About the AudioQuest NRG-Z3
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 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. To this day it's the most dramatic cable-related enhancement I've ever heard in my system.
Advanced materials and construction for lower distortion
AudioQuest's NRG-Z3 uses solid conductors made of high-purity Perfect-Surface 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-Z3 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 Perfect-Surface 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: 15 amps
- textile braid cable cover
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # NRG-Z3 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)
Reviews (22)
Customer reviews for AudioQuest NRG-Z3
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Features
NRG-Z3 Series AC Power Cable: The AudioQuest NRG-Z3 Series AC power cable uses direction-controlled Perfect-Surface Copper + (PSC+) 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 extremely pure and smooth-surface PSC+ conductors minimize distortion caused by grain boundaries which exist in any metal conductor. In addition, NRG-Z3'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 Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) Conductors: In a Semi-Solid Concentric arrangement, the conductor strands are packed more tightly and never change position within the bundle. This construction significantly reduces strand-interaction distortion. The extremely pure and smooth surface PSC+ conductors minimize distortion caused by the grain boundaries that exist within any metal conductor.
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-Z3 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-Z3 Series power cable is available in 3.25', 6.5', and 10' lengths.
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Customer Q&A
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I decided to give these a try when I noticed a hum from my turntable in the system. I used them for the Amp and phono preamp. The difference is pretty noticeable. Virtually no hum in the system.
Dave from Alexandria, VA