HiFi Power Conditioners. The Audioquest Niagara 1200. I compare it to my $25 power strip.

[@Bob.martens]

The more I spend on my system, the more I spend on my system.

[@lukecitro6918]

Lol! So true. True audiophile statement there lol!

[@redkh2017]

Lol thats so true

[@shannonwilliams6623]

Isn't that the truth

[@MCMTL]

In Mother Russia, system spend you.

[@markfischer3626]

Here's an informed opinion. I'm an electrical engineer with nearly 50 years of experience in power distribution for industrial projects such as manufacturing plants, laboratories, data centers. I'm particularly familiar with all manner of analyzing and solving power quality issues including for mission critical "can't fail" systems. If your high end audio equipment doesn't performed perfectly despite as long as you have power available from your utility you've been gypped. It is the job of the power supply within the equipment to filter, protect, and regulate line and load voltage and to have enough stored energy to operate perfectly under any conditions of operation. Of the countless scientific laboratories I've designed and built not a single one of them needed equipment to deal with power quality except a complete outage. Many were state of the art instruments, the most advanced in the world at the time. One photographed atoms. Don't expect that level of design in a $200 HT receiver but in a $10,000 amplifier you have every right to expect it. There are nine categories of electrical power anomalies. It takes an engineer with suitable instrumentation to record over time if you have a problem, what its nature is, and how to fix it. don't assume it's your utility's fault, it could be nothing more than a bad receptacle, a lose wire, or a bad circuit breaker so don't fix a $20 problem with a $1200 product. I installed whole house surge protectors on my main circuit breaker panels. They cost $27 at Home Depot and took me 5 minutes to install. Don't try it yourself if you are not trained to work on electrical equipment. Overvoltage protectors all work the same way, they're a category of devices called shunt clippers. When the peak of the 120 volt sine wave rises above 176 volts they go into a conduction mode briefly causing a short circuit between the hot and neutral wire protecting your load. They range for $2 for one you plug into a receptacle to $10,000 for a substation They are rated by how many joules of energy they can withstand. Most home audiophile power conditioners are nothing more than filters. The standard for industrial applications is the double static conversion UPS. It rectifies AC to DC and simultaneously charges batteries and operates an inverter that converts it back to AC. Harmonic distortion is typically below 5%. A regenerator is similar. The one I am familiar with does not have batteries so it is not a UPS, generates a sine wave, and amplifies it with a high power audio amplifier. (there might be a step up transformer on the output to achieve 120 volts. It's harmonic distortion is typically no more than 0.5 percent. A line interactive UPS is suitable for your PC but not your high end audio equipment. Its harmonic distortion is typically no more than 0.5 percent. Can it deliver a lot of power for a period? Yes using energy stored in capacitor banks so it can for a time have more output than input depending on the design. If it was determined that a power conditioner was needed and justified that's the only one I'd recommend for home use. I have no idea what's in the others but unless I know I can't recommend it and they probably won't tell me. As for UPSs, my go to brand these days is Eaton. I like the 9355 which can be rated up to 80 KW. Unfortunately there are no models of this type available for residential use I'm aware of. They are not cheap.

[@steveklehfoth1503]

I am an EE too. I couldn't have said it better, "If your high end audio equipment doesn't performed perfectly despite as long as you have power available from your utility you've been gypped. It is the job of the power supply within the equipment to filter, protect, and regulate line and load voltage and to have enough stored energy to operate perfectly under any conditions of operation."

[@NightFlight1973]

@@steveklehfoth1503 We'd be better served by upgrading the power section, ie upgrading capacitance and rectification sections using enlightened parts selection. Well made low ESR caps are a great investment, especially if you've got an old piece of equipment. I don't claim any esoteric part picking knowledge, but it can play a role in the power section for sure. The engineer who built your high end power amp should have done this for you - thus the price tag.

[@richardhernandez7741]

Did I skip the part where you listened?

[@tonydeniro284]

Blah blah blah....have you even bought on and listened? It makes a difference

[@gregsaddie]

I think that is correct in "theory". But in the practice called "capitalism" every product cuts corners. Extra filtering - improves things. It's so easy to hear.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Being a Electrian i just ran a dedicated 30 amp circuit just for my audiogear i have only 2 plug in recepticals . And i don't have lamps/computers/microwave or T.v. hooked up on this circuit and the sound difference is amazing !!

