Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Quieter background, revealing more dynamic, textural, and tonal detail in music
- AC ground noise dissipation, which cleans the ground and differentiates AudioQuest from other brands
- Clean power, with the 5000 providing better cleaning than the 3000
- A transient power correction circuit that can supply 80+ amps peak and provides a low impedance for amplifiers
- Ultra-linear noise-dissipation technology that reduces AC line noise over a wide bandwidth
Product Considerations
- Power cords do not come included and must be purchased separately
- The character of the Niagara must be matched to the system
- Sizable unit, similar in size and weight to a stereo amplifier
- The effectiveness of any power conditioner is highly variable and dependent on the user's specific power conditions, so 'try before you buy' is highly appropriate
- Some reviewers found that the Niagara 5000 sounded shrill at first and required a settling in period
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PS Audio P20—Niagara 5000 exhibits a more outgoing personality and displays a tad more flamboyance
Takeaway: The Niagara cleans up power, making music clearer and more detailed, which allows components to perform even better. It is a thoughtfully designed conditioner that can be a valuable addition to a system struggling with polluted mains.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
AudioQuest Rocket
- Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range option within the lineup, offering solid performance at a more accessible price point.
- Description: Uses solid-core construction and Perfect Surface Copper (PSC) rather than the more expensive Perfect Surface Copper+ (PSC+). These cables are ideal for users with a moderate budget who want to enhance their audio system's bass performance without the need for the advanced noise dissipation technologies found in higher-end models.
AudioQuest Robin Hood
- Positioning: Part of the Folk Hero lineup, offering advanced technologies at a step below the top-tier models.
- Description: Features ZERO technology, which minimizes impedance and enhances signal clarity. Compared to the Rocket series, offers improved separation and detail. While not as advanced as the William Tell, it provides a significant upgrade over older models like the Castle Rock.
AudioQuest William Tell
- Positioning: Part of the Folk Hero series, positioned just below the flagship Mythical Creatures series.
- Description: Incorporates ZERO technology and a 72V Dielectric-Bias System, offering superior noise dissipation and signal integrity. Compared to the Robin Hood, provides a more robust build. The use of Perfect Surface Copper+ (PSC+) further distinguishes it from lower-tier models.
AudioQuest Thunderbird
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the Mythical Creatures series, offering high-end features at a more accessible price than its siblings.
- Description: Uses high-purity Perfect Surface Copper+ (PSC+) and advanced noise dissipation technologies. While not as refined as the Firebird or Dragon, offers a balanced tonal quality and is suitable for users seeking high performance without the top-tier price.
AudioQuest Firebird
- Positioning: Sits between Thunderbird and Dragon in the Mythical Creatures series, offering a higher level of performance.
- Description: Features clarity and detail, with a clean and punchy bass that surpasses the Thunderbird. They are designed for audiophiles who demand superior sound quality.
AudioQuest Dragon
- Positioning: The flagship model in the Mythical Creatures series, representing the pinnacle of cable technology.
- Description: Offers exceptional transparency, with a vivid midrange and rich tonal color. Compared to the Firebird, provides an even darker background and more detailed sound.
Read the reviews
Niagara 5000
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Manufacturer's notes
Noise Dissipation: Linear Noise Dissipation and Patented Ground-Noise Dissipation- 6 Banks (all outlets)
Power Cable: Not included. An AudioQuest Direction-Controlled AC power cable is required to take full advantage of the Niagara’s Noise-Dissipation Technology.
Transient Power Correction: 90 amps peak (up to 25mS)
Non-Sacrificial Surge Protection: Yes
Outlets: 12 total: (8) Source / (4) High-Current
Maximum RMS Current: 20 Amps (RMS) @ 120V
DBS Symmetrical Power Isolation Transformer: No
Our take on the brand
Used
AudioQuest
What if you spend a bit more?
