I'd suggest any sceptical ppl to start from the end (the Ikea power strip) and then listen the same song on the AQ around 1h 28mins. If you don't hear the difference, or hear it and don't see all of it as an upgrade, congrats! You just saved a LOT of money. Me however, am going to look WAY deeper into power for damn sure. Kudos again, guys!
Good job, very useful review. Thank you for using plain simple language to describe the differences you were hearing, rather than the audiophile mumbo jumbo. Surprisingly I could hear most of differences on my own, even through the video. Thank you. BTW, I have captured the start times of the comparisons in this video. If it is not some violation of your content rights, please let me know and I will be happy to share in the comments with everyone. Makes it easy for people to re-hear the differences across tracks and devices quickly.
*Part 2: Common-mode noise:* in terms of ac power, common-mode noise is the noise signal between the neutral and the ground conductor. This should not be confused with normal mode noise, which is referenced from the line (hot), and the neutral conductor. Common-mode noise impulses tend to be higher in frequency than the associated normal mode noise signal. This is to be expected since the majority of the common-mode signals originate from capacitively coupled normal mode signals. The higher the frequency, the greater the coupling among the conductors, line, neutral and ground. Electronic equipment is 10 to 100 times more sensitive to common mode noise than normal mode noise.
*Part 3: Low-source and high-source impedance leakage current.* SMPS are also well-known to cause another two other forms of noise, low-source and high-source impedance leakage current. The latter results in _threshold jitter,_ which causes Timing Errors. This is particularly troublesome when using SMPS to power digital-domain devices used for a streaming or "music server" digital music system, e.g. music server computers, master clocks, network routers or bridges, Ethernet switches, and streamers, etc. because our brains are sensitive timing errors in the _picosecond_ time-domain. This is why we need _femtoclocks_ for our digital-domain music reproduction components.
Just some additional information for clarification for viewers in the interest of accuracy. Part 1: *Differential mode noise* is not noise that is in the opposite direction to the "current stream." In differential mode noise, the noise source appears across power supply lines and is in series with the power supply line, and the noise current flows in the *_same direction as the power supply current._* It is called “differential mode” because the *outgoing* and *return* currents are _oppositely-directed._
I’ve just implemented a AQ 3000 from the 1000. This upgrade gave me the the extra bottom end and mid range fullness without losing the great treble and clarity from the 702 s2. Just a great improvement all round, keep up the great reviews!
@@TheAlphaAudio Great video! Which unit did you like the best? I was thinking about buying an Audioquest Niagara 1200 or 3000 for my PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamp & power amp combo. I currently have the Shunyata Venom PS8 power strip w/Defender power conditioner. Not bad at all, but feel I can do better. Do you think the Niagara 3000 would be appropriate or overkill? Thanks
After listening to this entire demo, I am very surprised with what I liked. The audioquest was my favorite, followed by the Torus. I was not a fan of the power strip, but almost preferred it to the Hydra. I am now thinking about getting a high-end power distribution block with no filtering and adding in a Isotek filter.
Appreciate all the time and effort put into this. This just proves each is system dependent. I use a older audience adept power filter. Consider trying them? In the past they have garnered some good reviews. Some are expensive though. Not sure how it would match with focal speakers. It does great with sources likes dacs in mine. A key to any of these power conditioners is to live with them for a while and than try them without. Love to see these devices be long term pieces of a system and not just the next best thing that comes along. Thank!
Wonderful job, guys! I'd been searching for a channel/website like yours for years and finally find this. Thanks for the hard work! (On the side note, would love to hear your thoughts on the Isotek Titan compare to the mix even just on amp alone... and have you tried their sigma?) Anyhow, well done guys and keep up the good work!
The Titan is around 4000 euro and a complete beast for power amps. The difference between the Isotek Titan and these models is big. The Titan is mode dynamic and even more 'quiet'. Sigma's I wanted to test. But couldn't get one due to Corona.
