Audioquest NIAGARA 5000 User Manual

N

Low-Z Power | Noise-Dissipation System

iagara

5000

Owner’s Manual

EN

ES

FR

ZH

JA

Instructions in English are available at the link below.
Las instrucciones de instalación en el español se encuentran disponibles en el enlace que

se indica a continuación.

Les instructions d’installation en français sont disponibles au lien suivant.
安裝說明請詳見下列網址連結.
日本語 のインストールガイドは下記リンク先でご覧いただけます。

www.audioquest.com/Niagara5000/manual

2

Niagara 5000 Features 4

Introduction 4

Installation 6

Unpacking 6

Safety Information/Warnings 6

Servicing/Return to AudioQuest 6

Power Source 6

Placement 7

Connection to Audio/Video Components 7

AC Cable Routing 7

High Current/Low-Z Power Banks 8

Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation System Power Banks 8

Suggested AC Connections 10

Operation and Continuous Use 12

Power Switch/Circuit Breaker and LED Power Indicator 12

Rear-Panel Power Correction Switch/Niagara 5000 Current Draw 12

Extreme Voltage Indicator 13

Break-in Time/Continuous Use 13

Specications 14

Trouble-Shooting Guide 15

Warranty 18

3

Niagara 5000 Features

¡¡ Transient Power Correction: Provides over 90 amps peak instantaneous current reservoir with

reduced line impedance for current-starved power ampliers, whether they incorporate linear or
switching power supplies.

¡¡ Ground Noise-Dissipation System: AQ’s patented technology vastly reduces ground-borne

noise without compromising safety or creating low-level ground loops.

¡¡ Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation Technology: Ensures the most consistent and widest bandwidth

noise dissipation possible, without the inconsistent results that typify minimalist, multi-node
resonant peaking found in many AC power conditioners.

¡¡ Ultra Low-Z NRG Series AC Power Inlets and Outlets: These inlets and outlets not only feature

a grip with far lower resistance (utilizing far more mass than conventional or audiophile-grade
designs), but they also include a heavy Hanging-Silver plating to ensure the lowest impedance at
radio frequencies, enabling superior noise dissipation.

Introduction

The science of AC power is not a simple one; it demands focus, and the devil is in the details. In fact, the
mammoth increase in airborne and AC-line-transmitted radio signals, combined with overtaxed utility lines
and the ever-increasing demands from high-denition audio/video components, has rendered our utilities’ AC
power an antiquated technology.

Where Alternating Current (AC) is concerned, we’re relying on a century-old technology created for incandescent
lights and electric motors—technology that was certainly never meant to power the sophisticated analog and
digital circuits used in premium audio/video systems. To properly accommodate the promise of today’s ever
increasing bandwidth and dynamic range, we must achieve extraordinarily low noise across a wide range of
frequencies.

Further, today’s power ampliers are being taxed for instantaneous peak-current demand, even when they’re
driven at modest volumes. Although we have seen a substantial increase in both dynamics and bass content
from our audio software, the loudspeakers we employ to reproduce them are no more ecient than they were
two to four decades ago. This places great demands on an amplier’s power supply, as well as the source AC
power supplying it.

Our systems’ sensitive components need better alternating current—a fact that has resulted in a host of AC power
conditioning, isolation transformers, regeneration amplifiers, and battery back-up system topologies. Through
differential sample tests and spectrum analysis, it can be proven that up to a third of a high-resolution (low-level)
audio signal can be lost, masked, or highly distorted by the vast levels of noise riding along the AC power lines
that feed our components. This noise couples into the signal circuitry as current noise and through AC ground,
permanently distorting and/or masking the source signal.

All sincere attempts to solve this problem must be applauded since once the audio/video signal is gone, it’s gone
forever…

For AudioQuest, honoring the source is never a matter of simply using premium “audiophile-grade parts” or relying
on a proprietary technology—common approaches used within the audiophile market. For years, we have all been
witness to the same, seemingly endless audiophile debates: Valves versus transistors. Analog versus digital. Can cables
really make a dierence? The debates go on and on. While we, too, can brag about our many unique technologies, we
realize that true audio/video optimization is never a matter of any one secret or exotic circuit. When it comes to noise
dissipation for AC power, many approaches can yield meaningful results. However, they may also impart ringing,
current compression, and non-linear distortions that are worse than the disease. The Niagara 5000 uses both our
patented AC Ground Noise-Dissipation System and the widest bandwidth-linearized noise-dissipation circuit in the

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industry. Our unique passive/active Transient Power Correction Circuit features an instantaneous current reservoir
of over 90 amps peak, specically designed for modern current-starved power ampliers. Most AC power products
featuring “high-current outlets” merely minimize current compression; the Niagara 5000 corrects it.