[@chrish.4067]

YES! THIS!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@chrish.4067 No more lights dimming in and out when those dynamics Hit 😆

[@astolatpere11]

That's what I'd do with $2 k before I'd by a power conditioner.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@astolatpere11 made a huge difference for me i have 2 listening rooms my living room and my dedicated music room 😃

[@epi2045]

Absolutely right!!! I did the same thing.

[@TheBlissfulWalrus]

Here's the problem I have with all this based on my experiences, including stuff that has great reviews with people talking about the difference it made. I got a new AC power cable to use with my headphone amp, and was completely convinced while A/Bing with the stock cable that it was making an improvement to the sound. More low end dynamics, faster transients, etc. Then I had someone blind test me ... I couldn't tell which was which at all, it was 100% made up in my head, pretty incredible.

[@scottwheeler2679]

Yes, it is bias effects. It is an intrinsic aspect of how humans hear and process sound. It's not quite "imagined." Our brains can not process all the sound our ears hear. It's not possible and it would have been an evolutionary disaster. We instinctually steer our focus. This ability was how we evaded predators and caught our food. We instinctually filter what we process from what our ears hear. The catch is that we are also biologically wired to look for patterns and that affects how we steer our focus. So it isn't imagined so much as what we percieve is shifted by our steered focus. And biases affect how we steer our focus.

[@gdubyadubya8961]

@@susokraut I agree. Speakers and source are by a long shot the most important. What happens is ppl get addicted to upgrading so once source, amp, speakers etc are finished with they search for ways to spend more. Note his comments on how much his products are worth? then he’s justifying his spend. Audiophiles do this.

[@thecarman3693]

@@gdubyadubya8961 When I switched from an integrated amplifier to a separate preamp/power amp combo I could immediately hear an improvement in the sound, and we're talking Sansui and Harmon Kardon, not exactly low grade electronics but not megabucks either. Nothing else changed, except the need for more interconnects. There clearly is something to be had when going the "audiophile" route when done properly.

[@veetour]

True, a double blind test is the gold standard.

[@shaolin95]

@@thecarman3693 you do know how short echoic memory is, right? What you experienced is called placebo unless you had hard to drive speakers with a crappy avr

[@sasholinski]

Audiophile Persian carpets are also a must have audiophile improvement. Also audiophile grade latex paint - it's the only paint you should be using in your critical listening room, especially if you have a highly resolving wallet.

[@bunsw2070]

Did they make your Bose Wave Radio sound better?

[@chuckmaddison2924]

You forgot to make sure your room is held at 70f . Too cold your teeth will be making noise , too hot you will be panting like a dog. 😅. Either way you won't get " experience "

[@johnh539]

😁😡

[@howardskeivys4184]

👍🍻

[@howardskeivys4184]

@@chuckmaddison2924Don’t forget the nubile naked blond sat on your lap. She won’t improve the sound of your hifi, but you wont care!

[@michaelmasztal7871]

I would have liked if you used a meter to measure the noise in your electric mains in conjunction with your test.

[@chrish.4067]

You pay two grand, you're going to like it. Confirmation bias. However, I have not tried one, so what do I know?

[@ASSOpid]

Exactly. If you believe it works... then it will.

[@Justin-fy7xk]

@@ASSOpid Exactly its all placebo. Doctors knew about this trick of the mind years ago but unfortunately we still fall for the same old gag. We havnt advanced much have we. if you want to proove it works double blind testing is the only way to go.

[@henriksrensen3220]

I have tried many power conditioners, but my Gryphon 120 amplifier always sound best plugged directly into the wall.

[@limitnl]

Damn right

[@ibz925]

You don't say

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@ibz925 yes i do. have you difficulty understanding ?

[@MrsZambezi]

Is that because there are no sockets anywhere else?!

[@patthewoodboy]

an amplifier with a well designed internal power supply doesnt need a mains conditioner

[@jeffdoerr2693]

Clean power does make a difference - unless you own an extremely pricey system, an inexpensive Furman unit will noticeably eliminate line noise resulting when HVAC systems, hair dryers, and other motorized devices are powered on. Also important to install a heavy duty outlet (with dedicated circuit to breaker box if possible). With that being said, I found that power conditioners dampen the sound quality of high current amps, therefore best to plug them directly into the wall outlet.

[@scottwheeler2679]

You don't measure the effect of power conditioning at the power line. You have to measure it at the component's power supply output.

[@WesPerry]

I’m afraid there’s no way the Niagara 1200 would protect you from a lightning strike. It’s rated for 3000Amps, while a real lightning arrestor would be in excess of 100,000Amps, such as the Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA (which installs at your breaker panel). The vast majority of surge suppression equipment in power bars and the like are really only good for minor surges, ripples in the line and compressor kicks, etc. Still useful for sure, but lightning is a whole other beast.