Great work guys! Few take the time to do this kind of review. I run a Shunyata Research Denali 6000 to power a (cough) PS AUDIO SPROUT with a pair of bookshelfs and the look on your faces at @1:11:03 is what i get everyday.
@@cm071678 indeed, the background is quieter (thanks to the noise isolation) and you can hear more details. The QRBB technology in the Denali also provides high current when needed hence the more relaxed presentation. In case you haven’t already, try switching your wall receptacle to an audiophile grade unit, preferably Cryo treated, and see just how far the Denali can go 👍
Thanks so much for all your videos. Just like someone pointed out, I am missing Inakustik AC-4500p in the review. It should be another conditioner with great reviews and one that offers fast and airy sound. I would like to see a comparison of Shunyata and Inakustik power gear.
@@TheAlphaAudio Looking forward to more review on power managment. Also would be great to test digital and analog in separate tests. Power filtering for Pure digital (network switch and streamer) and Pure analog (class A or B pre and power amplifier), in separated tests, this meaning not use DAC in tests, as its both analog and digital. This as digital would e.g. address integrity of clock modules working in MHz region, and analog more in audible Hz range. Many Thanks!
If testing noise reduction power cables, I would like to include IFI AUDIO SUPAQUASAR - Shunyata Delta NR V2 - AudioQuest Blizzard AC. For all power cords I use, I want twisted design, as I been able to measure the radiation from my power cables using a simple cable tracking tool with a speaker. My twisted cables do not have any audible noise next to the cable. This meaning the twisted power cables should have minimal impact to analog interconnects. Also I noticed 2-4 weeks break-in on cables, so would be good to let the cable break-in before testing.
You guys should have a listen to GigaWatt from Poland. I did compare the PF-2 Evo with an AudioQuest Niagara 1200. The AudioQuest sounded broken in comparison. Adam Schubert did his home work this guy is a genius.
I am so glad you guys got more cameras .. but these videos are always useful ..i keep finding reviews and info in Dutch .. that i really want to understand ..and no subtitles wahhhhh
Heej ,vraagje ervaring met een dynavox 7000 of kan ik beter voor een powerquest 2 gaan? Als ik nu mijn elektrische bed beweeg stopt de apple tv er tijdelijk mee en bij de tv stopt het geluid. Vind zelf een uitneembare kabel wel fijn omdat ik verder dan 2meter van het stoptcontact zit en hem dan kan upgraden.nog budget tips? Draai trouwens met een marantz 7013 en mm8077😊
Of een filter het probleem met de Apple tv gaat oplossen, weet ik niet. Maar je kan altijd proberen. Ik denk dat als je voor het bed een simpele galvanische ontkoppeling gebruikt het probleem al stukken minder wordt.
Interesting that you didn’t include Isotek or ps audio in this test. Isotek makes power conditioners too like evo3 sigmas. I’m looking at power conditioners for my system But It’s very confusing.
TheAlphaAudio is it possible to talk? I spoke to ps audio and I’m sure you’ve seen the many posts by Paul McGowan on you tube. He makes a lot of sense. Then I look even at Isotek and they have the genesis for sources.
The Niagara seemed to lower the noise floor, but it also added a sort of "technicolor" vividness in the midrange which didn't sound natural to my ears, in my system. The Denali, and to a lesser degree the P10 both were a better match with my system. The Denali, in particular seems to improve bass tonality/texture in a way the other two did not. I think that's probably down to a few things - the Denali is fully passive - no chokes or transformers, my amp is quite powerful (Parasound JC5), and my speakers have a 3ohm dip right in the mid-bass region. The big Parasound didn't sound good through the Niagara. It sounded better (more dynamic) straight to the wall. With the P10, I could go either way, but in general I preferred the amp through the PS Audio re-generator. The Denali is the only power conditioner which I have tried which had no downsides to running the amp through it, only benefits.
