The Sound
Contents
In our first, comparative test of filters, we were not really impressed by the Audioquest Niagara 1000. It was too obtrusive and had a kind of ‘metallic’ connotation. When we were told during the iEAR show in the Netherlands, that technically no alterations were made with the Niagara 1200, we were less enthusiastic. Despite the much better looks. Something can be beautiful, but if it doesn’t sound good… no thanks.
Surely
But what surprises us is that it seems better after all. Although we hear a different character than the Kemp PowerStrip 8plus, it’s not intrusive and sharp. It is more up-front and present than the Kemp. This is clearly audible on, for example, the new Coldplay album. We hear less coloring there. Which is nice. However, we know that the kemp is pretty layed back. When we think of the Isotek Aquarius, we estimate the Niagara 1200 to be a bit livelier than the Aquarius.
In combination with the Focal Sopra No1, some tracks may be on the edge in lively acoustics. It’s fine at our office. It makes the sound image a little bigger. And that could be nice! Especially with live recordings or electronic music where space is always good.
It is especially the Metrum Acoustics Pavane that likes the Niagara 1200. It’s a good match. The Pass Labs is not a fan of the Audioquest (and also other filters). The sound becomes a bit glassy and harsh. We’ve noticed that before. So the Pass quickly returns to the Kemp which only filters in parallel.
Then the Bryston 4B SST3. It should work fine in the high-current output. We take the NRG1000 out of the Isotek Titan EVO3 and put it – after a brief check with the polarity checker – in the Niagara 1200. OK, fair enough. It’s less tight and less punchy than the Titan. But that ‘brute’ also costs a multiple of the entire Niagara 1200. And the Titan is only suitable for high-power devices. In short: considerably less flexible. Different device, different price… another application.
What would be a better comparison is from directly into the wall socket and then to the Niagara 1200. And yes, then it’s definitely an improvement. We then hear more peace and understanding of the music. More ‘blackness’. And that’s the purpose of a filter.