ground.
PhonoARAY has a different job because it needs to preserve the required earth connection between a turntable and phono stage.
Its two earth terminals are therefore joined by the internal series filter, while the ARAY system operates in parallel alongside it.
Compare Chord Company GroundARAY at Audio T.
How to Connect PhonoARAY
The basic installation is:
- Connect the turntable or tonearm earth lead to one of the PhonoARAY terminals.
- Connect the other PhonoARAY terminal to the earth terminal on the phono stage or amplifier.
- Use the supplied dedicated screened earth cable for the connection between the PhonoARAY and the phono-stage earth terminal.
Supplied 50cm Screened Earth Cable
PhonoARAY is supplied with a dedicated:
50cm screened earth cable.
Chord Company specifies this cable as:
4mm to spade.
It is intended for use between the PhonoARAY and the earth terminal on the phono stage or amplifier's phono input.
What's Included?
- Chord Company PhonoARAY earthing system
- Dedicated 50cm screened earth cable
- 4mm connector at the PhonoARAY end
- Spade connector for the phono-stage or amplifier earth terminal
Two 4mm Speaker-Style Terminals
The PhonoARAY itself uses two high-quality:
4mm speaker-style connection terminals.
Chord Company states that these terminals accept:
- 4mm banana connectors
- Spade connectors
Check the Turntable Earth Connection
PhonoARAY is designed for systems where an appropriate earth connection can be made between the turntable or tonearm and the phono stage or amplifier.
If your turntable does not have a conventional separate earth lead or terminal, do not assume that PhonoARAY can simply be added. Contact Audio T with the make and model of your turntable and phono stage so compatibility can be checked.
Not Part of the Audio Signal Path
PhonoARAY does not replace the phono interconnect carrying the left and right cartridge signals.
Your normal phono cable remains connected between the turntable and phono stage or amplifier.
PhonoARAY works specifically with the separate earthing connection.
It Does Not Disconnect the Turntable Earth
PhonoARAY should not be confused with simply removing the turntable earth connection.
The turntable remains connected to the earth terminal of the phono stage or amplifier through the PhonoARAY's internal series-filter path.
Do Not Simply Remove an Earth Lead to Cure Noise
If the turntable or tonearm manufacturer specifies an earth connection, follow the manufacturer's installation requirements.
PhonoARAY is designed to work within that earth connection rather than eliminate it.
Thick-Walled Machined Aluminium Enclosure
Chord Company houses the PhonoARAY circuitry inside a:
Thick-walled machined aluminium billet.
The manufacturer uses the enclosure to provide both electrical and acoustic isolation for the internal system.
Resin-Filled Internal Chamber
The internal PhonoARAY chamber is:
Resin filled.
Chord Company uses the resin to reduce microphony within the device.
What Is Microphony?
Microphony occurs when mechanical vibration is converted into unwanted electrical noise or signal.
This is particularly relevant around turntable systems because the process of playing a record begins with extremely small mechanical movements at the stylus and cartridge.
Decoupled Isolation Feet
PhonoARAY rests on two:
Extremely lightweight decoupled isolation feet.
Chord Company uses these to further reduce the transmission of mechanical vibration into the unit.
Loosen the Isolation-Foot Bolts Before Use
Chord Company specifically instructs users to slightly loosen the fixing bolts for the isolation feet before installation.
This allows the feet to operate in their intended decoupled state.
Where Should PhonoARAY Be Positioned?
PhonoARAY needs to sit close enough to the phono stage or amplifier earth connection for the supplied 50cm earth cable to reach comfortably.
Allow the unit to sit naturally on its isolation feet and avoid placing unnecessary tension on either earth connection.
Designed Primarily for Turntables
Chord Company conceived PhonoARAY primarily to improve turntable playback.
Its intended connection is between:
Turntable or tonearm earth and phono-stage or phono-amplifier earth.