@@ChrisMag100 That's really great insight, thank you. Did you try comparing them only with the front end plugged in while the amp is to the wall? I wonder if the amp is out of the equation, which one is best for the sources and preamp?
So Gene at Audioholics on you tube that an engineer claims power cables, speaker cables, and interconnects are all snake oil, and as long as your impedance is correct it will not be audio measurable,and can not hear an audible difference, does his claim on 20 years of experience on this opinion hold any water?
Just use your ears to judge. There are loads of claims and explanations. As a 'normal human being' I would say: use your own ears. And draw your own conclusions.
@@shannonwilliams6623 Yes. I heard some significant changes (sometimes also for the worse by the way). You should always try (and be open minded). Some components are more sensitive than others.
When you mute your microphone, we can still you hear you talking. You're forgetting you're testing open back headphones. Your voices are being picked up by the dummy head's microphones. It's annoying. I own the Meze Empyreans and they sound the best.
![โฮ่ง! (SUGOI) - LYKN [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nFp4zjAARFs/mqdefault.jpg)
I'd suggest any sceptical ppl to start from the end (the Ikea power strip) and then listen the same song on the AQ around 1h 28mins. If you don't hear the difference, or hear it and don't see all of it as an upgrade, congrats! You just saved a LOT of money. Me however, am going to look WAY deeper into power for damn sure. Kudos again, guys!
Good job, very useful review. Thank you for using plain simple language to describe the differences you were hearing, rather than the audiophile mumbo jumbo. Surprisingly I could hear most of differences on my own, even through the video. Thank you. BTW, I have captured the start times of the comparisons in this video. If it is not some violation of your content rights, please let me know and I will be happy to share in the comments with everyone. Makes it easy for people to re-hear the differences across tracks and devices quickly.
*Part 2: Common-mode noise:* in terms of ac power, common-mode noise is the noise signal between the neutral and the ground conductor. This should not be confused with normal mode noise, which is referenced from the line (hot), and the neutral conductor. Common-mode noise impulses tend to be higher in frequency than the associated normal mode noise signal. This is to be expected since the majority of the common-mode signals originate from capacitively coupled normal mode signals. The higher the frequency, the greater the coupling among the conductors, line, neutral and ground. Electronic equipment is 10 to 100 times more sensitive to common mode noise than normal mode noise.
*Part 3: Low-source and high-source impedance leakage current.* SMPS are also well-known to cause another two other forms of noise, low-source and high-source impedance leakage current. The latter results in _threshold jitter,_ which causes Timing Errors. This is particularly troublesome when using SMPS to power digital-domain devices used for a streaming or "music server" digital music system, e.g. music server computers, master clocks, network routers or bridges, Ethernet switches, and streamers, etc. because our brains are sensitive timing errors in the _picosecond_ time-domain. This is why we need _femtoclocks_ for our digital-domain music reproduction components.
Just some additional information for clarification for viewers in the interest of accuracy. Part 1: *Differential mode noise* is not noise that is in the opposite direction to the "current stream." In differential mode noise, the noise source appears across power supply lines and is in series with the power supply line, and the noise current flows in the *_same direction as the power supply current._* It is called “differential mode” because the *outgoing* and *return* currents are _oppositely-directed._
Correct.
@@TheAlphaAudio Cheers. And, keep up the good work. Love what you guys are doing.
@@stephenscharf6293Thanks for watching and commenting in a constructive way!
@@TheAlphaAudio You are most welcome. Keep up the great work. best regards!
I’ve just implemented a AQ 3000 from the 1000. This upgrade gave me the the extra bottom end and mid range fullness without losing the great treble and clarity from the 702 s2. Just a great improvement all round, keep up the great reviews!
Excellent choice! And thanks!
What are you using to ruin your B&W's? I'm using a Rotel setup to run my 702's and was wondering if the AQ 3000 was more than I needed for my system.
