Intro
Contents
At the iEAR show in late 2023, we saw three new, affordable filters from Audioquest. Christened PowerQuest, this series is for people who can’t or don’t want to spend thousands of Euros on filters. The form-factor is that of the Niagara, but the prices are below that of the Niagara 1200. Interesting! We test the PowerQuest 303, 505 and 707. And we are going to torture the PowerQuest 707 on the test-bench as well.Â
Regular readers of Alpha Audio know that we preach clean energy. Energy is the basis of a hi-fi system. So the key is to keep this energy clean and stable. And with the advent of switching power supplies, solar panels, charging stations on the drive way and in the street, things are not getting any better. That’s not an opinion: that’s just a fact.
Clearing
Now skeptics will insist that any power supply in a device already cleans energy. A transformer already filters and otherwise there is a filter in the device itself. That’s right: a decenlty audio device also has a filter. And it will make sure that basically it’s all right. But a manufacturer in many cases will not build in a top notch filter. That’s just too expensive. In short: there is always room for improvement.
And that’s where the specialists come in. Manufacturers who have specialized entirely in power cleaning. Audioquest hired Garth Powell a few years back to set up the “power department”. We’ve seen since his arrival that all mains cabling has been overhauled and the Niagara line has been introduced. Now it’s the turn of more affordable models.
PowerQuest
The new PowerQuest lineup consists of the PowerQuest 303, PowerQuest 505 and finally the PowerQuest 707. Prices run from 599 for the 303 to 799 for the 505 and finally 1299 for the 707.
The increase from 799 to 1299 can be explained: the PowerQuest 707 has an interesting addition in the form of a kind of “battery” that can supply 45 Ampere directly when needed. Our programmable AC generator found that reservoir but troublesome we noticed. But more on that later.
Furthermore, the biggest difference is that the PowerQuest 303 filters differential mode only and the 505 and 707 also filter common mode. This is quite audible, we have noticed. Filters work from 30 KHz and up. We saw that also in the measurements. And compared to the 505, the PowerQuest 707 has another Current reservoir.
The construction
Audioquest obviously cannot provide the same enclosure as a Niagara 3000. The enclosures of the newcomers look basic, but fine. We find the form-factor a lot more convenient than the Niagara 1200. That one has always been a bit goofy. These new models wil do just fine in any hifi rack.
Hello,
I am confused between the PQ707 or the Isotek V5 Elektra, which you feel will be better?
Thanks.
As we have mentioned in other discussions and reviews, with power filters it is impossible to answer your question on which brand or model is ‘better.’ It depends on your system; you should try it at home and let your ears do the talking and enjoy!
I am looking for a power conditioner and my eye fell on a 505, but the sales man offerd me a Niagra 1200, because it was better and €60,- cheaper. Will this be an overkill for my system? I have a NADC298 and a Denon-X4800h
The 1200 is not better. It is different… Try both and make your choice.
Goodmorning Jaap, the choise between the 1200 and the 505? I read some comments about the 1200 that the high get sharper by a ribbon. I play with the magnepan 1.7i and i have already now a little sharpness at the high.
Jaap wat doet een netspannings stabilisator tov de audioquest?
You are commenting on the English review. So, to keep it understandable for others, I will react in English.
A stabalizer stabalizes votage. It doesn’t filter noise.
Maar de 505 is een zeer groot verschil tov de 303? Ik heb nml last van een randje in het hoog ik speel met de 1.7i magnepan de gato dia 400s en een lumin d2 met de sbooster. Dat randje had ik ook met de musical fidelity.
Please read the review. I literally answer this question.
Aloha Jaap, I recently purchased the 707 for protection more than filtering, but I was wondering would you recommend connecting a Grimm MU2 to the high power side with an amplifier? I’m not sure if the switching mode power supply would affect the amplifier more than it was plugged in on the far low power side? Thank you for your great work. Mahalo!
To be honest… I don’t think the MU2 really cares… But sorry to say…the 707 might not really be in the same League as a MU2…
Thanks Jaap!
I don’t know what you think Jaap , but I have to say looking at the Price :
It seems to me that for a system up to 3000/4000€ the powerquest 2/3 (200/300€) are really really good for the price. Of course Niagara or powerquest 503 might be better but we’re talking about double the price or about 800/900€ instead of 200/300€
I don’t really believe in budget power conditioning. In that case just buy a decent distribution block and a Isotek Isoplug… If you want really good power conditioning… The 505 is where it starts.