AudioQuest Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power | Noise-Dissipation System
A couple of years ago, I was introduced to AudioQuest’s ‘Low-Z Power | Noise-Dissipation System’ products by a deep dive shootout at my place with the local dealer followed by an Audiophilia review of the 5000 model ($4999). The introduction continued with a lengthy demonstration of the top of the line unit, the 7000 ($9499), at a Vancouver dealer event. Not only were the differences between each model easy to hear, but the overall effect of AudioQuest’s Low-Z products was very impressive. The Niagara Series models include the 3000 ($2995), 5000, 7000 and entry level 1200 ($995), the subject of this review.
AudioQuest’s Senior Director of Engineering, Garth Powell, has put an inordinate amount of time into the design and development of the Niagara Series of power conditioners. Anybody listening to his three hour evangelical lecture/demos will know that. The Passion According to St. Garth.
And in the name of a team approach, William Low, AudioQuest CEO says: As with all good design, getting rid of the devil in AC power requires attention to every detail.
The Niagara 1200 replaces the original entry level model 1000 by shape and weight—a rack style component rather than a very beefy power strip. Like the 1000, the 1200 retails for $995. The new 1200 shape and metal styling allows customers to place their unit in the standard way (cables out the back), face down (cables in the air), even on one end. Standard, for me. The finish is a very lovely, textured, pale blue with a bright blue LED power light indicator on the side with large on/off rocker switch.
My use
I was surprised at the reasonable MSRP during unboxing. The fit & finish is so good. Setup is as easy as position choice. The rear panel has 5 source outlets and 2 high current. My review unit was powered on continuously. I used the Anticables Level 3 Reference Series Power Cord ($330/metre) for the unit’s power. As AudioQuest is a leader in cabling of all sorts and wanted the 1200 heard in its best light, they supplied two upgraded power cords. All three worked well. In the final weeks of the review, I powered the unit with the $1400 Allnic Audio ZL-3000 Power Cable (review forthcoming). Pricewise, a little overkill. However, the ZL-3000 is superb and worked seamlessly with the 1200.
I was in need of a power conditioner as my long term unit died a miserable death, tripping all sorts of breakers. I had an electrician check the circuit. All good. The only casualty, my Allnic Audio H-7000 Phono Stage’s rectifier tube.
I purchased an Amazon stop gap, with surprisingly good results, but knew a serious contender was needed for the long term. I contacted two of the best guys representing legacy gear, Stephen Mejias of AudioQuest and Frank Doris of PS Audio. The PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12 review will be up late Spring. I’d like to thank Stephen and Frank for their timely correspondence and kindness in providing products for review.
Much like the 3000, 5000 and 7000, AudioQuest writes of the 1200:
The Niagara 1200 uses ultra-low resistance solid-core wiring optimized for low-noise directionality, capacitor forming technologies that vastly improve linearity and minimize distortion, and low-impedance AC inlet and outlet contacts with heavy silver plating over high-purity Beryllium Copper for superior noise dissipation. Similarly, Niagara 1200 features our non-sacrificial surge protection, patented Ground Noise-Dissipation technology, and over-voltage shutdown. The Niagara 1200’s non-sacrificial protection circuits ensure that your system is thoroughly protected from AC surges and spikes.
Specifications
Level-X Linear Noise-Dissipation Technology: More than 19 octaves of AC differential filtering (20kHz–1Ghz in excess of 24dB) with linear response, optimized for varying line and load impedance
Patented Ground Noise-Dissipation System (All outlets): 2 banks of direction-controlled ground noise-dissipation
Non-Sacrificial Surge Protection: Withstands multiple AC surges and spikes up to 6000V/3000A without sustaining damage—sonically non-invasive
Maximum RMS Input Current: 15 Amps (RMS)
Dimensions: 19.4" W x 3.2 H" x 7.5" D
Weight: 18 lbs.
Sound
The WAudio 3900 lowered the noise floor significantly compared to power strip I used for safety the week before Amazon delivered. The problem with the WAudio was the lack of coherence, the loosey goosey, almost sloppy portrayal of instrumental and vocal images. Melodies floated, not in a good way, and layering was in blocks rather than front to back. For $200, this sonic care package did its job.
Before my reference blew up, it did a fine job at revealing fine details and lowering the noise floor. It retailed for $2000. The $995 AudioQuest 1200 did an equally fine job but what I found quite remarkable was the layering of musical ideas and lines.
As soon as I placed the Mercury vinyl reissue of Stravinsky’s The Firebird (LSO/Dorati/1959) with its opening, ominous rumblings in the bass and muted trombones, the LSO sections sounded beautifully layered in the KIngsway Hall acoustic. Not just from podium to percussion, but very specific images with a very dark background. All the fine details of the LSO artists’ musical ideas were heard superbly—the slightest accent of a muted horn rear stage left (Barry Tuckwell), a clarinet squeak, heard almost imperceptibly as only the finest professional can cover (Gervase de Peyer), from the dead centre of the musical picture. I was very impressed. And this, right out of the box.
Break in? I’m not sure I heard many differences as the review period continued. The 1200 simply allowed me to hear all my sources in a very coherent manner. Once in a while, our systems are unlucky enough to suffer from line distortion, interference, or just experience a bad day, and there is a feeling of aural confinement. It’s always unpleasant. Having a 1200 in your system will leave it to do what it does best via a low noise floor and a black background from which emanate the most beautiful, musical details. Plug & play. Set it & forget it. Seen and not heard, like compliant children or a great houseguest.
Summary
I’ve been a huge fan of power conditioners since a salesman plugged in an early MIT (I forget the model, but is was 5K in the early ‘90s) and it transformed the system I was auditioning in a Queen St, Toronto store—an area known for crap power. Night and day. Of course, some conditioners I’ve heard, especially those not considering an amplifier’s high current needs, choked the life out of the sound. Happily, the AudioQuest Niagara Series has a wonderful consistency. Source or amplification, your gear is going to be treated with kid gloves.
If you have the cash, getting the new 3000 or the superb 5000 would elevate your system even further, but if not, the 1200 at $995 is a bargain. It’ll give you a serious taste of how Powell’s wonderful designs improve a system. Very highly recommended.
Further information: AudioQuest