Jason, so you were using a Niagara 1000 and then upgraded to the 3000? If so, can you describe the change in sound in a little more detail?
Also did you plug your amp into it too or just the source and preamp?
Your audio recording of the music was top notch. Enjoyed the whole video of course but that is something I have to mention. Well done.
That's very kind. Thank you!
@@TheAlphaAudio Great video! Which unit did you like the best? I was thinking about buying an Audioquest Niagara 1200 or 3000 for my PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamp & power amp combo. I currently have the Shunyata Venom PS8 power strip w/Defender power conditioner. Not bad at all, but feel I can do better. Do you think the Niagara 3000 would be appropriate or overkill? Thanks
@@DBTAudio I liked the Niagara 3000 best. And no. It's not overkill for the Prima Luna. But try before you buy!
@@TheAlphaAudio Thanks so much for your feedback!
After listening to this entire demo, I am very surprised with what I liked. The audioquest was my favorite, followed by the Torus. I was not a fan of the power strip, but almost preferred it to the Hydra. I am now thinking about getting a high-end power distribution block with no filtering and adding in a Isotek filter.
Appreciate all the time and effort put into this. This just proves each is system dependent. I use a older audience adept power filter. Consider trying them? In the past they have garnered some good reviews. Some are expensive though. Not sure how it would match with focal speakers. It does great with sources likes dacs in mine. A key to any of these power conditioners is to live with them for a while and than try them without. Love to see these devices be long term pieces of a system and not just the next best thing that comes along. Thank!
Thanks for the shootout, i wish there were more tests and impressions like this.
Thanks! We will do tests like this more often. Just follow us ;).
TheAlphaAudio will do. Btw i think the torus was probably too small to handle that Bryson?
@@labalo5 yes. I guess. I tested a bigger one and had no issues.
TheAlphaAudio great Test. What polarity checker do you recommend ?
Wonderful job, guys! I'd been searching for a channel/website like yours for years and finally find this. Thanks for the hard work! (On the side note, would love to hear your thoughts on the Isotek Titan compare to the mix even just on amp alone... and have you tried their sigma?) Anyhow, well done guys and keep up the good work!
Thank you for the kind words!
The Titan is around 4000 euro and a complete beast for power amps. The difference between the Isotek Titan and these models is big. The Titan is mode dynamic and even more 'quiet'.
Sigma's I wanted to test. But couldn't get one due to Corona.
Great work guys! Few take the time to do this kind of review. I run a Shunyata Research Denali 6000 to power a (cough) PS AUDIO SPROUT with a pair of bookshelfs and the look on your faces at @1:11:03 is what i get everyday.
waiting for mine that comes tomorrow... denali v2..let's see
@@cm071678 how's the Denali in your system?
@@seekeroftheways awesome! My system is quieter, blacker, i was very skeptic but you can hear a deferent tone on the music, also more relaxed.
@@cm071678 indeed, the background is quieter (thanks to the noise isolation) and you can hear more details. The QRBB technology in the Denali also provides high current when needed hence the more relaxed presentation. In case you haven’t already, try switching your wall receptacle to an audiophile grade unit, preferably Cryo treated, and see just how far the Denali can go 👍
I liked it the best with that Isotek filter on that was left in by mistake. The most pleasant to listen to.
Audioquest is the winner, by far
20:46 26:58 33:34 44:56
57:02 1:03:09 1:11:58
1:20:20 1:27:53 1:35:52 -> Ikea power strip 1:44:15
Thanks so much for all your videos. Just like someone pointed out, I am missing Inakustik AC-4500p in the review. It should be another conditioner with great reviews and one that offers fast and airy sound. I would like to see a comparison of Shunyata and Inakustik power gear.
We can check it out. We recently did another live stream with power, so not sure how soon we will check it out.