The most significant differences compared to the PC-3 SE EVO+ : – 12 output sockets in 3 separated sections – circuit boards with increased layer thickness – filters based on high-flux cores – distribution rails made of silver-plated, highly conductive copper (99.997%) with a section of 45mm2 – two-pole hydraulic-magnetic switch – 6500W two-pole internal relay – proprietary capacitors with enlarged capacity – enlarged capacity compensation batteries of buffer systems – surge protection systems with increased capacity – C19 input socket – ultra-rigid, non-magnetic aluminum chassis – reference anti-vibration feet Rolling-Ball Isolation System – grounding terminal – PowerSync ULTRA power cord as standard
All internal components of the conditioner are enclosed in an ultra-rigid, non-magnetic aluminum chassis. To reduce vibrations transmitted to the conditioner, the top cover was additionally damped with a bitumen-polymer composite mat. The conditioner rests on reference anti-vibration feet – Rolling-Ball Isolation System. This system is minimizing the number of contacting points between the foot, the conditioner's case and the floor. It results into a sigificant reduction of mechanical vibrations which have a negative affect on the conditioner's internal components, degrading the sound. Another isolation element, on which the whole construction is supported, is the proprietary elastomer, 5mm thick. In the central part there is an LED display indicating the value of the input voltage. The voltmeter is characterized by resistance to distortion and measurement errors caused by higher harmonics, while not generating any interference that could degrade the quality of the voltage filtered by the conditioner. The display can be turned off and it comes in white as standard. Nine other colors are available upon request.
The PC-4 EVO+ has twelve, top-quality proprietary output sockets, with contacts of large surface area. The brass contacts are technically silver plated, with no intermediate metal layers such as copper or nickel. The input jack is the company's C19 connector with rhodium-plated contacts. The conditioner is also equipped with a system signalling incorrect connection of the device to the mains. Its activation is indicated by a red LED located on the back, informing of incorrect polarity of the conditioner's power supply or lack of grounding.
The design of the PC-4 EVO+ v21 is based on a unique eight-stage filter architecture that uses the most advanced, uncompromised components. The conditioner is equipped with three autonomous filtering branches, serving separate three sections, consisting of four outlets each. This allows isolation of individual loads from mutual interference generated by connected devices using a common power line. The innovative two-stage power distribution system is based on massive distribution rails made of silver-plated OFHC C10100 oxygen-free copper bars of 99.997% purity. The first stage allows for lossless and even voltage distribution to the individual filter branches. The second stage delivers current directly to each quart of output sockets. The company's semi-multistrand conductors with enlarged cross-section, made of silver-plated oxygen-free copper insulated with Teflon, are responsible for the transmission of current between the individual modules. These solutions ensure even and stable power distribution regardless of the load on the individual outputs of the conditioner.
The company's anti-interference capacitors are responsible for the essential filtering of interference, and are manufactured under GigaWatt's specifications. Surge protection of the conditioner is provided by high-end components with increased absorption and aging resistance. A two-pole hydraulic-magnetic circuit breaker custom manufactured to GigaWatt specifications was used as overload protection. This component acts as a circuit to control the value of current flowing through the internal circuits and as the main circuit breaker of the conditioner. Lossless current transmission is ensured by printed circuits with extremely wide conductive paths made of silver-plated copper of extreme thickness representing up to fifteen times the thickness of standard PCBs. Interference suppression is provided by RLC-type filtering blocks, built using, among other things, the company's Audio Grade filter capacitors and filters based on cores with significantly lower power losses, enabling a significant increase in the value of the current flowing through the filter.