Though it’s easy to boast, it’s quite another thing to create a solution that is consistent, holistic, functional, and that
honors veriable science. It’s not enough to reduce AC line noise and its associated distortions at just one octave,
thus leaving vulnerable the adjacent octaves and octave partials to noise, resonant peaking, or insucient noise
reduction. Consistency is key. We should never accept superior resolution in one octave, only to suer from masking
eects a half-octave away and ringing artifacts two octaves from there. This is the principal criterion for AudioQuest’s
Low-Z Power Noise-Dissipation System.

The Niagara 5000 represents over 20 years of exhaustive research and proven AC power products designed for
audiophiles, broadcast engineers, and professional-audio applications. Every conceivable detail has been addressed:
In the Niagara 5000, you’ll nd optimized radio-frequency lead directionality; run-in capacitor forming technologies
developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratories and NASA; and AC inlet and outlet contacts with heavy silver plating over
extreme-purity copper, assuring the tightest grip possible.

A great system is built from a solid foundation, and that foundation starts with power. With an AudioQuest Niagara
5000, you’ll experience for the rst time the clarity, dimensionality, frequency extension, dynamic contrast, and grip
your system has always been capable of delivering—if only the power had been right!

We welcome you to experience the Niagara 5000 and hear rsthand the remarkable results of highly optimized
power management: startlingly deep silences, stunning dynamic freedom, outstanding retrieval of ambience cues,
and gorgeous delineation of instruments and musicians in space. Once you’ve experienced it, it may seem so elegant,
so logical, and so easy that you nd yourself wondering why it hadn’t been done before.

—Garth Powell, Director of Power Products, Engineering, AudioQuest

Installation

5

Installation | Unpacking

Before unpacking your Niagara 5000, inspect the carton for any obvious damage to the boxes and internal
protective materials. If internal damage is likely, contact the carrier who delivered the unit. If shipping damage is
evident on the product, then please contact your shipping carrier. Please save all shipping and packing materials.
Should you move or otherwise need to transport your Niagara 5000, these packing materials will ensure the safest
transportation.

The double box set should contain the Niagara 5000 (120V North American Edison Duplex AC Outlets), two foam
inserts, owner’s manual, quick-start sheet, front-panel polishing cloth, and warranty registration card. Registration
is recommended. In the event that your original ownership documents are lost, your registration can be used to
establish whether the unit is within the warranty period.

Safety Information/Warnings

Before operating the Niagara 5000, please read and observe all safety and operating instructions (or, at the very
least, the quick-start sheet). Retain these instructions for future reference.

¡¡ Do not disassemble or in any way modify the Niagara 5000. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

¡¡ Keep away from moisture and avoid excessive humidity.

¡¡ Do not allow liquids or foreign objects to enter the unit.

Servicing/Return to AudioQuest

Servicing of the Niagara 5000 must be performed by AudioQuest, and is only required when:

¡¡ The Niagara 5000 has been exposed to rain, ooding, or extreme moisture.

¡¡ The Niagara 5000 does not appear to operate normally. (See “Trouble-Shooting Guide.”)

¡¡ The Niagara 5000 has been dropped and sustained considerable physical damage.

If sending the Niagara 5000 to AudioQuest for servicing (or shipping it for any reason), please use the factory
approved packaging materials. If you have lost any of these (double carton, two foam inserts, one poly bag),
please contact AudioQuest for replacements. We will provide replacement packaging materials for a nominal
charge; shipping costs will be paid by the individual or company requesting the packaging material. Please do not
rely on other methods of packaging, including those provided or suggested by packaging/mailing stores. These
methods and materials could seriously damage the product, as well as its nish. Even the loss of the thick polybag
is enough to permanently damage the nish during transport. If you have lost the original packaging material,
please request replacement materials from AudioQuest.

Power Source

Ideally, the power source to which the Niagara 5000 is connected should be adequate for use at 120V single phase
nominal voltage, 20 amps (current capacity RMS). However, the Niagara 5000 will operate very well with a 15-amp
service outlet. If the maximum current capacity available is 15 amps, and the system exceeds 15 amps RMS current
capacity, it is possible that there may be nuisance tripping at your electrical service panel. This is not a safety issue;
the electrical panel’s circuit breaker will trip if the maximum current capacity is exceeded.