@@TheAlphaAudio Looking forward to more review on power managment. Also would be great to test digital and analog in separate tests. Power filtering for Pure digital (network switch and streamer) and Pure analog (class A or B pre and power amplifier), in separated tests, this meaning not use DAC in tests, as its both analog and digital. This as digital would e.g. address integrity of clock modules working in MHz region, and analog more in audible Hz range. Many Thanks!
If testing noise reduction power cables, I would like to include IFI AUDIO SUPAQUASAR - Shunyata Delta NR V2 - AudioQuest Blizzard AC. For all power cords I use, I want twisted design, as I been able to measure the radiation from my power cables using a simple cable tracking tool with a speaker. My twisted cables do not have any audible noise next to the cable. This meaning the twisted power cables should have minimal impact to analog interconnects. Also I noticed 2-4 weeks break-in on cables, so would be good to let the cable break-in before testing.
The Shunyata and the in to the wall sound the best all the others distort the micro dynamics to my ears....
You guys should have a listen to GigaWatt from Poland. I did compare the PF-2 Evo with an AudioQuest Niagara 1200. The AudioQuest sounded broken in comparison. Adam Schubert did his home work this guy is a genius.
Looking back on this Covid experience and think what a bunch of mugs we all were.
I am so glad you guys got more cameras .. but these videos are always useful ..i keep finding reviews and info in Dutch .. that i really want to understand ..and no subtitles wahhhhh
Sorry. We got more English video's now.
@@TheAlphaAudio Thank You ..No need for apology ..I am the one who does not speak your native language ..
the niagara 3000 i think is some level of Hydra the detail is better in Niagara 3000
Wow. I just seen your demo. I have mcnitosh amplifier. Would it work well with power conditioner or should I use it separately from the conditioner?
Thanks for this. I am surprised I can hear a difference.
I'm shocked more than you
I am wondering if your power is 240v and not 120v does that mean there could be potentially more noise?
@@timeWaster76
Excellent Video and great sound recording. Hope you can share the Audio Recording Set-up (Hardware & Software). Hope to have your inputs.
Hi Vinod,
Thanks for the kind words. Rec setup is done with a matched pair Rode TF5, Grace M108 pre-amp and A Benchmark AD16.
Sorry, do you guys make, sell or distribute Torus? Just asking. Great vid!!!
Hey Don,
Nope... we just review stuff :-)
@@TheAlphaAudio WOW. Torus!!
Leuk gedaan! Bedankt, zal zeker eerst gaan proberen alvorens meteen te kopen
Ik gebruik de Inakustik ac 3500p, en ben hier zeer tevreden over, maar zou graag ook de audioquest is testen.
Doen!
Are you kidding two hours of this ?
Heej ,vraagje ervaring met een dynavox 7000 of kan ik beter voor een powerquest 2 gaan? Als ik nu mijn elektrische bed beweeg stopt de apple tv er tijdelijk mee en bij de tv stopt het geluid. Vind zelf een uitneembare kabel wel fijn omdat ik verder dan 2meter van het stoptcontact zit en hem dan kan upgraden.nog budget tips? Draai trouwens met een marantz 7013 en mm8077😊
Of een filter het probleem met de Apple tv gaat oplossen, weet ik niet. Maar je kan altijd proberen. Ik denk dat als je voor het bed een simpele galvanische ontkoppeling gebruikt het probleem al stukken minder wordt.
TheAlphaAudio galvanische ontkopeling wat houd dat in? Ben audioholic in de leer hahaha.
@@dodjo18 dat is in feite een trafo die pieken en ruis wegfiltert. Je hebt ze groot, klein, duur en goedkoop. Voor een bed heb je geen dure nodig. ;).
good morning
What polarity checker do you recommend ?
I like the Kemp Ultimate polarity checker a lot. But there are more... I am not an expert. Sorry.
MIT makes great power conditioners.
Yes! True.
What is the brand and model of the filter you removed at the end?
That was the Isotek Isoplug.
Where is the isotek stuff?
They didn't send it in
Hi may i know what is the artist and title of the song played at 1hr:20min approx thanks
Paint the World by Zosja...
