About the AudioQuest Niagara 3000
Heavy-duty component with sophisticated AC power conditioning
Heavy-duty component with sophisticated AC power conditioning
Let's clear up a misconception: power protection isn't just about preventing the gut-punch of a catastrophic power surge. Of course, the AudioQuest Niagara 3000 can certainly guard your home theater or stereo gear from harmful, sudden spikes. But this rock-solid component is designed to do so much more for your top-notch audio and video equipment.
AudioQuest's cutting-edge technologies practically eliminate all the filthy power noise that comes from electricity's long, chaotic trek to your home.
The AudioQuest Niagara 3000 has seven protected AC outlets with three isolated filter banks on the back panel.
A new solution to a century-old problem
Garth Powell, the designer of the AudioQuest Niagara-series components, explains that "AC current is a century-old technology created for incandescent lights and electric motors — technology that was certainly never meant to power the sophisticated analog and digital circuits used in premium audio/video systems."
For today's advanced audio gear to sound its best, there has to be extremely low noise across all frequencies. That way you can hear all those wonderful details and lifelike dynamics. So the company has a laser-like focus on eliminating AC-related noise, as well as reducing the harmful effects of RFI and EMI.
Eliminating noise without limiting current
The key to the Niagara 3000's performance is its wideband linearity, designed to avoid the current compression and distortion that typically characterize less sophisticated AC power conditioners. The Niagara 3000's "secret sauce" is AudioQuest's patented Ground Noise-Dissipation technology.
Why is dissipating ground noise so critical?
A surprising amount of AC noise can be traced to the ground lead. Because the electrical service depends on this lead primarily for safety, there are very few ways to effectively reduce ground noise. On top of that, many audio circuits actually depend on the AC ground lead to ensure an electrical ground reference for minimal system hum.
The ground lead: an often-ignored source of RF noise
The typical 3-prong AC connector has three wires: line, neutral, and ground. In contrast to the line and neutral leads, the ground lead bypasses the component power supply and makes a direct connection to many critical analog and digital circuits, introducing a torrent of RF (radio frequency) noise. This noise is spread across a wide range of frequencies and impedances, which is why simple filters are only partially effective.
And even when the noise itself isn't audible it can mask or distort low-level audio signals, resulting in grainy sound and a constricted soundstage.
AudioQuest diverts the noise
AudioQuest's patented circuit combines ultra-low impedance (at 50-60Hz) induction with proper lead orientation for optimal noise dissipation. The noise currents that would otherwise result in audible distortion are instead directed away from the sensitive audio circuits for sound that is cleaner, clearer, and more dynamic and relaxed.
Comprehensive surge protection for your system
The Niagara 3000 has seven AC outlets to protect your entire A/V system. There are two high-current outlets that will protect your receiver or power amp without ever limiting the AC current it needs. The other five outlets feature multi-level noise filtering to remove AC line noise and ground noise.
The Niagara 3000's non-sacrificial surge protection can withstand multiple AC surges and spikes up to 6000 volts or 3000 amps — the maximum that can make it through a home or office electrical panel. Lesser units sacrifice themselves in order to suppress significant surges. The Niagara 3000 is unaffected by such surges, surviving to do its job over and over again as necessary.
Undervoltage shutdown is not used, since undervoltage alone rarely damages circuits. It's the massive overvoltage that often follows an undervoltage brown-out that you have to guard against. The Niagara overvoltage circuit responds in a fraction of a second, resetting the output when the AC voltage returns to a safe range.
Product highlights:
- component-style surge protector with advanced power line conditioning
- outlets placed on back-panel for easier connection and neat, clean look
- rubber feet included for safe, secure grip
- total of 7 protected AC outlets with three isolated filter banks:
- 2 high-current Ground-Noise Dissipated outlet for connecting a power amplifier or receiver
- 5 Ultra-Linear Filtered/Ground Noise Dissipated outlets for connecting source components
- Transient Power Correction provides over 55 amps peak instantaneous current reservoir for current-starved power amplifiers
- patented Ground Noise-Dissipation System vastly reduces ground-borne noise without compromising safety or creating low-level ground loops
- Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation Technology ensures the most consistent and widest bandwidth noise dissipation possible
- Zero Ground-Contamination Technology prevents the noise or surge energy present on AC Line or Neutral from connecting to the AC Ground
- direction-controlled ultra-low-resistance solid-core wiring
- ultra-linear AudioQuest AC RF filtering capacitors
- low impedance NRG Series AC power inlet and outlets
- connections feature the superior grip and lower resistance of beryllium copper, plus a heavy Hanging-Silver plating to ensure the lowest impedance at radio frequencies, enabling superior noise dissipation
- AudioQuest's NRG-Z3 or NRG-Y3 model power cables sold separately in different length options
- non-sacrificial surge protection can withstand multiple AC surges and spikes up to 6000 volts or 3000 amps
- overvoltage shutdown with automatic reset
- maximum current rating: 15 amps
- Note: Niagara power conditioners do not include an AC power cable
- 17-1/2"W x 3-1/2"H x 15-1/8"D
- weight: 25 lbs.
