This friday morning we tested four power filters: the Niagara 3000, the Shunyata Delta 6, the Torus Power TOT Max and as a baseline the Kemp Powerstrip 8 Plus. During the review we set up our microphones again, so you can listen in. Grab your headphones and watch this live stream (again) if you like.Â
In this multi test we take four beautiful energy filters. The brand new Audioquest Niagara 3000, the new Shunyata Hydra Delta 6 a Torus Power TOT MAX and our own famous Kemp Powerstrip 8 plus. We use the Kemp as the baseline and then we test the other three. With of course the microphones in front of our Focal Sopra No1.
We end this multitest with an ordinary power strip. Unfortunately we accidentally left an Isotek Isoplug in the socket… DOH! Anyway, you get an idea.
Audioquest Niagara 3000
This newcomer from Audioquest suprises us with a very nice and energetic – but very controlled – character. The grip on the Bryston is surprising. It clearly goes a step further than the Niagara 1200 which performs well, but does not really combine well with the Bryston. This 3000 certainly does. This is mainly due to the ‘energy tank’ this Niagara 3000 has and the 1200 doesn’t have. That is quite audible.
In all tracks the Niagara 3000 shows that it feels right at home. Piano, disco, jazzy vocal… It convinces. No edges, no inertia in the lower tones and a great 3D image.
Brand / type | Number of entrances | High Current | Power supply Maximum | Continuous power supply | Price |
Audioquest Niagara 3000 | 7 | 2 | 55 | 15A | 2995 |
Shunyata Hydra Delta 6
Shunyata loves research. We see numerous patents to ensure that the device filters effectively without running out of breath. And that’s how it should work. The Hydra feels fast, open and nimble. It feels ‘fresher’ than the Audioquest. That works out well with Jazz. And Piano, too.
The Hydra will be able to match very well on tube amps or other equipment with tubes. A system where some air and openness is required.
Brand / type | Number of entrances | High Current | Power supply Maximum | Continuous power supply | Price |
Shunyata Hydra Delta 6 | 6 | 2 | 16A | 16A | 2700 |
Toruspower TO MAX
Heavy, heavier… Torus. This is just a huge galvanic decoupling. And that has its advantages. It can deliver a lot of power quite effortlessly. But we have a feeling the Bryston is asking a little too much of this Torus. The bigger one gave a little more control and less ‘colouring’ than this TOT MAX.
We hear a wonderfully soft interpretation of the piano piece. But with the jazzy vocal piece it really goes wrong. The bass is a bit zompy and the middle is a bit rough. Not very pleasant. It shows that matching is very important with energy products.
The Torus could work very well in some fresher systems or acoustics that are a bit too ‘enthusiastic’.
Brand / type | Number of entrances | High Current | Power supply Maximum | Continuous power supply | Price |
Torus Power TO MAX | 4 | n.a | 15A | 15A | 2300 |
Overview
Brand / type | Number of entrances | High Current | Power supply Maximum | Continuous power supply | Price |
Kemp Powerstrip 8 Plus | 8 | n/A | 16A | 16A | 1100 incl mains cable |
Audioquest Niagara 3000 | 7 | 2 | 55 | 15A | 2995 |
Shunyata Hydra Delta 6 | 6 | 2 | 16A | 16A | 2700 |
Torus Power TO MAX | 4 | n.a | 15A | 15A | 2300 |