Other Earthing Applications
Chord Company also states that PhonoARAY can be used successfully in a variety of other earthing applications within an audio system.
Because alternative applications can depend heavily on the equipment and its earthing arrangement, Audio T recommends checking suitability before using PhonoARAY outside its primary turntable application.
Does PhonoARAY Cure Turntable Hum?
PhonoARAY is designed to reduce unwanted interference passing through the turntable earth connection.
However, audible hum can have many possible causes, including:
- An earth lead that is disconnected or poorly connected
- Incorrect phono-stage setup
- Damaged cables
- Loose cartridge connections
- Equipment positioning
- External electrical interference
- Ground-loop or system-specific issues
It is therefore better to regard PhonoARAY as a specialised earthing and noise-reduction product rather than a guaranteed cure for every form of turntable hum.
Start With the Basics
If you have obvious turntable hum, first check that the cartridge, phono cables and earth connections are correctly fitted and in good condition.
Audio T can help diagnose the likely cause before recommending additional noise-reduction products.
Optional Clearway Earth Cable
Chord Company offers an optional higher-spec:
Clearway earth cable.
This provides an upgrade path from the dedicated screened cable supplied with PhonoARAY.
Optional Shawline Earth Cable
A higher-level:
Shawline earth cable
is also available to order from Chord Company.
Optional Signature Earth Cable
The highest-level earth cable currently identified by Chord Company for PhonoARAY is:
Signature.
Speak to Audio T if you would like to discuss the appropriate earth cable for the rest of your system.
Supplied Cable or Upgraded Earth Cable?
Supplied Earth Cable
- Included with PhonoARAY
- 50cm length
- Screened construction
- 4mm to spade
- Designed for connection to the phono-stage earth
Optional Earth Cables
- Clearway available to order
- Shawline available to order
- Signature available to order
- Higher-spec upgrade route
- Contact Audio T for suitability and pricing
PhonoARAY and GroundARAY
Both products draw on Chord Company's ARAY noise-reduction development, but they solve different problems.
PhonoARAY
- Designed primarily for turntable earthing
- Connects between two earth terminals
- Hand-wound series filter
- Parallel ARAY system
- Double virtual-earth arrangement
- Supplied screened earth cable
GroundARAY
- Connects to an unused equipment socket
- Operates in parallel
- No series connection between components
- Available for several analogue and digital socket types
- Designed to provide a route for high-frequency noise
Recognition
PhonoARAY received the Hi-Fi+ 2026 award in the Grounding category.
As with any specialist system-tuning product, Audio T would still strongly recommend trying PhonoARAY in the intended system where demonstration availability allows.
Key Features
- Chord Company PhonoARAY
- Dedicated turntable earthing system
- Designed for turntable and tonearm earth connections
- Connects to phono stage or amplifier phono earth
- Hand-wound ultra-high-current series filter
- Complex ARAY system connected in parallel
- Double virtual-earth arrangement
- Two high-quality 4mm speaker-style terminals
- Accepts 4mm banana connections
- Accepts spade connections
- Dedicated 50cm screened earth cable supplied
- Supplied cable is 4mm to spade
- Thick-walled machined aluminium enclosure
- Resin-filled internal chamber
- Designed to reduce microphony
- Two lightweight decoupled isolation feet
- Isolation-foot bolts loosen for decoupling
- Optional Clearway earth cable
- Optional Shawline earth cable
- Optional Signature earth cable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company PhonoARAY?
PhonoARAY is an advanced earthing and noise-reduction system designed primarily for turntables. It connects between the turntable or tonearm earth and the earth terminal on a phono stage or amplifier phono input.
Does PhonoARAY replace my phono cable?
No. Your normal left and right phono signal cables remain in place. PhonoARAY works with the separate earth connection.
Does it disconnect the turntable from earth?
No. The two PhonoARAY terminals are joined internally by a hand-wound series filter, maintaining the earth connection between the turntable and phono stage.
What else is inside PhonoARAY?