[@Scottlp2]

Investing in whole house surge suppressor (for lots of reasons) is good idea.

[@WesPerry]

@@Scottlp2 yes indeed. Ever since lightning blew through my ups and surge suppressors while importing a wedding, I’ve had good whole home suppression going on. Scary stuff!

[@lanemiddleton9]

This year, I had an electrician put an Eaton whole house surge protector right next to the breaker box and it was as advertised - no more slamming jolts. The Eaton was under $100 from Amazon and $160 for labor.

[@robertm8518]

The best solution is to unplug your system during a storm...

[@WesPerry]

@@robertm8518 didn’t know it was a lightning storm until it was too late. And what if it happens when you’re out? Do you just unplug all your things when your not home? That’s hardly practical.

[@pejbartolo2365]

When you already paid two thousand dollars, your listening experience suddenly becomes better because your brain starts telling you it is better. Do blind test where you are not the one plugging the cord.

[@JMCIII1957]

I put a Niagara 1000 that I put in my system a number of years ago. One of the best moves I ever made. Cleared the noise from my power lines and brought the noise floor well down from what I had been using. Highly recommended (either the Niagara especially or power conditioning in general.

[@justchilling4491]

I’ve just ordered two of these for my home cinema/ gaming setup along with two Audioquest monsoon power cables can’t wait 💪

[@yanssmekal829]

What is your experience? Are you satisfied with the result?

[@chuckmaddison2924]

I have just back into vinyl. I have a power strip. One day I noticed some noise. I swapped the outlet on the strip. Problem .... it has a bad ground on the one outlet. Power is crap in a lot of places, one of the reasons for true rms meters.

[@NateEll]

I strongly believe that a power amp, and particularly pass monoblocks, will sound best plugged into the wall. I have the most effective surge suppression system- when a storm is coming through I unplug my gear

[@Scottlp2]

A lot of people agree with you. Perhaps people with eg very efficient speakers and tiny watt tube amps have different experiences.

[@chrish.4067]

@@Scottlp2 I run a 45 amp plugged into a quad dedicated wall outlet, powering Klipsch Heresys. I don't make a point of listening for noise, but my system is quiet. Maybe I'll try something like this one day, just not from the Amazon monopoly.

[@arize84]

Same here, I have a PS Audio P12, and I think my amp (Gryphon Essence) sounds a little better directly plugged into the wall. Kinda sucks because it would have been nice to get the surge protection of PS Audio for the amp. My earlier amp (Rogue Audio ST100 sounded better plugged into the PS Audio). I think the higher you go up in equipment the less necessary a power conditioner becomes for sound quality. At this point, my P12 is more of a fancy surge protector that does no harm to sound quality. I have no regrets though, as I have some very pricey equipment plugged into it and benefiting from the surge protection.

[@Scottlp2]

@@chrish.4067 there are a lot of places on the net you can get one and some will let you try it and return if you don’t like it.

[@chrish.4067]

@@Scottlp2 LOL, thanks, I'm aware of most of those places as my thin wallet can attest to 🤪

[@shkermanshahi]

Paul McGowan of PS audio mentioned they started with power conditioners but they realized it makes the sound sterile. That is why they sell power regenerator. I bought a stellar power plant ($2500) that is their chipest power regenerator. It is 300W with 1000W for 30 sec. The difference with a cheap $25 power strip with cheap power cables were night and day, I assume with your system you need to measure your wattage before chosing any of those power plants. I added power cables later. Never doubted the value it brings.they have trial policy as well, also 1/3 trade.

[@dv5466]

I’m curious, can you elaborate on what made you think the difference was night and day?

[@shkermanshahi]

@@dv5466 I have kef ls50 original, sound stage got bigger, sound got warmer. It was like recently I added kc62. Those situations you cannot go back. Hopefully that helps,

[@tarquineous]

Always try first.

[@danender5555]

@@shkermanshahi So you got $1500 loudspeakers and you bought a power regenerator which is $1000 more expensive than a pair of your speakers. What superb power cords you use to feed that overpriced $2500 power beast? $1000 for each of your components? You spent more than $5000 on power conditioner and power cables but your loudspeakers cost $1500. Night and day difference. Something must be happening between your ears, but it is definitely not the sound.

[@rejean2744]

@@dv5466 The earth's rotation.

[@flowerchild58]

I bought a PS audio power conditioner quite few years ago, with no discount at all for $ 5K, and sure love it. Just wonder how that compare to AudioQuest Niagara 1200, for my sure is a huge piece equipment and generate so much heat in my living room.

