About the AudioQuest NRG-Y3
Aftermarket power cords may surprise you. They surprised me.
Aftermarket power cords may surprise you. They surprised me.
The AC power that feeds your gear is really the foundation of your system's audio and video performance. Even if you've plugged your components into a power conditioner to clean up the current coming out of your wall, a flimsy stock power cord can act as an antenna for airborne interference that subtly degrades high-resolution audio and video signals.
I was an aftermarket power cord skeptic until I tried one on my high-performance DAC about 15 years ago. The sonic improvement was undeniable.
Advanced materials and construction for lower distortion
AudioQuest's NRG-Y3 uses solid conductors made of high-purity Long-Grain Copper. Solid conductors eliminate interaction between wire strands, which is a major source of distortion in an AC power cable. AQ's Semi-Solid Concentric conductor arrangement packs strands very tightly so that they never change position within the bundle, which significantly reduces distortion.
Where to start when upgrading power cords
The NRG-Y3 works with most components that have a detachable, three-pole IEC power cord. Some devices respond more noticeably than others to a better power cable. Opinions vary, but here's how I would prioritize upgrading your power cords:
- source (CD player, DAC, phono preamp)
- power amplifier, powered speakers
- preamp or A/V pre-pro, power conditioner
- powered subwoofer
Product highlights:
- 3-prong connector for wall outlet, 3-pole IEC "C13" connector for component
- direction-controlled Long-Grain Copper conductors
- Semi-Solid Concentric conductor arrangement reduces strand interaction distortion
- direction-controlled Silver-Plated shield conductors efficiently drain RF noise from the line and neutral shields to ground via the third "ground" pin
- low DC resistance and zero characteristic impedance help deliver uncompressed transients on demand
- maximum current capacity: 12 amps
- textile braid cable cover
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # NRG-Y3 2m
What's in the box:
- 6.5' AC power cable (with 3-pole IEC connector on one end and a 3-prong AC plug on other end)
Customer reviews for AudioQuest NRG-Y3
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More details on the AudioQuest NRG-Y3
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Features
NRG-Y3 Series AC Power Cable: The AudioQuest NRG-Y3 AC power cable uses direction-controlled Long-Grain-Copper (LGC) strands in a Semi-Solid Concentric conductor arrangement in which strands are packed more tightly and never change position within the bundle. This construction significantly reduces strand interaction distortion. The greater purity and less complicated grain structure within LGC copper further reduces distortion. In addition, the NRG-Y3 power cable's direction-controlled Silver-Plated shield conductors efficiently drain RF noise from the line and neutral shields to ground via the third "ground" pin.
Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Long-Grain Copper (LGC) Conductors: In a conventional multi-strand cable, distortion caused by electrical and magnetic strand interaction is compounded as each strand changes position within the bundle. In an AQ Semi-Solid Concentric Packed cable, strands within the bundle maintain their fixed relationships, significantly reducing distortion. Long-Grain Copper (LGC) allows a smoother and clearer sound than cables using regular OFHC (Oxygen-Free High-Conductivity) copper. LGC has fewer oxides within the conducting material, less impurities, less grain boundaries, and definitively better performance.
Silver-Plated Drain Wires: Direction-controlled Silver-Plated shield conductors efficiently drain RF noise from the line and neutral shields to ground via the third "ground" pin. The net result is powerful, dynamic, and immersive.
Zero Characteristic Impedance: While many AC power cables feature low DC resistance in order to accommodate the demand for high current, a cable's characteristic impedance is also crucial for optimal performance. Unlike most AC cables that constrict or compress an audio-provoked transient, AudioQuest AC cables combine low DC resistance and zero (no) characteristic impedance in order to deliver uncompressed transients on demand.
Connectors: The AudioQuest NRG-Y3 AC power cable features a 3-pole IEC connector on one end to plug into your audio/video electronic component and a 3-prong North American AC connector on other end to plug into your AC wall outlet, power conditioner, or surge protector.
Available Lengths: The AudioQuest NRG-Y3 Series power cable is available in 3.25', 6.5', and 10' lengths.
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I have the Cambridge audio AXA 85 on some emotivo t1 Plus and adding this upgrade was almost night and day even my wife noticed a big difference I hope this helps anyone that just starting there audiophile journey
Harry from Gonzales