AudioQuest Niagara 7000 vs. 5000

[Alpinist]

Has anyone done a direct comparison of the AudioQuest Niagara 7000 vs. 5000? If so, can you articulate the difference in sound quality?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[ayreman]

I owned one 7000 before I got a pair of 5000. The high-current outlets are identical on the two models. Low-current outlets on the 7000 model outperform 5000 by around 30%. Everything is noticeably better. However, a pair of 5000 significantly outperform one 7000. That's the way I went in the end.

 

[Alpinist]

I owned one 7000 before I got a pair of 5000. The high-current outlets are identical on the two models. Low-current outlets on the 7000 model outperform 5000 by around 30%. Everything is noticeably better. However, a pair of 5000 significantly outperform one 7000. That's the way I went in the end.

Thanks for your response! What is it about the sound quality of two 5000’s that you prefer over a single 7000? Is it improved dynamics for your amplifiers from additional current capacity on the high-current outlets? Because you said that the 7000’s low-current outlets outperform the 5000’s by around 30%.

Ken

 

[ayreman]

Thanks for your response! What is it about the sound quality of two 5000’s that you prefer over a single 7000? Is it improved dynamics for your amplifiers from additional current capacity on the high-current outlets? Because you said that the 7000’s low-current outlets outperform the 5000’s by around 30%.

Ken

Ken, fist when I still owned 7000, I plugged the entire system into it and broke it it. After about 2 months I experimented. The first thing I did was I unplugged 1 sub - I heard noticeable improvements in dynamics. Next - I unplugged the second sub and listened. Things got better still. Then I bought my first 5000 and plugged both MX-R Twenty into it (just the amps, nothing else!) and things got way better! Then I got the second 5000 and did more experimentation. BOTTOM LINE: the less you plug into power conditioner - the better everything sounds: more dynamic, more articulate, less noise, blacker background, higher resolution, etc.

P.S. I even ended up plugging both subs directly into the wall. Even though I have free high-current receptacles in the second 5000! So, ideally, I need a third 5000 just for the subs But that means extra shelf in the rack (which I don't have), another Audioquest Dragon High-Current and, of course, another $4000 to buy the third 5000 unit... So, my subs will have to "eat their meals" directly from the wall...

 

[Rozza]

I haven’t compared the two and I have a 7000. The difference between the two, as you may have worked out, is the quality of banks 2 & 3, the 7000 has transformers and the 5000 does not. The transformers help on common line noise in particular. The bank 1, intended for power amps, is identical on both 5000 and 7000. The 7000 is a stunning addition to my system.

I can only advise you to try both because NO ONE can tel you how they will react in your particular system so your question is totally academic

 

[Mobiusman]

I have a Niagara 7000 and have not been impressed with the difference, but am getting a MSB Reference DAC with a Femto 77 clock and plans to go to a MSB Select 2 with a femto 33 clock when funds are available. Vince Galbo at MSB thinks that the Niagara 5000 sounds better with their products than the 7000 due to the lack of transformers. Got a 7000 for sale if interested.,

 

[Alpinist]

I have a Niagara 7000 and have not been impressed with the difference, but am getting a MSB Reference DAC with a Femto 77 clock and plans to go to a MSB Select 2 with a femto 33 clock when funds are available. Vince Galbo at MSB thinks that the Niagara 5000 sounds better with their products than the 7000 due to the lack of transformers. Got a 7000 for sale if interested.,

I purchased the Niagara 7000 and I have my Select II DAC plugged into its low current outlets. I love what it does for the sound. The music emerges from a jet black background. The dynamics are outstanding. I prefer plugging the Select II DAC into the low current outlets compared to the high current outlets. The high current outlets did not provide the same level of noise reduction and there is no perceptible improvement in dynamics.

 

[asiufy]

Ken,
Given you have the dual power bases, you can experiment with one in each kind of outlet (low/high current). I believe the base plugged on the left side of the DAC takes care of the digital section, and the one on the right, the analog side.

 

[Kingsrule]

I have tried putting the warmer running power base (plugged in on right side of dac viewed from front) which I believe is the analogue side, into the hi current outlet and the other power base into the low current outlet. I think that sounds best. I just put both into the hi current outlets a few days ago and it sounds a bit harsh to me....

 

[asiufy]

Yep, that's the best combo right there. Analog on high current, digital on standard, isolated from each other.

 

[Alpinist]

I made some major changes since my last post. I traded in my Niagara 7000 for two Niagara 5000’s. The Niagara 5000’s agree much better with my quirky power situation (big swings in voltage and EMI).

Each of my MSB Select 2 power supplies gets its own low current duplex in my first Niagara 5000, which is plugged into my first dedicated 20 amp line. I find the treble and midrange has more ease than the less noise reduction high current outlets, yet retains outstanding dynamics.

My entire network (modem, router, NAS and Roon Nucleus Plus), each device gets its own low current duplex on my second Niagara 5000, which is on my second dedicated 20 amp line. Lastly, each monoblock amplifier and subwoofer monoblock amplifier gets its own high current duplex. Much trial and error to come up with this configuration. I am very pleased with the results.

Ken

 

[ayreman]

Lastly, each monoblock amplifier and subwoofer monoblock amplifier gets its own high current duplex. Much trial and error to come up with this configuration. I am very pleased with the results.

There is even a better way. Try plugging both of your subwoofer monoblock amplifiers directly into the wall and, ideally, NOT into the receptacles that sit on your dedicated lines. This way you will get even better results. I also use two Niagaras 5000 and after weeks of experimentation I left my Stentors plugged into the wall (away from the dedicated line) even though I have 2 spare high current duplexes in my second Niagara 5000.
P.S. Oh, and DO use a decent power cord with your subs!

 

[Dante Choi]

Dears.
I have one question.
I never paid attention to AC filters because never had a good result. Only have used a Hydra for my digital gears (full dcs). Just this weekend I have tried a Transparent Opusisolator on my system. First tested Phono Amp D'Agstino Momentum with Opusisolator, the result was just amazing. Exactly the same as already described by jfrech in another post. But when I tested with EMT-927 with EMT-139ST Phono Amp, the result was very poor. Also tested with Phono Amp Allnic H-5000 and Line Pre Amp Allnic L-8000 and the benefit was also outstanding (same case as with Momentum) Now, I can't live without Transparent Opusisolator. The richness is simply amazing never experienced on my system. But as I have too many gears, I will need 4 Opusisolator extra and this is insane due to cost. Anyone have compared Opusisolator against another filter like Audioquest Niagara 5000 or 7000? Now I'm really interested to add filters to my system like Niagara 5000, 7000 or Stomtank.

 

[Amir]

Niagara 5000 and 7000 are AC passive filters but Strontank is AC regenerator.

 

[Amir]

I have a Niagara 7000 and have not been impressed with the difference, but am getting a MSB Reference DAC with a Femto 77 clock and plans to go to a MSB Select 2 with a femto 33 clock when funds are available. Vince Galbo at MSB thinks that the Niagara 5000 sounds better with their products than the 7000 due to the lack of transformers. Got a 7000 for sale if interested.,

Does it mean low power outlet of 5000 is better than 7000?

The 7000 uses isolation transformer and audioquest claims the noise reduction is very good.