For proper operation, the Niagara 5000 requires a safety ground (supplied via the power utility AC wall outlet).

Placement

The Niagara 5000 is manufactured with four rubber textured polymer feet for safe, secure placement on any

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table, cabinet, shelf, or oor. When rack-mounting is required, these feet may be removed with a standard Phillips
screwdriver. The Niagara 5000’s design obviates the need for compliant or high-Q isolation feet. Although many
audio/video products benet greatly from these devices, the Niagara 5000 does not.

Placement or proximity to other components is not critical, and, under standard use, the Niagara 5000 does not
produce any appreciable heat. The Niagara 5000 may be rack-mounted in a standard 19” rack by attaching the
optional Niagara Series 3-RU rack ears. To attach the optional rack ears to the Niagara 5000 chassis, rst remove
the three Phillips athead screws from the front portion of both the left and right sides of the cover assembly.
Next, mount the rack ears ush against the back of the Niagara 5000’s front panel. Finally, secure the rack ears into
place by installing the rack-mount kit’s Phillips pan head SEMS screws.

When tight installations do not provide adequate room on a shelf or cabinet, the Niagara 5000 can actually be
placed on its side. Such placement will pose no safety or performance compromises, but we recommend placing
a soft towel or carpet under the unit to prevent the chassis and front panel from being scratched or marred in any
way.

Connection to Audio/Video Components

AC Cable Routing

Once the Niagara 5000 is placed, an appropriate 20-amp-rated AC cord must be connected to the rear panel AC
inlet (IEC-C20) connector. The AC cord must have an IEC-C19 female end connector and a grounded male 120VAC
Edison/NEMA plug for use in North America or Taiwan. We highly endorse the use of any AudioQuest NRG Series
20-amp-rated AC cord as the Niagara-5000’s Ground-Noise Dissipation technology relies on its use, but the Niagara
5000 will function adequately with any appropriate AC cord that meets the aforementioned requirements.

When facing the Niagara 5000’s rear panel, the IEC-C20 inlet is located on the unit’s lower-left side. The AC input
cord must be connected to an appropriate AC outlet (see “Power Source,” page 6). Though a conventional AC
outlet will function safely and yield high performance, for the very best sonic performance, we highly endorse the
installation of the AudioQuest NRG Edison 20 (or NRG Edison 15, if the electrical panel will only accommodate a
15-amp RMS service).

Whenever possible, it is best to keep at least three inches (approximately 7cm) between AC cables and any signal
cable. When this is not possible in a practical layout of system cabling, crossing the AC cables to signal cables at 90
degrees is best to minimize induced noise.

Connecting AC cables to the Niagara 5000’s NRG Edison AC outlets – WARNING!

The AudioQuest NRG Edison AC outlets feature the strongest grip of any commercially available AC outlet in
history. There are many reasons this was done—lower impedance, superior transient current delivery, and vastly
reduced noise, to name a few. However, there is a price to be paid for superior performance: It will take some time
and patience to both insert an AC cord into and remove an AC cord from these receptacles.

We have made every eort to exercise these receptacles during testing and nal inspection, but they will still
require slow and careful “wiggling”: When either inserting a plug into these receptacles or removing an AC cord’s
male plug from the receptacles, gently move the male AC cord’s plug from side to side while providing 7 an even
forward or backwards pressure. If you nd it is simply too dicult to insert an AC cord’s male plug into one of
the outlets, it may be that its male prongs are slightly oversized due to either its design or generous quantities of
plating material.

7

This is not a reason to return the Niagara 5000 or abandon the use of such an AC plug! Typically, the outlet
in question can be slightly opened up by gradually exercising it with an AC plug. For this, we actually do not
recommend an AudioQuest or any other premium brand of AC cord or male plug. For exercising the outlet, obtain
from an electrical supply house or hardware store a generic three-prong 15-amp-rated AC cord or plug that aords
a generous and secure area to handle. Any will work, but the best will be those with three brass (un-plated) prongs
so that if multiple insertions are required, no nickel plating from the generic AC plug will nd its way into the
AudioQuest NRG Edison outlet.

High Current/Low-Z Power Banks

There are two High Current/Low-Z Power banks (labeled “1” and “2”) with two AC outlets each. The outlets feature
our Transient Power Correction Technology, and are designed to enhance the performance of power ampliers
via our circuit’s low-impedance transient current reservoir. Power ampliers, mono-block ampliers, integrated
ampliers, powered receivers, or powered subwoofers should be connected to these four outlets. The primary
mono, stereo, or multi-channel power amplier(s) should be connected to Bank 1. This enables the standby sense
circuit, which requires the current draw of a power amplier connected to (and only to) outlet Bank 1. In terms of
sonic performance, there is no dierence between outlet banks 1 and 2. If the standby sense circuit is not utilized,
and the sense circuit bypass switch is set to “Enabled,” any outlet on the two banks may be utilized.

