@buddyboy1, oh god yes, I immediately noticed an improvement in sound quality when I got on board the Garth Powell from AudioQuest’s clean power train. Powell designs all of the power conditioners and higher end power cables at AudioQuest. I noticed a much crisper and more clear sound from my system, with a much blacker sonic floor and greater detail and instrument separation in the music that I listen to. I use an AudioQuest Thunder power cable to go from the Niagara to the wall socket. Honestly if I had more money I would’ve spent at least twice as much on the power cable and conditioner because I feel that they quantitatively improved the SQ in my setup by at least 20%.
Least Expensive Power Conditioner/Surge Protector That Won't Worsen Sound
I have an old Shunyata Hydra 6 that I'm sending off to Shunyata to repair. In the meantime, I'm curious - What's the least expensive power conditioner/surge protector that won't worsen the sound?
I've already discovered that plugging my integrated directly into the wall sounds the best. But I have source components. I have liked the Shunyata, but just in case they're not able to get it back to like new shape, what are your thoughts? (I tried numerous PLCs at the time I bought it almost 20 years ago and I thought it, by far, sounded better than any other one I auditioned in my system, and that included the Hydra 8).
I see many users who have reported worsening sound when using the Audioquest PQ2 and PQ3.
Something like a Panamax PM 5300 or 5400? Or the Furman Elite 15?
And what is the danger of under-voltage?
Showing 6 responses by adasdad
@analogj, the PowerQuest2 to my understanding was not designed by Garth Powell. For me it acted as a really good surge protector with some adequate noise filtering that made it a much better choice for an audio or home entertainment system than your average hardware store power strips. There really is no comparing it to the AQ Niagara series of power conditioners because the Niagara’s are audiophile grade units for dedicated hifi systems. The price of the PQ2 makes it a good place to start as you build your system or if you just want to have piece of mind protecting your audio gear.
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@buddyboy1, +1 on the AudioQuest PowerQuest 2. I used one for over a year before I got an AQ Niagara 1200 power conditioner, and I still have it. |
@buddyboy1, to my understanding there is no difference structurally between the old Niagara 1200 and what is on the AudioQuest website now other than AudioQuest having raised its prices this year.
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@analogj, I appreciate the question. To give you a short answer there isn’t anything or difference that you’re going to be able to hear because a good power cord and conditioner doesn’t add anything. All it does is take away RFI and EMI that will hinder your ability to enjoy recorded music. Here’s a link to a short YouTube video where Garth Powell explains the necessity of having a good power cable. Just search Garth Powell AudioQuest and he’s got several very in-depth and detailed videos where he explains much better than I can the science behind how he designs power conditioners and cables for AudioQuest.
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@analogj, no I wasn’t suggesting that only the power cord is critical in helping any systems SQ. The power cable in conjunction with a good power conditioner should work together to help keep the electricity running through your mains clean. A lot of what will work best in any system can depend on system synergy, the compatibility of different components to work together for the most optimal sound. For example @markiew commented that for him the Puritan 156 did more than an AudioQuest Niagara 3000 and an AQ Hurricane power cable in his setup.
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