Standard equipment of the PC-4 EVO+ v21 is the DC Offset Blocker – a circuit that eliminates the unwanted DC component of the electrical grid. It allows to effectively eliminate this phenomenon, without causing compression or any other negative effect on the sound. The design of the conditioner's internal components allows it to handle an instantaneous load of 100A! To ensure the highest possible impulse response, the PC-4 EVO+ is equipped with a dual buffer circuit with Audio Grade compensation batteries of our own design. The circuit increases the current capacity of the conditioner allowing almost unlimited impulse capabilities, unparalleled by other similar passive conditioners and unattainable by active conditioners. The impulse capabilities of the PC-4 EVO+ v21 exceed even the current values of a pure power line without additional devices.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improves sound quality by removing subtle grain, leading to a purer reproduction of sound
- Enhances dynamics and impact, allowing music to flow more freely and organically
- Effectively eliminates noise from the powerline, as demonstrated by removing a surging buzz in one system
- Offers surge protection and overload protection without throttling current flow
- Features high-quality components such as proprietary power sockets, RLC filtering blocks, and silver-plated copper wiring, ensuring robust and clean power delivery
Product Considerations
- May require a 'settling in' period to reach its optimal performance
- The choice of power cable can influence the sound signature, requiring experimentation to match system needs
- Careful cable management is needed to avoid cable chaos, due to the size and number of outlets
- The initial investment may be significant
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PC-3 SE EVO+—the PC-4 EVO+ '21 offers better differentiation in individual groups of instruments at the micro level
Takeaway: The PC-4 EVO+ offers a clean and robust power solution for high-end audio systems, enhancing sound quality and dynamics by eliminating noise and removing restraints, making the music more engaging. It is a well-built, top-class product that improves the overall listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Everything that distinguishes the StromTanks can already be found in our smallest model: a mains-independent generated perfect sine wave for the best sound. Whereby „small" should not be considered underpowered, because the entry into the StromTank world can also be the perfect choice for many. Depending on the system configuration and listening habits, there are no limits to absolute music enjoyment with the S1000-SourcePower.
The main reason for this is the LFP batteries, and in the case of the S1000-SourcePower we are using 8 batteries (24V System). Due to their high cost, they have not been utilised in the audio sector so far, but they are extremely powerful, durable and safe. That is precisely our claim.
Given the impressive dimensions of the StromTanks, it may seem almost ironic to say, but they are comparatively compact thanks to current battery sizes. Just a few years ago, the dimensions of a comparable device would have been simply absurdly large. If you prefer to listen to classical music with HiFi system that is not oversized, the S1000-SourcePower is your StromTank.
By the way: even when our StromTanks are charging, your system sounds better. You don't believe that? You don't have to, you can hear it. Connect your system to the S1000-SourcePower and give it and yourself a few days. You will no longer want to listen without a StromTank.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Provides cleaner, more stable power to high-end components
- Improves color saturation and transparency
- Increases soundstage depth, width, and height
- Makes the music more real and live
- Lowers the noise floor, allowing more low-level detail to be reproduced, and a more coherent AC sine wave to be supplied to the equipment
Product Considerations
- The Stromtank S 1000 emits a quiet hum
- The 450VA continuous output power is not sufficient to deliver full power via some monoblock amplifiers
- The batteries will last roughly 15 years before energy storage drops by 20% if recharged once per day
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the AudioQuest Niagara 7000, the S-1000 provides more silence and space, and allows reverb around vocals to be more discernible
- With Stromtank battery power, the Dan D'Agostino's ability to convey detail increased to darTZeel levels, and its soundstage magic increased
Takeaway: The Stromtank S-1000 helps reveal the full potential of audio components by providing cleaner power, resulting in a more engaging and detailed listening experience. It can make a significant and noticeable improvement to soundstage depth and clarity.
Video review
Our take on the brand
All the conditioner's internal components are enclosed in an ultra-rigid, non-magnetic aluminum chassis made of thick sheets of milled aluminum. To reduce vibrations transmitted to the conditioner, the top cover was additionally damped with a bitumen-polymer composite mat. The conditioner rests on reference anti-vibration feet – Full Ceramic Isolation System.
The front panel of the conditioner, is made of a thick slab of aircraft aluminum, the surface of which, after precise milling, is glazed and then anodized in two color options – black or silver. In the central part of the panel a True-RMS voltmeter window is built in, along with a pane of scratch-resistant 9H ceramic glass. The voltmeter is equipped with an LED display indicating the precise value of the input voltage.