- warranty: 3 years (5 years with registration)
- MFR # Niagara 3000
What's in the box:
AudioQuest Niagara 3000 owner's manual
- Power conditioner/surge protector
- Cleaning cloth
- Owner's Manual
- Quick Start Guide
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Customer reviews for AudioQuest Niagara 3000
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Features & specs
| Type | Component | |
| Total AC Outlets | 7 | |
| Total Current Capacity | 15 | |
| High-Current Outlets | 2 | |
| USB Connections | None | |
| Coaxial RF Jacks | No | |
| Line Conditioning | Yes | |
| Joule Rating | N/A | |
| Powerline Network Compatible | No | |
| Connected Equipment Guarantee | N/A | |
| Width (inches) | 17-1/2 | |
| Height (inches) | 3-1/2 | |
| Depth (inches) | 15-1/4 | |
| Weight (pounds) | 24.9 | |
| Parts Warranty | 3 Yrs (5 Yrs registered) | |
| Labor Warranty | 3 Yrs (5 Yrs registered) | |
Product Research
Features
7 AC Power Outlets (3 Banks): The Niagara 3000 is equipped with a total of 7 AC power outlets divided into three banks. There is one High-Current/Low-Z Bank that consists of two AC power outlets, and two Level-X Linear Noise Dissipation System bank that consists of 5 AC power outlets total.
High Current/Low-Z Power Outlets: There is one back of High Current/Low-Z Power AC outlets that consists of two AC power outlets. The outlets feature AQ's Transient Power Correction Technology, and are designed to enhance the performance of power amplifiers via our circuit's low-impedance transient current reservoir. Power amplifiers, monoblock amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, powered receivers, or powered subwoofers should only be connected to these four outlets.
- Ultra Low-Z (low impedance) NRG Series AC Power Outlets: The High Current AC outlets not only feature a grip with far lower resistance (utilizing far more mass than conventional or audiophile-grade designs), but they also include a heavy Hanging-Silver plating to ensure the lowest impedance at radio frequencies, enabling superior noise dissipation.
- Transient Power Correction: AQ's Transient Power Correction Technology provides over 55 amps peak instantaneous current reservoir with reduced line impedance for current-starved power amplifiers, whether they incorporate linear or switching power supplies
Noise Reduction: The Niagara 3000 uses both AQ's patented AC Ground Noise-Dissipation System and Level-X Linear Noise Dissipation System.
- Level-X Linear Noise-Dissipation Technology: There are two Level-X Linear Noise-Dissipation Technology banks that features five AC power outlets, total. Level-X Linear Noise-Dissipation Technology ensures the most consistent and widest bandwidth noise dissipation possible, without the inconsistent results that typify minimalist, multi-node resonant peaking found in many AC power conditioners. More than 21 octaves differential-mode filtering (3kHz-1GHz in excess of 24dB reduction) with linear response, optimized for varying line and load impedance.
- Patented Ground Noise-Dissipation System: The Niagara 3000 also offers direction-controlled ground noise dissipation. AQ's patented technology vastly reduces ground-borne noise without compromising safety or creating low-level ground loops
Non-Sacrificial Surge Suppression: The Niagara 3000 employs non-sacrificial surge protection. It will accept multiple transient power surges and spikes up to 6000V or 3000A (the maximum that can make it through a home or office electrical panel). If a lightning strike produces enough voltage to damage electronic circuits, the Niagara will still survive and the outlets will shut off until the AC line is normal and safe for operation. A massive voltage sag (under 70 VAC), will shut the unit off. It will automatically reset when the voltage is in a safe range. Damage from electrical storms or power-line interruption is virtually impossible.
Automatic Over-Voltage Protection: One portion of the Niagara 3000's non-sacrificial surge protection is dedicated to a fast-acting extreme voltage shutdown circuit. If more than 140VAC is present on the incoming AC line for more than a quarter of a second, the circuit will instantly open a high-current relay that will disengage the AC power from all of the Niagara 3000's AC outlets. Once the event has passed and the AC voltage is back within a safe range, the Niagara 3000 will reset itself and re-engage.
AC Power Requirements: Ideally, the power source to which the Niagara 3000 is connected should be adequate for use at 120V single-phase nominal voltage, 15 amps (current capacity RMS). For proper operation, the Niagara 3000 requires a safety ground (supplied via the power utility AC wall outlet).
- Power Cord Sold Separately: The unit has an IEC-C20 main-in power socket. No AC power cord is included with the Niagara 3000, so you will need to purchase an IEC-C19-compatible power cord (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) before using this product.
- Do Not Daisy Chain: Do not plug one Niagara Series product into another. As all of the current Niagara Series products utilize a linearized filter. Plugging one into another would place two filters in series which would create non-linear (inconsistent) filtering via resonance ringing modes.
Mounting Options: The Niagara 3000 may be placed on any table, cabinet, shelf, or floor. The Niagara 3000 may be rack-mounted in a standard 19' rack by attaching the optional Niagara Series 2-RU rack ears (sold separately). When rack-mounting is required, the four threaded feet may be removed with a standard Phillips screwdriver.
3 or 5 Year Warranty: The Niagara 3000 features a 3-year warranty out of the box and a 5-year warranty with registration. However, there is no connected equipment warranty.
Buzzing Sound: If you're in an extraordinarily quiet room and you hear a buzzing sound only when in relatively close proximity to the Niagara 3000, or only when you place your ear next to the unit, the buzzing is normal and cannot be entirely eliminated. Although, in some cases, it can be considerably reduced via careful routing of one or more component power supplies that have severely clipped AC waveforms, and moving them to the adjacent Symmetrical Power Bank, or at times the High Current Bank.
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Customer Q&A
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Had my doubts but wow it did make a big difference with my system. Not only in the sound via an Arcam Avr21 and separate power amps but also in the picture quality of my Sony oled. Great addition to my setup.
David from Cumberland, RI