If Google is showing you this page directly, click here to go to the start of the article.
Sound
During the last weeks the PowerQuest 707 has replaced my Niagara 1200, providing a clean and stable power signal to my stereo chain. It has powered my M700 mono blocks from PS Audio through the high current outputs. I connected the Chord Electronics Hugo TT2, the Serene KTE fom HoloAudio, my Eversolo DMP-A8 and my Roon ROCK server to the source outputs.
Power treatment is probably one of the most overlooked parts of audio, although it is very important in my opinion to provide clean and stable power to the equipment. Only then can it perform at its highest.
The benefits of a power conditioner rely on a couple of factors. The most important one being bad power to begin with. Chances are higher, that you have bad power when you live in a city and a building with many apartments. Here, the benefits might be more obvious than in rural areas. I live in a city with two million others, so the basis for bad power is already there.
A power conditioner doesn’t have a specific sound signature by itself, but rather enhances the performance of the connected gear. Don’t expect the PowerQuest 707 to magically turn your bright equipment to turn warm, this will not happen. But you will see, or hear, improvements in technical abilities.
The PowerQuest 707 sharpens imaging qualities by darkening the background of your chain noticeably. It clears up the sound and provides an image that has higher resolution and better definition. With the PowerQuest 707 in the mix, I heard my system sounding calmer, taking away some hectic noises especially in the top end.
What struck me the most was how clean and polished PowerQuest makes everything sound. From top to bottom the music sounded sharper and clearer in view. In my Niagara 1200 review I used the analogy of a cleaned window, and this is still the best description in my opinion. The PowerQuest 707 wipes away all the dirt that is covering the glass, giving you a clean look at everything.
With the PowerQuest I hear the sound stage to stretch more into width and depth. There is better layering and texture throughout.
The entire frequency board has better resolution with the PowerQuest. String plucks sound more precise. Bass sounds more dynamic and has better texture. High pitched sounds get relieved of some metallic zing. The entire music just pops out more, becoming more visible for the ears. Everything has better contrast and dynamic range throughout.
When I replaced the PQ-715 with the NRG-Z3 I noticed even better resolution and a slightly wider sound stage than before. The NRG-Z3 introduced higher dynamic range and a better contrast. The technical abilities went a step further, albeit being a miniscule one compared to the changes made by the PowerQuest 707.
Comparisons
AudioQuest offers a direct competitor to the PowerQuest 707 with the Niagara 1200, which retails for exactly the same amount. Although there are some key differences between the PowerQuest and the Niagara.
The Niagara 1200 uses a linear noise dissipation technology and ground noise dissipation. It targets more than 22 octaves of AC and RF noise. Both units use common-mode and differential noise. The PowerQuest offers transient power correction, which the Niagara does not have. The PowerQuest also has more outlets on the back, compared to the Niagara (12 vs 7). This makes the PowerQuest better suited for home theaters and big HiFi systems for example.
When comparing the units the most notable difference is in the overall presentation in my opinion. The Niagara 1200 creates a more upfront image, where musicians sound more holographic. The PowerQuest on the other hand sounds cleaner and more dynamic. With the PowerQuest 707 bass gets better definition and dynamics. The Niagara offers an airier midrange, where musicians sound a bit bigger in total. Treble is cleaner on the PowerQuest 707, while Niagara’s appears a bit more present.
Though I did not expect the differences to be night and day between the conditioners, they were quite apparent when I compared the units.
Another great alternative would be the PowerQuest 3, which is an excellent choice to step into power treatment without breaking the bank. The PQ3 might not provide the proficiency of the higher end models, but still enhances resolution and contrast by good measure.
The 707 is noticeably ahead in all regards, but especially in background darkness, imaging and stage dimensions it shows its sibling the rear-view mirror. The PQ3 is only a third of the 707’s price though and offers superb value in my opinion.
Conclusion
AudioQuest further strengthened their power conditioner lineup with the PowerQuest 707, offering yet another excellent product. The PowerQuest 707 enhances technical abilities and is probably best in terms of dynamic range, resolution and imaging sharpness. With its multitude of outputs, the PowerQuest 707 is perfectly suited for big HiFi and home theater systems.
The most important feature of the PowerQuest 707 to me is the included surge protection. Making sure my gear survives is the highest priority for me, aside from excellent sound. The PowerQuest 707 now is featured on our Best Accessories list!
Though AudioQuest offers another power conditioner for the same price with the Niagara 1200, the presentation of both is different enough to please many tastes. The choice really is yours! For me personally, the resolution, dynamics, detailing and imaging of the PowerQuest 707 is more convincing to let it stay put in my system.
Summary
Pros:
– Gear protection
– Added resolution and imaging
– Clean and stable power
Cons:
– Upgrades depending on quality of power in your area/house
– Rocker switch needs extra force