POWERMASTER has twelve, top-quality proprietary output sockets, with contacts of large surface area. The brass contacts are technically silver plated, with no intermediate metal layers such as copper or nickel. The input jack is the company's C19 connector with rhodium-plated contacts.
The POWERMASTER conditioner's design is based on a unique eight-stage filter architecture using the most advanced, uncompromising components. The conditioner is equipped with three autonomous filtering branches, serving separate three sections, consisting of four outlets each. This allows isolation of individual loads from mutual interference generated by connected devices using a common power line.
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Forget everything you know about signal processing: compared to all other Power Conditioners, Gryphon PowerZone 3 introduces a unique and entirely superior way of improving the signal passing through it. In an electrical circuit, current flow is attended by micro-vibrations on a molecular level; basically, all current flow is, by definition, the transmission of energy through micro-vibrations. Following Paul Hafner’s theory and approach, the vibration of electrons in the conductor creates a series of minute resonances generated by the signal passing through it. Paul’s specific approach differentiates a Dynamic (variable) signal from a Static signal.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- All the instruments became clearer and better focused with the PowerZone in the system, with noticeable bass improvement
- The PowerZone optimizes the electrons' vibrational flow and minimizes spurious resonances and the distortions they create
- Music playback was described as 'more comfortable' with familiar recordings delivering increased width and depth
- The PowerZone helps the signal flow in a natural way, by using a better adapted environment
Product Considerations
- The PowerZone 3 is an expensive product
- The review mentions the reviewer changed two things at once in a demo: adding the conditioner and changing power cables
- The reviewer notes that the theory behind power products and how they work in tandem with a system is impossible to predict
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PS Audio P20: The PowerZone produced a very different experience, with one friend commenting 'Where did the bass come from?'
Takeaway: The Gryphon PowerZone 3 can improve the clarity, focus, and bass of a high-end audio system, resulting in a more comfortable and enjoyable listening experience. It is an effective addition to power conditioning products.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Audibly removes grain from the musical canvas to have all instruments and voices more visible and separated
- Extracts musical content and showcases it in a humane, palpable fashion
- Provides protection against interference and voltage spikes present in the home power grid, and filters current
- Improves the sound and protects the connected gear
Product Considerations
- May force all units to act in a certain way that is more generalized, instead of being able to listen to specialty cables, plugs, amps, rear, DAC, or streamer
- May kill a bit of personality of the connected components
- The unit is sensitive to vibrations and ideally belongs in an Artesania piece of furniture with dampeners, having it on a hard floor next to a speaker is a bad idea
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The PC-3 SE EVO+ gave up nothing versus Furutech RTP-6 passive, and merely shifted the subjective balance on the speed/body axis in favor of the latter
- The GigaWatt PC-3 SE EVO+ is not really better than the Acoustic Revive power strip, but it is also not worse, which is something special
- The PC-3 SE EVO+ is more evolved, more organic, more believable, and better in almost every aspect versus MIT Powerbar set
Takeaway: The GigaWatt PC-3 SE EVO+ improves the sound by audibly removing grain and showcasing the musical content. It also protects the connected equipment and could be worth buying if one is trying to get the best sound from their hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Reduces noise in the audio system, leading to a blacker background and improved clarity
- Enhances soundstage definition, making images more palpable and less diffuse
- Does not compress dynamics, providing sufficient power to amplifiers when needed
- Features proprietary technologies like QR/BB, NIC, and CCI for enhanced performance and protection
- Exceptional build quality, with a solid and flawless finish
- Features connectivity options for enhanced usage
Product Considerations
- Relatively expensive, with a price point that may seem high compared to some associated equipment
- May require a break-in period for optimal performance
- The looks are rather unassuming
- The Typhon T2 lacks the cable cradles that are on the Denali
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Denali v2 combines Triton v3-like high-current capability with superior noise reduction