For systems with only one or two power ampliers, the two uppermost outlets of banks 1 and 2 will provide
slightly superior performance due to their closer proximity to the AC outlets’ radio frequency noise-dissipation
circuit. However, the outlets located directly below will certainly aord exemplary performance!

Regardless of class of operation or circuit topology (valve, solid-state, digital, or otherwise), the Transient Power
Correction Circuit will not compress the current of any power amplier. Quite to the contrary, it will improve the
amplier’s performance by supplying the low-impedance current source that the amplier’s power supply so
desperately needs.

However, the other four AC outlet banks (Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation System), are not appropriate for power
ampliers. They have been optimized for line-level audio preampliers, DACs, universal players, turntables, and
video products that utilize constant current voltage amplier circuits. These circuits never suer from current
compression, but their lower input level and higher gain require a more robust means of noise dissipation. This is
key to the Niagara 5000’s discrete AC power banks, in that not every circuit is treated the same, but rather isolated
bank by bank and optimized for best performance.

Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation System Power Banks

There are four banks that utilize this technology within the Niagara 5000. All four of these are in turn isolated from the
High-Current/Low-Z banks 1 and 2. This oers a great advantage in controlling the complex interactions of RF (radio
frequency) and other induced noises present in the AC power supplied from your utility, the noise that will be present
on and in every AC cord, and the noise that is produced within your system’s components and that “backwashes” into
the Niagara 5000’s output circuits.

Though it would be simple to recommend putting the digital or video components into banks 3 and 4, and the line­level audio components and turntables into banks 5 and 6, the quest for optimal performance is more complex. This
scenario will work, and likely work well, but a certain amount of experimentation is best given the fact that no lter can
eliminate 100% of all noise, the size of many of these RF-induced waveforms is as small as the edge of this paper you’re
reading, and the interactions are complex. So long as the power ampliers are in their appropriate banks, and the other
components are in banks 4 through 6, you should experience exemplary performance. Still, for the audiophile with
patience, the reward will be system performance with the highest possible resolution and lowest possible noise.

To achieve that optimal performance, we recommend the following guidelines. For systems that utilize very few
components, bear in mind that it is advantageous to use the uppermost outlets in banks 1 and 2, as they have a closer

8

proximity to the nal stage noise-dissipation circuits. Again, because each bank is isolated from the next, placing a DAC
and/or universal player in one isolated group, and a preamplier and turntable in another, would be an excellent way
to start. For systems that are much larger and require more outlets, try starting with the most basic setup, then adding
one component at a time. The combination that sounds best (yielding the greatest resolution) is the best one for your
system!

9

Suggested AC Connections

Line-Level Pre Amp

Mono Block

Phono Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Mono Block

Line-Level Pre Amp

Mono Block

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

1

“Engaged”

position must be

default setting.

POWER CORRECTION

120 VAC 60Hz

20 AMPS MAXIMUM

ENGAGED

STANDBY

Powered

Loud-

Speaker

Stereo

Amplier

HIGH CURRENT | LOW-Z POWER CORRECTION

1

20 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT

2

Line-Level

Preamp

3

Flat Screen

Phono

Pre-

Monitor /
Projector

amplier

ULTRA-LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM

4

20 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT

NIAGARA-5000 DESIGNED AND TESTED IN U.S.A.

Universal /

CD Player

5

6

10

Turntable

Cable /

Satellite

Box

20 Amp

Rated

AC Cord

Note: Banks 3 through 6 are subject to many variables and circuit conditions, so experimentation for

Powered

Loud-

Speaker

best results is encouraged. Power ampliers must be connected to banks 1 or 2.

DAC

2

Line-Level Pre Amp

Mono Block

Phono Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Mono Block

Line-Level Pre Amp

Mono Block

Line-Level Pre Amp

DAC

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

Line-Level Pre Amp

“Engaged”

position must be

default setting.

POWER CORRECTION

120 VAC 60Hz

20 AMPS MAXIMUM

ENGAGED

STANDBY

Monoblock

HIGH CURRENT | LOW-Z POWER CORRECTION

1

20 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT

Subwoofer

Line-Level

Preamp

2

3

Phono

Pre-

amplier

Universal /

CD Player

ULTRA-LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM

4

20 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT

NIAGARA-5000 DESIGNED AND TESTED IN U.S.A.