[@tarquineous]

I have one of those regenerators. I have found it works best with one component plugged into it. Either a source component or preamp. They do run hot with too much stuff plugged in, and are expensive.

[@rejean2744]

Oh, I'm sure they work very much the same.

[@Coneman3]

When you are chasing better SQ, it’s not easy to say when something’s been ‘dealt with’. I use a Puritan audio PMS 156, which is great, but I also use DC blocks after it on each piece of kit. It all helps. Only way you know whether anything helps is to try it.

[@giuseppelazzarotto2749]

If I were the owner of your rig, I would hire an electrician to install two more AC wall plugs for the 2 mono power amplifiers. I think the blizzard is most of the improvement in audio of your new purchase. I would use the niagra only for the sources. then I'd purchase two more blizzards for the passes. it would be a significant step ahead

[@shangrilaladeda]

run 550 mcm and make a panel for not having the same ground can cause many problems in audio reproduction.

[@AllboroLCD]

I took a roll o' the dice on a budget amazon "Furman" power strip style conditioner. It definitely DID quiet up the system a bit as far as hiss & hum/buzz goes. It DIDNT solve my issue where the system loses dynamic range during business hours of the automotive shop across the street from me.

[@Coneman3]

Try puritan audio

[@fredflintstone8048]

I think the best answer to this question is, 'it depends' .. It depends on the equipment in your audio system, the types of power supplies, and yes given those noticing a difference from one day to the next may depend on what someone in your general vicinity is doing with their power or what you're doing in other parts of your home. Some things that people connect to power tend to create a certain amount of noise on the line. It could also be things like radio transmissions which could be cell phone users, wifi use, ham radio operators, spark plugs in an ignition system in an engine can come across, you name it.. All of that can show up as extra noise on your power going into your audio gear. How much will pass through into your actual sound will depend on the equipment you have as part of your rig. Any equipment you have in the chain of devices that give you the music can affect the eventual output. That said there are other variables that change the way we hear the sound as well, level of humidity, levels of dust in the air, our moods, but if a person is correct when stating that a power conditioner actually caused their system to sound more consistent to them and it's not psycho sematic , then yes, it's probably cleaning up the power that did it.

[@robertdavis5714]

5 systems in my place, most of which was built between 1976-1981, high power DC. All are on Monster's and 1 Panamax. Here in Calif. Power fluctuates like I cannot believe 111v to 119v, especially in summer when everyone has their AC ON. So is why I own these.

[@JCW-jx6ld]

Get the new Audiolab DC blocker . Awesome improvement for £100 .No dc on toroidal transformer, transforms sound of amps for zilch.

[@robarksey2070]

Thanks for the vid. The place i rent has flickering lights, and more wiring in the walls than wood. Was wondering if this would help clear a line accross my tv that started one day when I was running the microwave.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

If you had a massive power surge, wouldn't your homeowner's insurance cover the damage to everything electrical that you would lose, including audio equipment? I mean, you'd lose everything plugged in. That's 10's of thousands even before the stereo equipment and that's what the insurance is designed to do. Seems like some sketchy logic. Now, if you a/b the same system with/without the power cond. and it sounds notably better, then I get it. Also, does it sound better or just different, a la switching out subwoofer cables.

[@BellTunnel]

Who wants to hassle with an insurance company about the actual value of your 10-year-old amp, turntable, all the cables, every little upgrade. Not saying a $1,300 power supply is the answer (probably a surge protector is), but I definitely wouldn’t rely on insurance to make everything better.

[@tarquineous]

Surge protection (Primary as it is called) is achieved at the service entrance panel, or breaker panel, whichever is attached to the building. Secondary surge protection is a heavy duty devise on the circuit you are protecting. Tertiary (third level), are the ones inside power strips or power conditioners. All of these vary in quality and protection level, but all three should be used for best protection. Better not to rely on some insurance plan. They can be a real hassle, and no guarantee that they will pay.

[@robertliskey420]

Just a little note from someone who worked in the utility business for 40 years. Two things can make a massive difference. ! how old is your line transformer? Power company one that is. 2 how far are you from it? Many are overloaded to a degree that would shock you. Mine was just replaced when installed? 1958. 500% overloaded no central are then. I borrowed a power measuring device a 10 volt difference at times. In this kind of situation you need a power regulator my system really improved especially at night when line voltage down. I keep a large ac voltmeter (analog oldie) on at all times and you can see the spikes and dips. Houe this is helpful, It really made a difference when my old Monoblock's were working hard they draw 1800 max watts ea.