Takeaway: The Shunyata Research Denali 6000/S v2 keeps your system safe and helps it perform its best by reducing noise and improving clarity. It is a well-crafted component designed to extract the best performance from connected components, providing peace of mind for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers adequate protection against surges and DC components
- Provides sufficient current efficiency for demanding setups
- Features twelve high-quality, silver-plated, zero contact resistance Schuko sockets (versions for other regions are available, too)
- Elegant appearance, even compared to more expensive GigaWatt conditioners
- More weighty and smoother sound
Product Considerations
- With the basic PowerSync Plus cable, the sound might be a bit darker and less detailed compared to the PC-3 SE EVO +
- A more expensive power cable may be needed to achieve higher fidelity
- Planning is required to manage the 12 power cables plugged into the device
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the GigaWatt PC-3 SE EVO +, the PC-3 SE EVO + offers better insight into deeper layers of music and higher energy, while the PowerControl focuses more on fluidity and coherence of the sound
- Compared to the GigaWatt PC-3 SE EVO +, the PC-3 SE EVO + renders a wider and deeper soundstage and a better differentiation of the layers, while the PowerControl gives a stronger impression of the performers' presence
Takeaway: The GigaWatt PowerControl is a versatile and great-looking device that protects components and ensures current efficiency. It focuses on the musical and emotional side of music, making listening enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effectively isolates the audio system from noise on the power line across all frequencies
- Improves the sense of effortlessness in the sound, resulting from low noise backgrounds
- Helps free up inner detail in a soundstage while retaining width and precision
- Does not diminish the power and dynamism of the music
- Includes a Gigabit Ethernet isolator with surge protection to shut out network noise
Product Considerations
- The suggestion to use every alternate output for a 'double-dose of isolation' implies standard use might not be optimal
- The unit's physical size is considerable, especially in the UK due to plug and fuse requirements
- Described as an 'amp-heavy, curved, and very dark grey box'—it is not designed to be visually appealing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Reference PowerIsolator isolates noise better than other power conditioners that focus on the 'minutiae of power conditioning'
Takeaway: The Transparent Reference PowerIsolator provides a solid barrier against power-related noise, enhancing overall audio performance by improving detail and soundstage without sacrificing power. The inclusion of Ethernet isolation makes it especially valuable in modern, networked audio systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Reveals new depth and nuance to any recording when combined with the Denali 6000/S v2
- Employs unique technology not found elsewhere
- Exhibits excellent build quality
- Connectivity options are a strength
Product Considerations
- Lacks cable cradles, which are present on the Denali
- The looks are rather unassuming
- Requires a break-in period
Takeaway: The Typhon T2 adds soundstage and musical details to a system, and helps reveal the magic in a record collection when used with the Denali 6000/S v2. It offers an upgrade path for those starting with the Denali.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Quieter background, revealing more dynamic, textural, and tonal detail in music
- AC ground noise dissipation, which cleans the ground and differentiates AudioQuest from other brands
- Clean power, with the 5000 providing better cleaning than the 3000
- A transient power correction circuit that can supply 80+ amps peak and provides a low impedance for amplifiers
- Ultra-linear noise-dissipation technology that reduces AC line noise over a wide bandwidth
Product Considerations
- Power cords do not come included and must be purchased separately
- The character of the Niagara must be matched to the system
- Sizable unit, similar in size and weight to a stereo amplifier
- The effectiveness of any power conditioner is highly variable and dependent on the user's specific power conditions, so 'try before you buy' is highly appropriate
- Some reviewers found that the Niagara 5000 sounded shrill at first and required a settling in period
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PS Audio P20—Niagara 5000 exhibits a more outgoing personality and displays a tad more flamboyance
Takeaway: The Niagara cleans up power, making music clearer and more detailed, which allows components to perform even better. It is a thoughtfully designed conditioner that can be a valuable addition to a system struggling with polluted mains.
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