DAC

5

6

Streamer

Computer

Monoblock

Turntable

Subwoofer

20 Amp

Rated

AC Cord

Note: Banks 3 through 6 are subject to many variables and circuit conditions, so experimentation for
best results is encouraged. Power ampliers must be connected to banks 1 or 2.

11

Operation and Continuous Use

Power Switch/Circuit Breaker and LED Power Indicator

Once the AC cords are properly connected to the AC source tap, and the components are connected to the
appropriate outlet banks, it is safe to energize the Niagara 5000. On the right-hand side of the Niagara 5000’s front
panel, there is a black rocker switch. Firmly press the rocker switch so that its upper portion is ush with the front
panel. Typically within a couple of seconds, you should hear an audible “clack” sound(s) from one or more relays
within the Niagara 5000. At the same time, the front-panel LED power indictor will glow blue, signifying that the
unit is operational. (If this does not occur, see the “Trouble-Shooting Guide” in this manual.)

Rear-Panel Power Correction Switch/Niagara 5000 Current Draw

The default position for this switch should always be “Engaged”—even for applications in which there are no
power ampliers of any kind powered by the Niagara 5000. Defaulting to “Engaged” serves two functions: It
activates the Transient Power Correction Circuit for power ampliers that would be energized by outlet banks 1 or
2, and also provides a portion of the Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation Circuit for outlet banks 3 through 6. Although
no damage to the Niagara or the connected components will occur, performance will be noticeably compromised
when this switch is not set to the “Engaged” position.

However, there is one exception to this. Niagara 5000 has an internal current sense circuit that will automatically
engage the Transient Power Correction Circuit, as well as turn it o when your audio/video system is placed in
standby mode. To utilize this feature, two things must be present:

1. The primary power amplier(s) or powered receiver must be connected to High Current/Low-Z
Power Correction Bank 1 only (as it is the only power bank with the current sense monitoring for
this circuit function).

2. The primary power amplier(s) or powered receiver must have a power standby mode, and its
current consumption at 120VAC in standby mode must not exceed 25 watts. (Although 1 watt is
an industry standard for standby power, many great ampliers routinely dismiss it for reasons of
performance over power savings. Therefore, you should consult the specication sheet in your
amplier’s user manual.)

If these two requirements cannot be met, simply place the power correction circuit switch in the “Engaged”
position and leave it there! Rest easy, knowing that you will receive every last bit of performance the circuit
can deliver. However, if your system allows for the scenario listed above and your amplifier(s) or powered
receiver meets the criteria listed above, you may wish to take advantage of the standby circuit. (It is likely that
many systems will meet these criteria. However, if the standby function is not important to you, simply leave
the switch in the “Engaged” position).

The standby function was not created to place the connected system into a standby or switched mode, but
rather to place the Transient Power Correction Circuit into standby mode (disengaged), for instances when
the system is powered but not functioning (i.e., when there is no signal present). This was implemented
because the Transient Power Correction Circuit creates a reactive current draw of as much as 9 to 10 amps
RMS at idle (real world draw is a small fraction of an amp), and electrical technicians who connect a current
probe to a product such as this are frequently alarmed: They suspect that the product is either broken or that
it is drawing a distressingly high amount of current from the wall outlet (akin to a pair of mono-block power
amplifiers left in full operational mode).

12

This is actually far from the truth. If the Niagara 5000 was consuming that much current (or even 20% of that
level), it would need to dissipate the energy loss in heat. It would be quite warm (even hot) to the touch,
just like most power amplifiers while in operation. In fact, the Niagara 5000 runs cool, precisely because
this current reading is false. The circuit utilizes massive capacitive reactance across the AC line, which, akin

to a battery, will both absorb and immediately release the current several times per second. Further, when
incorporated with power supplies such as those found in power amplifiers, the current readings actually
come down! This is due to what’s known as a vector load, and it’s quite dynamic in an audio system. In this
scenario, there is one thing that can run somewhat warmer than it might otherwise: the AC cord that supplies
power to the Niagara 5000. This is because the wiring and the circuit breaker that supply power to Niagara
5000 simply look at RMS current and do not distinguish between reactive loads, resistive loads, or inductive
loads, but your utility does.