Chord Company also installs a complex ARAY system connected in parallel with the earth path.
What does Chord Company mean by double virtual earth?
It is Chord Company's description of the effect produced by the parallel ARAY system acting alongside the series earth connection for both the turntable and phono-stage sides of the device.
How many connection terminals does PhonoARAY have?
Two.
What connectors do the PhonoARAY terminals accept?
Chord Company states that the 4mm speaker-style terminals accept 4mm banana and spade connections.
Does PhonoARAY include an earth cable?
Yes. A dedicated 50cm screened earth cable is supplied.
What connectors are on the supplied earth cable?
Chord Company specifies 4mm to spade.
Where does the supplied cable go?
Chord Company specifies it for the connection between the PhonoARAY and the earth terminal on the phono stage or amplifier phono input.
Where does my turntable earth connect?
The turntable or tonearm earth connects to the other PhonoARAY terminal.
Can I use PhonoARAY if my turntable has no separate earth lead?
Do not assume compatibility. PhonoARAY's standard installation requires an earth connection between the turntable or tonearm and the phono stage. Contact Audio T with the exact equipment models so the setup can be checked.
Will PhonoARAY remove turntable hum?
It is designed to reduce unwanted interference associated with the turntable earth connection, but hum can have many different causes. It should not be treated as a guaranteed cure for every noise problem.
Is PhonoARAY the same as GroundARAY?
No. GroundARAY connects in parallel to an unused equipment socket. PhonoARAY sits in the turntable earth connection and combines a series filter with a parallel ARAY network.
Does PhonoARAY use a series filter?
Yes. Chord Company specifies a hand-wound ultra-high-current series filter joining the two terminals.
Is the ARAY circuit itself in series?
No. Chord Company states that the complex ARAY system is connected in parallel.
What is the case made from?
Chord Company uses a thick-walled machined aluminium billet.
Why is the case so substantial?
Chord Company states that the enclosure provides electrical and acoustic isolation for the internal circuitry.
Is the inside damped?
Yes. The internal chamber is resin filled to reduce microphony.
What is microphony?
Microphony is the conversion of mechanical vibration into unwanted electrical signal or noise.
Does PhonoARAY have isolation feet?
Yes. It sits on two lightweight decoupled isolation feet.
Do I need to adjust the feet?
Yes. Chord Company specifically instructs users to loosen the foot fixing bolts before installation so the feet can operate in their decoupled state.
Can the supplied earth cable be upgraded?
Yes. Chord Company offers optional Clearway, Shawline and Signature earth cables.
Can PhonoARAY be used for something other than a turntable?
Chord Company states that it can be used successfully for other earthing applications within an audio system. Because those installations can vary, Audio T recommends checking compatibility first.
Is PhonoARAY a mains conditioner?
No. It is designed for the audio-system earthing connection associated primarily with a turntable and phono stage. It is not inserted into the mains power supply.
Is PhonoARAY powered?
Chord Company does not specify an external power supply or mains connection for PhonoARAY. Its published installation is entirely through the turntable and phono-stage earth connections.
Does Chord Company publish the filter frequency?
No filter-frequency specification is currently published by Chord Company.
Does Chord Company publish impedance or resistance figures?
No electrical impedance or resistance figures are currently published for PhonoARAY.
Does Chord Company publish dimensions or weight?
Chord Company's current product page does not publish dimensions or weight, so Audio T does not add estimated figures.
Can I demonstrate PhonoARAY?
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss demonstration or home-loan availability for your particular vinyl system.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable and phono-stage earthing advice
- Help diagnosing turntable hum and noise
- Compatibility checks for different turntable earthing arrangements
- PhonoARAY versus GroundARAY guidance
- Optional Clearway, Shawline and Signature earth-cable enquiries
- Turntable and phono-stage setup assistance
- In-store demonstrations where available
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- System-specific upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like us to check whether PhonoARAY is compatible with the earthing arrangement used by your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.