[@O.G.LIL-MAN]

Man, power conditioners are the truth. I have some good Powervar power conditioners which can be had anywhere you live or on ebay for cheap. Hospitals and merchants use them and they stop my tune amp from pulsing and affecting my audio feed and other spikes I get from the various components in my chain as it draws power. My sound is much cleaner, crisp and alive. No joke

[@daveme3582]

Yup. Whats inside that PowerVar unit is whats known as a Ferroreasonant Transformer. I own a NOS Sola made unit. Folks need to pay attention to how many watts each unit is rated to support. If you want the full 15 amps its gonna be big heavey and $. But its one outstanding way to truly de couple your power.

[@NicolaeLorimer]

Curious, are you running dedicated circuits or in your system to experience fluctuations in sound quality?

[@MCMTL]

No mention of PS Audio who are recognized leaders in power conditioning/regeneration?

[@dougg1075]

I’ve always heard most amps sound best plugged directly into the wall.

[@C--A]

Power conditioners are snakeoil. This one got measured on Audio Science Review and the measurements showed there would 100% be no audible difference than without using one.

[@speedcoma8701]

Why not try the next one in line? Perhaps, 30 days of listening and evaluating against the basic version, will show us how good the product really is. Great insight on AQ product… thank you for posting.

[@Marc-uy7hp]

What are the two black cylinders plugged in to the cheap power strip?

[@TheM0gwai]

QVIBE Qv2 AC Line Harmonizer

[@danender5555]

@@TheM0gwai those must be for free if whole power strip thing costs just $25

[@bshah4831]

My experience is different. My Audioquest 1000 with Audioquest mains cables improved bass and generally clarity.

[@arcadianstag8061]

Absolute nonsense. Perfect example of placebo + confirmation bias + justifying expenditure.

[@brunorivademar5356]

I have an entry level system and the differences of sound quality fluctuate a lot. It's really noticeable. Some days it's not even enjoyable and somedays it sounds fantastic.

[@BradRocker]

Your description is exactly what I have going on. Some days it sounds Meh, others it sounds amazing. Must be an AC issue in there somewhere.

[@MEL_7878]

Do you have a power conditioner ?

[@natcoziay]

Is it possible to do an A/B test?

[@tarquineous]

Yes, do it.

[@lwdp74]

My Costco power strip may save my TV but seems to make the stereo a little fatiguing. I’m always playing with cables and plugs and the results are surprising.

[@kylehazachode]

I returned my Audioquest after three weeks. My hifi equipment and my homelab have their own breakers and their own isolated grounds. That right there could be a factor on why I didn't notice a difference. I collect old APC C2 power filters and Tripp Lite Isobar surge suppressors because I run a PA/DJ business. Pairing those two products and isolated ground with my hifi is probably the cleanest AC power I can get. The only problem I ever had was some USB devices caused noise in my speakers and headphones. I had to build DI boxes for USB cables to solve the problem. Nowadays USB noise filters are widely available.

[@oscarmarfori613]

I purchased and used an AVR unit to my system and it does great the AVR run on a built in battery that is automatically charged the power that I get from the unit is cleaner and regulated plus a bonus of five min available power during an outage

[@dreamspheree]

Sounds like what I need for my guitar setup

[@chrish.4067]

Na, you ever listen to Hendrix's live recordings. His tone did not suffer from a bit of hum ✌😉

[@chrish.4067]

Oh yeah, and be sure to use a non alkaline battery for your fuzz pedal. Or so they say 🤓😉

[@markrosenthal9108]

The Tripp Lite LC2400 is about 25% the price of a Niagara 1200. For audio, I use it for everything except power amplifiers which I plug directly into the wall.

[@Novilicious]

I find that all power conditioning kills soundstage and dynamics…but does quiet things down

[@tarquineous]

Try a different type.

[@seedney]

Do we need special plugs for amps? What if Power Conditioner doesn't have that - and is rated 10A max - Would it make sense to plug amp to that, or better connect that to the wall plug (in terms of sonics - not protection)?

[@johnsonadekunle7675]

I love watching your videos. They are highly informative and well done.

[@budzlightyear2212]

Does it have battery backup?

[@samesser9693]

I really need a power conditioner for outside DJ gigs plugging into a generator usually causes a lot of noise not only that it doesn't surge the amps on the generator because it starts one outlet at a time

[@daveme3582]

As long as your generator is putting out modified sine and not square waves look into devices using Ferroreasonant transformers. Products from OneAC, Sola, PowerVar and more can be had for cheap 2nd hand off the bay. Just pay attention to the total watts supported by the device. For a full 15 amps its big and heavy and more $. No shock there.

