Chord PhonoARAY - Earth Noise Attenuator

Chord Company PhonoARAY – Advanced grounding system for turntables

PhonoARAY is developed for one purpose: to protect and improve the most vulnerable signal in your entire audio system – the ground connection between the turntable and the phono stage. The vinyl signal is extremely low, and even minimal interference or electromagnetic noise can affect dynamics, calm, and musicality.

PhonoARAY creates a more stable and quieter reference ground, allowing the cartridge’s microscopic movements to be converted into cleaner, more natural, and more musical sound. The system is developed from Chord Company’s deep experience with decoupling, noise reduction, and parallel filtering – and builds on technologies from the GroundARAY, PowerARAY, and PowerHAUS series.

Highlights

• Optimized ground connection between turntable and phono amplifier
• Advanced ARAY technology in parallel contact with the signal – no filters in the signal path
• Hand-wound, ultra-high-current series component for effective noise drainage
• Thick-walled, CNC-milled aluminum housing filled with resonance-damping resin
• Two lightweight, fully decoupled vibration feet for maximum isolation
• Supplied with shielded 50 cm ground cable (4 mm to spade)
• Compatible with Clearway, Shawline, and Signature ground cables as an upgrade

The ground connection – the overlooked source of noise

A turntable is one of the most sensitive audio sources there is. An MC signal can be more than a million times weaker than the level that reaches the speakers. That is why even small electromagnetic disturbances become a real problem.

The traditional ground connection between turntable and phono stage is often an open invitation to noise from motors, power supplies, routers, and the rest of the hi-fi system. PhonoARAY addresses this exact critical point and isolates the ground connection from noise while remaining electrically correct.

Advanced ARAY technology – without affecting the signal path

Inside PhonoARAY you will find a hand-wound series component that can handle extremely high current peaks while filtering unwanted noise away from the system. In parallel sits Chord Company’s complex ARAY network, creating a kind of double “virtual ground” between turntable and phono amplifier.

This works in parallel with the signal – never in series with it – and therefore does not affect frequency response, impedance, or musicality. Instead, micro-noise and ground loops are reduced, resulting in a soundstage with greater coherence, a blacker background, and more natural musical flow.

Resonance control at the absolute highest level

The enclosure is milled from a solid block of aluminum and filled with resin to eliminate microphonic vibrations that could otherwise be converted into electrical noise. The two decoupled feet ensure that the housing stands completely free and does not transfer vibrations from shelves or racks.

This combination of mechanical and electrical isolation is crucial for allowing PhonoARAY to create as quiet and stable a reference point as possible.

Simple installation – big impact

PhonoARAY is placed between the turntable’s ground terminal and the phono stage’s ground terminal. The included 50 cm shielded ground cable ensures an optimal connection. If you have a larger system or want further optimization, PhonoARAY can also be used in other grounding applications in the hi-fi chain.

With upgrade options such as Clearway, Shawline, or Signature ground cables, the system can be adapted to everything from advanced entry-level systems to high-end setups.

A specialist tool for those who truly love vinyl

Chord Company PhonoARAY is developed for music lovers who already have a good analog setup – and want to lift it to a level with more calm, depth, and musical authenticity. It is a specialist component that allows the rest of your vinyl system to perform at its absolute best.