Chord Company PowerARAY – Advanced noise reduction for the power supply

Chord Company PowerARAY is designed to tackle one of the most overlooked problems in modern hi-fi setups: high-frequency noise on the mains supply. Even though the power itself seems stable, it is often affected by noise picked up through long, unshielded supply lines and from all the electrical devices sharing the same grid. This noise can negatively affect both sound and picture, even in very advanced systems.

PowerARAY is designed as a simple yet highly effective solution that works in parallel with the power supply and gives the noise an alternative, low-impedance “escape path” before it reaches your hi-fi equipment. The result is a calmer electrical environment in which your system can perform at its best without being affected by unwanted interference.

Highlights

• Parallel noise reduction without restricting power delivery
• Low-impedance drainage of high-frequency noise from live, neutral and earth
• No series filtering, no impact on dynamics or power
• Developed as a supplement to the GroundARAY series
• Simple installation in a spare socket or power distributor
• Hand-built in England

Why power noise matters more than you might think

The power that reaches your listening room has already travelled a long way through unshielded cables before it even reaches your fuse box. From there it is distributed to both hi-fi equipment and ordinary household appliances, creating ample opportunity for high-frequency noise to be picked up along the way. This noise is carried via live, neutral and earth and can penetrate sensitive circuits in amplifiers, DACs, streamers and video equipment.

PowerARAY is designed to reduce this type of noise exactly where it is most harmful – just before the power reaches your hi-fi system.

Parallel filtering – without compromise

Unlike traditional power filters, PowerARAY uses parallel filtering only. This means that none of the power to your hi-fi equipment runs through the unit. Instead, PowerARAY works alongside the power and absorbs high-frequency noise from all three conductors. This approach ensures that the power supply’s impedance and delivery capacity remain unchanged, so the system’s dynamics and punch are not affected.

Chord Company has deliberately chosen not to use series filtering, as it can restrict power delivery and reduce musicality – especially in systems with powerful amplifiers.

A cleaner sonic foundation

By reducing the noise level on the power supply, PowerARAY creates a more stable and quieter starting point for the entire system. In practice, this is often experienced as a blacker background, better microdynamics, clearer detail and more coherent reproduction. The music appears calmer and more natural, and subtle nuances stand out more clearly.

In systems with multiple PowerARAY units or in combination with GroundARAY products, the improvements can become even more noticeable, as both external and internal noise are reduced.

Design and construction focused on safety

PowerARAY is fully resin-filled to minimize microphonic effects, which can occur when vibrations are converted into electrical noise. The solid construction has been developed with both electrical stability and safety in mind. The unit is not intended to be opened, and any tampering may compromise both function and safety.

Like all Chord Company products, PowerARAY is designed and hand-built in England with a focus on durability and consistent quality.

Simple installation – hear the difference right away

PowerARAY is simply connected to a spare wall socket or a power distributor, ideally placed close to your hi-fi equipment. No setup, configuration or changes to the system are required. The effect can be assessed directly by listening before and after installation.

PowerARAY is compatible with both wall sockets and distribution blocks and is available in different regional variants.

A natural supplement to GroundARAY

While PowerARAY reduces noise entering the system via the power supply, the GroundARAY products are designed to handle noise generated internally in the hi-fi equipment. Together they form a complete noise-reduction ecosystem that works without negatively affecting the signal path.

A small product with major significance

Chord Company PowerARAY is not a performance product in the traditional sense, but a fundamental improvement tool. By addressing noise problems at the source, it creates better working conditions for all your equipment and allows the music to unfold with greater clarity, calmness and naturalness.

For serious hi-fi enthusiasts, PowerARAY is a simple, elegant and effective way to elevate the performance of the entire system.