[@kennethdias9988]

Have you ever compared then to Computer uninterrupted power supplies. They are battery back up power conditioners . Computers like clean power too.

[@tony-hifi-music951]

Hi you said you syterm sounded not that good sometimes and fantastic at otheres, did the Niagara keep the sound more constant. cheers

[@michaelcuellar59]

Its true, I have one. It really does sound like the system got an injection of power, and its always the same level of power.

[@Jack96993]

I've had the Brickwall surge protector for years on a 20 amp circuit. I've always thought about getting a power regenerator to maintain consistent voltage but just haven't done so I'm thinking it time!!

[@tarquineous]

There is so many types of power conditioners out there now. Have fun and stay on a realistic budget!

[@iimv]

You can increase the quality by putting a bit of lead inside. Then it will be even more heavy :)

[@tarquineous]

Sounds like you've done a little too much of that.

[@yaabaa]

I would be very surprised if these kind of devices can protect against direct lightning strikes as the amperage is immense. I'm sure they can protect against relatively low power surges.

[@smallm7943]

So it could be consistently off?

[@d.w.96318]

It could be the power cord on the audioquest.

[@tarquineous]

Right. May sound better with a different power cord!

[@MAXLAND7]

Nice review. Did you try the niagara with common or other power cord? Wondering if blizzard model is worth. Have a friend that is happy with z3 model and his 1200 niagara.

[@AudioQuestUS]

Thank you for taking the time to listen, evaluate, and review our Niagara 1200. And thank you for sharing your open, honest thoughts with your viewers. We're proud to be a part of your system and listening experience.

[@MrsZambezi]

It's expensive, so provides a good placebo effect. Can't affect sound quality though, obviously.

[@cressdiligent]

You spent how much on a power cord? You have drunk the cool aid

[@ajzepp8976]

Didnt Niagara used to be their own company, or am I confused? Did audioquest buy them out?

[@daveme3582]

Happy your happy with the unit. After seeing images of whats inside it seems rather high $ for what your getting. Personally for even less $ Id rather have something like a SurgeX SX-1120-RT that does all the above and more. I certainly cant say how each would "sound" in everyone's personal rig. Just trying to compare apples to apples with this type of product. But hey as long as folks are happy with their toys thats all that matters in the end.

[@tubefreeeasy]

My

[@tubefreeeasy]

I use the Tripp Lite along with a pure silver power distributor I found on eBay.

[@tubefreeeasy]

I found some 5N power cables that has Furutech NCF terminals. I honestly feel that I’ve reach my point of a perfect sounding line signal from my outlet. I can only imagine how much a Furutech NCF outlet set would help out. I’m waiting for some Furutech Nano Liquid for my contacts. This is when I feel that I reached perfection with my line signal.

[@JCLADOG]

Is it possible your mind is "projecting" a listening experience/change you expect to find especially since purchasing such an expensive device? Many times, people hear, see, taste or smell differences when the suggestion is there. Psychology 101.

[@HiFiHuff]

No. I’ve been at this for 35 years. I only speak of what makes an improvement in my system. This is considered an affordable option for power conditioning. Some I know spend 10X this amount : ) also, half of the gear I listen to I do not review. Why? Because a lot of it is not worth the money. Much of it is hype. Some of it borderlines on insanity. This piece is well worth the cost for anyone who has invested in their system. It does change the sound, without question. But… not all may enjoy the change. There are hundreds, If not thousands of user reviews on this piece and I’d say 99% of them are extremely positive. I bought it for protection above all else, but it did have a positive effect on the sound as well, though that was slight.

[@tarquineous]

It's possible. So mix up the tests. Different day, different music, etc.

[@connorduke4619]

I researched into this and found a theoretically better solution. This Furutech eTP60-E Japanese power distributor shields EMI and RFI but without filtering the electricity itself. So you can plug your Blizzard power cables into that one, using a less expensive but thick gauge power cable into it. My bet is it will beat the sound of any power conditioner.

[@welderfixer]

Protecting the investment in overpriced audio gear is obviously a wise plan. But, I would like to see an oscilloscope and Fluke power monitor 24 hour test on the input and output of a pricey audio power conditioner. This would certainly prove out the system's worthiness.

[@gregorydijoseph5873]

OBJECTIVE COMMENT. Nice!!