This circuit and many like it have been utilized for many years, and, when tested into buildings with absolutely
no loads present aside from the transient power correction circuit, there was virtually zero power draw from
the utilities power meter. Still, in an age where so-called “smart meters” are omnipresent, and some utilities
may or may not change their standards for “what type of power or current is suitable for billing,” we have
gone to great lengths to offer an alternative to those who may be concerned, but who nevertheless wish to
achieve the best possible audio or video performance.

Again, if you wish to utilize this feature, and your amplifier(s) and/or powered receiver meet the criteria,
simply place the Power Correction Switch in the “Standby” position. Otherwise, please leave the switch in the
“Engaged” position.

Extreme Voltage Indicator

One portion of the Niagara 5000’s non-sacricial surge protection is dedicated to a fast-acting extreme voltage
shutdown circuit. If more than 140VAC is present on the incoming AC line for more than a quarter of a second, the
circuit will instantly open a high-current relay that will disengage the AC power from all of the Niagara 5000’s AC
outlets, activating the red front-panel LED “Extreme Voltage” warning indicator. Once the event has passed, or the
building wiring fault has been corrected, the circuit will automatically re-engage.

Break-in Time/Continuous Use

The Niagara 5000 is made of a variety of passive and active components. Though every attempt has been made
to reduce the necessity of so-called “break-in,” “burn-in,” or “run-in” time—including high-power run-in of every
critical capacitor in the Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation Circuits—the Niagara 5000 will benet from continuous
use, just like any other audio/video component. This is not to say that you will be made to “suer” through weeks
or months of intolerable performance until that “magic day” when the parts are fully formed and ready. On the
contrary, the Niagara 5000 will perform very well from the rst moment you use it. It will improve gradually, in
small increments, over a period of approximately two weeks. While leaving the Niagara 5000 turned on during
this period will aid the process, it is also perfectly acceptable to turn the unit o; doing so will simply increase the
time it takes to reach nal “break-in.”

The Niagara 5000 has a ve-year warranty, but it was designed to last for over two decades. Provided that the
Niagara 5000 is used inside a home, store, studio, or oce with a reasonable climate (45 degrees to 100 degrees
Fahrenheit, with less than 20% humidity), it can be left on continuously; there are no parts that will wear out

13

Specications

Surge Suppression: Non-sacricial (nothing to damage with repeated 6000V/3000A

input surge tests, which is the maximum that can survive through a
building’s AC electrical panel).

Extreme Voltage Shutdown
Voltage:

Common-Mode Noise Dissipation: In excess of 30dB from 20kHz to 100MHz, linearized for dynamic

Transverse-Mode Noise
Dissipation:

Input Current Maximum Capacity: 20 amps RMS (total).

Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation
System AC Power Outlet Banks:

Number of AC Outlets: 12 (4 High Current/Transient Power Correction; 8 Ultra-Linear

Power Consumption: Typically, less than 0.25 amps at 120VAC input, or with the power

140VAC (will activate the main high-current relay to open within less
than 0.25 second; automatically resets once the incoming power is
within a safe range).

(rising) line impedance with frequency (source) and 10 to 50 ohm
load, system current dependent.

In excess of 24dB from 3kHz to 1GHz, linearized for dynamic
(rising) line impedance with frequency (source) and 10 to 50 ohm
load, system current dependent.

4 Isolated groups - total (bank three through six).

Noise Dissipation System Power).

correction switched to Standby setting.

(This is dependent on a reactive vector load. For more info, see “Operation
and Continuous Use: Rear-Panel Power Correction Switch – Niagara 5000
current draw.”)

Dimensions: 17.5” W x 5.24” H x 17.2” D (3-RU rack-mounting ears, optional)

Weight: 38 lbs.

14

Trouble-Shooting Guide

At AudioQuest, we always appreciate hearing from you. However, if you have questions, problems, or
suspect that your Niagara 5000 requires service, please start here.

There is no power to any of the AC outlets.

When the Niagara 5000’s front-panel LED power indicator glows blue, the unit is operational. If the Power On
indicator is not lit, consider the following: Is the upper portion of the front-panel rocker switch fully ush with
the chassis? Is the input AC cord fully inserted into the Niagara 5000’s AC inlet? Is the input AC cord properly
plugged into the wall AC service outlet? Is the wall’s AC outlet functioning properly? Plug into the outlet another
component, product, or lamp to verify that power is present and that the electrical panel’s circuit breaker has
not tripped.

If there are only one or two AC outlets that have no output power, a component may be malfunctioning. Verify
the AC output with a known simple device such as a lamp.

There is no power to any of the AC outlets and the red front-panel Extreme Voltage
indicator is lit.