Thanks much
Why don’t you tell which one in which time. No info in description. Very very sad.
It was a completely Free live-stream.
Interesting that you didn’t include Isotek or ps audio in this test. Isotek makes power conditioners too like evo3 sigmas. I’m looking at power conditioners for my system But It’s very confusing.
We wanted Isotek. But it wasn't available... PsAudio builds mainly regenerators... That is very different.
TheAlphaAudio is it possible to talk? I spoke to ps audio and I’m sure you’ve seen the many posts by Paul McGowan on you tube. He makes a lot of sense. Then I look even at Isotek and they have the genesis for sources.
@@sumitagg1 You can always send an e-mail via www.alpha-audio.net. We always answer within a day. Is that okay?
@@TheAlphaAudio lets start with that. look out for my email.
@@sumitagg1 okido! Thanks!
Hi what would recommend for a feliks audio elise amd in combination with denafrips pontus. thx
I don't know. Haven't tested it.
You guys need to time-stamp these videos where the audio sample for each device begins.
We started doing that. Check the newer video's.
I've owned the Niagara 5000, PS Audio P10 and Shunyata Denali 6000 v2. In my system, the Shunyata is the best of the lot.
What made the Denali better than Audioquest?
The Niagara seemed to lower the noise floor, but it also added a sort of "technicolor" vividness in the midrange which didn't sound natural to my ears, in my system. The Denali, and to a lesser degree the P10 both were a better match with my system.
The Denali, in particular seems to improve bass tonality/texture in a way the other two did not. I think that's probably down to a few things - the Denali is fully passive - no chokes or transformers, my amp is quite powerful (Parasound JC5), and my speakers have a 3ohm dip right in the mid-bass region.
The big Parasound didn't sound good through the Niagara. It sounded better (more dynamic) straight to the wall. With the P10, I could go either way, but in general I preferred the amp through the PS Audio re-generator. The Denali is the only power conditioner which I have tried which had no downsides to running the amp through it, only benefits.
@@ChrisMag100 That's really great insight, thank you. Did you try comparing them only with the front end plugged in while the amp is to the wall? I wonder if the amp is out of the equation, which one is best for the sources and preamp?
@@divertiti Not on the same day. Once the P10 went in, it never left until I heard the Denali.
So Gene at Audioholics on you tube that an engineer claims power cables, speaker cables, and interconnects are all snake oil, and as long as your impedance is correct it will not be audio measurable,and can not hear an audible difference, does his claim on 20 years of experience on this opinion hold any water?
Just use your ears to judge. There are loads of claims and explanations. As a 'normal human being' I would say: use your own ears. And draw your own conclusions.
@@TheAlphaAudio are cables measurable?
@@shannonwilliams6623 Yes they are. In terms of capacitance, microphony, resistance, shielding... etc.
@@TheAlphaAudio A power cable changed to a better power cable on a component, in your opinion can you hear a audible difference?
@@shannonwilliams6623 Yes. I heard some significant changes (sometimes also for the worse by the way). You should always try (and be open minded). Some components are more sensitive than others.
Hydra was very dull
Furman 🎉
Vraag: hoe zit het met aarde. De meeste nl huiskamers hebben geen geaarde stopcontacten.
Dan is het minder effectief. Maar het werkt nog steeds. Echter: aarde is aan te raden om meerdere redenen. Veiligheid is er 1.
En wat is nu de uitslag? Ik heb geen zin en tijd om de hele slecht klinkende video door te ploegen...
I prefer the el cheapo Ikea outlet with the Isoplug over the Torus.
When you mute your microphone, we can still you hear you talking. You're forgetting you're testing open back headphones. Your voices are being picked up by the dummy head's microphones. It's annoying. I own the Meze Empyreans and they sound the best.
i don't like guy on left much. he seems a little pushy
Audio science review have just tested the audioquest, and guess what.