[@volpedo2000]

I would push this forward and run an oscilloscope after the crossover and see if there is any difference there

[@BWB31975]

Someone did this with some power conditioners at different price point. Sorry I don't have the link but it is out there on KZbin. It was interesting. The inexpensive unit from a big box store cut the noise a lot, and the more expensive ones cut the noise a little more. The effect was real, but definitely showed diminishing returns in terms of price versus measurable change.

[@welderfixer]

@@BWB31975 Thank you! Maybe it was Amir at Audio Science Review.

[@epi2045]

Or you can use a tool from Trifield to test the line for dirty electric. It’s a bit expensive at $150 since it’s a one trick pony.

[@mikv9886]

Would you recommend this for 5000USD systems?

[@arize84]

I would make sure you have decent power cables in $150 to $200 range. The power conditioner makes little difference if any and if you have a high current amplifier, you really should plug it straight into the wall. The cables are more important. I would also look at room treatment before doing power conditioning. Honestly if I had a $5K system and I had $1K to $2K to burn, I would use it to upgrade a source component. Also for a few hundred $, you can get an electrician to wire you a dedicated power outlet for your system, this will probably do more for you than an entry level power conditioner.

[@tarquineous]

Yes, try it.

[@wilfredmay5231]

How did you know it was a Power Conditioner you needed. Post your results here, if you can.

[@yannick930]

Nice review. I like the Niagara 1200 but i must confess I prefer a good powerstrip with simple star connection. It gives me that tightness you're talking about without loosing the wormth a that kind of naturality. Using any conditioner i can feel that weird control. It makes all music uniform. It's nice the first 6 months but after a while i get use to it and i can feel it. Even a simple actinote or wireworld Matrix 2 is better to me. At least if you don't have crappy AC.

[@genkifd]

you should try plugging your power amp straight into the wall.

[@chrish.4067]

It's a different beast, but some say Hendrix had the best tone ever. Listen to his live recordings, lots of hum and noise.

[@connorduke4619]

When I plug in my power conditioner while listening to Hendrix, he sounds like Don Everly. What's with that?

[@chrish.4067]

@@connorduke4619 LOL🤪

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Yeah, but first of all, it's rock 'n roll and it was late 60's/early 70's tech after all.. I mean, what do you expect? 😂 Dimed Marshall plexi's with single coil pickup Fender Strat's aren't exactly the most quiet rig to begin with.. Maybe he should have used Gibson's equipt with humbuckers instead. Lol

[@keithbertschin1213]

I upgraded from this unit to PS Audio P12 Power Plant, wowza! I would urge anyone thinking of dropping over a grand on this, stretch to aP12 you will not be sorry. I now have to find a home for my Niagara

[@scottwheeler2679]

So all of these comparisons were done sighted with extended periods of time between samples. That is problematic when it comes to reliable results.

[@Fluterra]

Very few companies make AC filters/regenerators worth buying. AC quality DOES make a big difference!

[@danender5555]

If you compare a $1300 surge protector to the "$25 power strip", why you have a pair of QV2 stabilizers plugged ($390 each) in there? So instead of your "$25 power strip", you actually use"$800 power strip" instead.

[@arpeemac]

for any hifi audio equipment, a blind test will always tell the truth.

[@tarquineous]

Maybe not the "truth" but it will help.

[@willie346]

A slight improvement for $1,600!

[@wbradley2395]

Too bad you didn't try the unit with a regular power cord to see if there was a difference in this perceived improvement.

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

I tried different brands. My favorite is the ifi powerstation. Pick dark.

[@peterw2714]

Lightning strikes are not all created equal, they can be large enough that they can arc through equipment and destroy it. I’ve seen the after effects. At least you want it for more than lightning strikes.

[@edwardsalkin9478]

I recently bought a Niagara 1200 and Monsoon power cord(I do have two dedicated lines), and they were a MASSIVE improvement as far as low-level clarity of inside lines in orchestral arrangements, and in soundstage depth. I’m a professional musician for 40+ years and used recordings I know intimately (including some I’m on). Great product, I wish I could afford the pricier Niagaras

[@HiFiHuff]

I think my idea of a massive improvement is different from others ; ) Even so, glad I have the 1200 in my system.

[@MrsZambezi]

Lol.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

Your anecdote does not count. You must provide objective, repeatable data.

[@dksculpture]

I bought a different power conditioner and it definitely improved the sound of my audio system.

[@lold6130]

$600 for a mains power cable - madness.

[@tarquineous]

Is $500 ok ? I've seen them advertised for 3K and up! Be careful.