This indicates that either there is more than 140VAC (+/-3V) present on the wall’s AC service outlet, or the Niagara
5000’s protection circuit is miscalibrated. The latter is quite rare. (This circuit is adjustable, but it’s tested and
retested before it leaves the factory, and it’s glued into place, so shipping will not aect it.) Use an AC voltage
meter to determine if your outlet has too much voltage to be safe for operation, or if there is a wiring fault that is
causing this to occur.

Once the power is brought into a safe range for operation (90VAC to 137 VAC), the Niagara 5000’s protection
circuit will automatically switch to operational mode and the blue power indicator will light.

The main power rocker switch/circuit breaker tripped to the lower (o) position
while the system was playing.

You may have exceeded the maximum current capacity of the Niagara 5000. This should be rare, but it may be
possible. Typical power ampliers draw about one-third of their maximum current consumption at 120VAC, as
listed in the product’s specications (typically found in their owner’s manual). This is further complicated by
the fact that the power consumption to all AC outlet groups (banks 1 through 6), is an additional draw on the
maximum current capacity of 20 amps that will trip this switch/magnetic circuit breaker.

The Transient Power Correction Circuit may also contribute to the overall draw seen by the circuit breaker. Still,
it should be rare that the total capacity is exceeded, but, given that some televisions, projectors, and power
ampliers can draw substantial current, it is certainly not impossible. If this is the case, an additional Niagara 5000,
and a discrete 15- to 20-amp AC service on the same phase of the electrical panel, will be required for some or all
of the power ampliers.

My power ampliers sound muddy, compressed, or weak.

The Transient Power Correction Circuit may not be operating. Be sure that all power ampliers, powered receivers,
powered loudspeakers, and or powered subwoofers are plugged into the High Current/Power Correction
AC outlets. If any of these are plugged into the Ultra-Linear Dielectric-Biased Symmetrical Power outlets, the
connected power amplier(s) will be current compressed, as the impedance is too high for any power amplier.

If the power amplier(s) are plugged into the High Current/Power Correction AC outlets, make certain that the
rear-panel Power Correction switch is in the “Engaged” position. Although it is possible for the Power Correction

15

Circuit to work properly while the switch is in the “Bypass” position (see “Power Correction Switch,” p12), you might
nd that the unit sounds substantially better in the “Engaged” position. If this is the case, it is possible that the main
or primary power amplier(s) are not plugged into High-Current AC bank 1, the power amplier has insucient
current draw to activate the circuit, or the circuit is miscalibrated.

When the Power Correction switch is set to the “Engaged” position, the current sense circuit will be defeated. Yet,
even with the current sense circuit functioning properly, audiophiles may prefer the “Engaged” position, as it will
slightly decrease the impedance of the Transient Power Correction Circuit.

My Niagara 5000 has no power ampliers connected to it, but it sounds odd or not
quite as good as it once did.

The Transient Power Correction Circuit also aids the Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation Circuits. Make certain that the
rear-panel Power Correction switch is in the “Engaged” position.

A technician or electrician found that my Niagara 5000 consumes over 8 amps
of current. Is it broken?

No, it’s not broken, and it’s not drawing 8+ amps in any conventional sense. The Niagara 5000’s Transient Power
Correction Circuit creates a reactive current draw of as much as 9 to 10 amps RMS at idle, and, when incorporated with
power supplies such as those found in power ampliers, the current readings decrease. This is a vector load, which will
vary with the connected equipment. When plugged into an AC service that has no other electrical draw, it is typical to
see a real-world RMS power draw well below 30 watts at idle. (For an in-depth explanation of the circuit, see “Power
Correction Switch,” p12.)

My home or grounds were hit by lightning. The Niagara 5000 seems to be
functioning properly. Should it be sent in for inspection or service? I did not notice
hum with any prior power device, but there is a hum in my system
with the Niagara 5000.

If you see or smell smoke coming from the unit, it needs service. Otherwise, if it functions after such an event (which
is very likely), there is nothing that would be compromised or damaged. If it fails after such an event, it will fail totally.
However, it’s unlikely that this would occur. The circuit is designed to easily handle any voltage or current surge that
could possibly make it past an electrical panel. The force required to damage the Niagara 5000 via a power surge
would melt the panel and burn the building (in which case, the Niagara 5000 is the least of your worries).

I broke o an AC plug tab while connecting or removing one of my AC cords. The
tab is stuck in the outlet. What should I do?

