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Audioquest Niagara 1200

Hi all.  This is my first post on the forum.  I need some advise. I just purchased an Audioquest Niagara 1200 Power Conditioner and power cable.  I also purchased a EMI power line noise analyzer. I just got the Niagara 1200 plugged in. On the high current power banks of the 1200 the line conditioner did virtually nothing to reduce emi noise. On the linear noise dissipation outlets the Niagara actually created substantially more emi noise than just the standard electrical outlet.  My power is relatively clean without a power conditioner about 14.0 mVpp on the low end 40.0 on the high end. I was hoping that I could get any emi noise out of my electricity.  I have watched several YouTube video reviews of people using the Niagara 5000 (currently out of my budget) and they seem to work wonders.  My question is there a power conditioner that is around the same price as the Niagara 1200 that is more effective?  I feel like I just bought a $1,000 surge protector.  Any thoughts?

rfauto
rfauto OP
16 posts
 

Thanks for the input. I initially jumped down this rabbit hole because I had a buzz coming out of my phono preamp. Since then I upgraded my electrical panel and added a dedicated 15 amp hospital outlet. Problem solved. I suspect I had a bad ground. I guess I’ll continue using my Furman power strip.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 

Why don't you let the Audioquest break-in and listen to some music? 

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,876 posts
 

My Niagara 1200 performed the opposite of what's been described. Quieter background, no restrictions in dynamics, lower noise floor, a very slight film/hash removed that I didn't notice until it was gone, resulting in a smoother, natural flowing sound. 

I believe it's completely passive as there's no transformers and provides surge protection as well. If anything, it sounds like it past on the troubles you had up the line that were beyond it's passive design.

All the best,
Nonoise

hifiguy42
190 posts
 

I have had the same experience as @nonoise with the Niagara 1200.  It's a great product.

rfauto OP
16 posts
 

After reading all of the positive reviews on the Niagara 1200 I too was surprised with the additional noise on the 5 Linear Filtered outlets.  I was not expecting the unit to provide any sonic improvements. What I was looking to do was send clean power to my components. I live in a New England farm house that was built in the late 1800’s. So, my wiring is a nest of stuff that had been added over the last 150 years. Hence the recent panel upgrade.  I was getting more noise from my preamp during peak electrical usage. I initially thought I was getting some DC power coming from the transformer on the street.  So, I purchased the Audiolab mains filter, and DC blocker. It hasn’t helped. But, I don’t think it’s hurt either. Again thanks everyone for the input. 

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