[@b-bb-bb9814]

i agree with everything you say/ive had no regrets thanks for tthe review

[@michaelwright1602]

You want to clean up your power, drop a direct line, or two, three, or four from your electrical panel to your AV location. That will make a greater improvement than any power conditioner ever will.

[@tarquineous]

Use both. One is not a substitute for the other ! Totally different circuits.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@tarquineous To a point, depending upon the power conditioner, you may end up with an even worse situation. Cleaning up the circuit from the panel should be your first step if at all possible.

[@gjnbouwmeester5860]

Did you try to use the cheap $25 power strip connected to a high-power outlet of the Audioquest conditioner? It can also work in such a configuration and have more filtered outlets at your disposal. That is my own experience, anyway.

[@chriss881000]

It cant protect anything if ut wall outlets is not grounded

[@dihydrotestosterone]

You should go and read Amir review of it on A.S.R. ....😜

[@pennfootball71]

if you get the 5000 you can plug your amp into it

[@MerLew]

Even with a system that’s only a couple grand it’s worth getting a conditioner. Protect your gear.

[@z.s.9855]

Hard to quantify the improvement but there’s definitely a decrease in noise an increase in clarity. That’s been my experience with Shunyata and now a Puritan PSM156. Try running the amps directly from the wall outlets and all your sources from the power conditioner. It would be a good experiment.

[@gioponti6359]

Regarding running amps from wall outlet.. I read this very often, but in my system i find it sounds better (more refined, controlled, musical, airy ..) if the power amp draws power from the distributor (not too far from psu for preamp). Have trialled the wall socket a number of times in different configs, and always came back to takeing power off the distributor. Though, of course YMMV.

[@tonesbones502]

I'm sitting here at the start thinking what is he talking about? Then I remembered you are American and you guys only have 110V supply. I'm in Australia and we're lucky to have a consistent 240V. Strong consistent power from the socket is never an issue over here, unless your house wiring is a hundred years old.

[@bikeman7982]

We have 120V not 110V. Stong consistent power is not an issue here either as long as the wiring is not too old.

[@asdqwe4468]

@@bikeman7982 Then there's nothing to fix.

[@bertroost1675]

I tried a big audiophile power conditioner and to me it sucked the life out of the sound.

[@tarquineous]

Try a different brand.

[@y.k.9705]

As soon as they have changed transformers outside my house everything sounds better.

[@sidvicious3129]

I own the niagara 1200 as well and did the experiment and it does make a difference, less noise and more clarity. When the noise is low and you play your turntable you hear what is meant by coming from a black back ground, music comes from silence.

[@GentielioGaming]

Consitioners do come up a lot for sale. They do have some benefits though. But always robbing something in the music. I think a power plant is the only thing to keep things intact.

[@shaolin95]

Echoic memory...is VERY short...placebo and snakeoiling is long term

[@xcvbxcvb2179]

A word of warning. Power amps are hampered by any stuff that ad inductans. Like shielded power cables or a badly constructed powerconditioner. For other gear in the system inductans is not that influenceful. I guess Furutech fixed this by having different outlets in their conditioner. Two outlets dedicated for power.

[@HiFiHuff]

Not this one.

[@MrsZambezi]

ROFL!!

[@bw8827]

So, with the Niagra in place the sound was less organic ??? That about sums up my experiences of power conditioners. You need to look to the likes of PS Audio, who have a better grasp of mains' effects.

[@tao196580241]

I noticed a difference, Very clean. But I have a poor mans system, Prima Luna's , pre amp, and mono blocks.......that I tube rolled with Golden Lions tubes. I cannot beat the warmth. Clean power, and I have a dedicated 20 Amp circuit to this power conditioner. My turntable, or my cartage, does not pick a hum. I admit, I have a high end Turntable that is damped. I've invested 20,000 on equipment, Poor man's Stereo, compared to these folks. I did notice some clarity.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

That's one of the major reasons I don't like toroidal power transformers.............

[@tarquineous]

I as well do not like the toroidal PLCs that I tried. I use a Richard Grey brand, which is a very heavy (for inside the house use).

[@ashleysmith7238]

even a cheap old Monster power conditioner made my system sound quieter, better

[@hoselrocket2001]

Both AQ Niagara 1200 and even power regenerators stifle dynamics and musical flow. I’ve owned both, Isolation transformers on the other hand just let that music flow with an amazingly low noise floor.

[@xstensl8823]

same result with the Tice.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

That's the way I will go..................isolation transformers.........

[@dtracy03ss]

Your Opinion

[@HungryEatNow]

Yes protection first and foremost