First, turn o or place on standby/mute all of your components, then turn o the Niagara 5000. Next, only after
you are absolutely certain that the power switch is o—you could also remove the input AC cord for even greater
safety assurance—use a strong set of pliers or a small handheld vice grip tool to grasp the portion of the tab that is
protruding from the NRG Edison outlet. While producing moderate outward pressure, gently wiggle the tab until it
pulls free from the outlet. This should be all that is necessary, and the outlets should be ne.

This will be a rare occurrence, but, because the gripping strength of the NRG Edison outlets is far greater than
that of generic or audiophile-grade AC Edison outlets, it is possible, if: An AC cord plug has tabs that are slightly
oversized or An AC cord plug has plating that is overly thick; or an AC cord plug is installed or removed in haste.

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How do I clean the chassis and/or the electrical contacts?

The Niagara 5000’s black-painted chassis and dark chrome front panel can be cleaned with AudioQuest
CleanScreen, automotive polishing creams, or a modest misting of household window cleaners. Please use soft
cotton or wool toweling to remove the liquid from the metal and painted surface. Whenever possible, use the
supplied polishing rag for the front panel, only using liquid cleaner when oil or grime is beyond the polishing

cloth’s capacity to thoroughly clean. Never use alcohol or solvent-based cleaners. They can damage the surfaces,
paint, and silkscreening material.

The AC inlet, outlet posts, and grips are all generously plated with silver. There is no need to clean these if they
are not exposed to foreign substances such as grease and dirt. Silver oxide is a superior conductor to silver itself.
If cleaning is required, Isopropyl alcohol (preferably 99% purity) on a cotton swab is best for the inlet tabs. Some
manufacturers provide specialized cleaners for the AC output surfaces. Again, however, cleaning these surfaces
will most likely be unnecessary.

Note: A pipe cleaner or cleaning swab with a wood stick and compact wool tip (available from an electronics
supply house) will be superior to household swabs. When working in a small area such as an AC outlet, this is
critical. Loose strands of cotton may damage the AC outlet. Damage to an AC inlet or outlet due to cleaning is not
covered under your warranty. If you damage an inlet or outlet in an attempt to clean it, you will be charged for the
repair and you will be responsible for all shipping costs.

I hear a slight buzzing sound coming from the Niagara 5000. Is it damaged?

No, it’s not damaged (or, at least, damage is very unlikely). If you’re in an extraordinarily quiet room and you hear
this buzzing sound only when in relatively close proximity to the Niagara 5000, or only when you place your ear
next to the unit, the buzzing is normal and, unfortunately, cannot be eliminated.

What you are experiencing is a variation on the eect called magnetostriction. When an extraordinarily high
quantity of harmonic distortion is present on an AC line the hermetically sealed and damped Transient Power
Correction circuit can mechanically buzz as its internal electrical plates resonate at 60 Hertz and many octaves
above. In order to reduce or eliminate this harmonic distortion, the circuit is trying to turn this distortion into heat.
This has no eect on the performance or longevity of the Niagara 5000 or its connected components.

Over ninety-nine percent of installations will never exhibit this problem, but that’s no comfort to the 0.1% that
do. Unfortunately, when this eect is very audible and present from across the listening room, it is typically due
to a poorly performing electrical transformer supplied from the power utility that may be saturating, or; is in need
of replacement. Occasionally this may also be triggered by other large electrical appliances that have severely
asymmetrical power supplies. It can be useful to try turning the Niagara-5000 on with an AC outlet that is on a
dierent phase from the electrical panel. This may require the help of an electrician, and some experimentation.

17

Warranty

The Quest Group, DBA: AudioQuest, warrants to the original purchaser of this AudioQuest Niagara 5000, will be
free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year. The purchaser of the product is allowed
30 days from the date of purchase to complete the warranty registration by mail or on-line at the AudioQuest
website. If the purchaser completes the aforementioned registration, the warranty period will be increased to ve
years from the date of purchase.

If the product does not conform to this Limited Warranty during the warranty period (as herein above specied),
purchaser shall notify AudioQuest in writing (or e-mail), of the claimed defects. If the defects are of such type and
nature as to be covered by this warranty, AudioQuest shall authorize the purchaser to return the product to the
AudioQuest factory (2621 White Road, Irvine, California, 92614 USA). Warranty claims should be accompanied by a
copy of the original purchase invoice showing the purchase date; this is not necessary if the Warranty Registration
was completed either by mailing in the completed warranty card or by registering online at the AudioQuest
website. Shipping charges to the AudioQuest factory (Irvine, California, USA) must be prepaid by the purchaser
of the product. AudioQuest shall, at its own expense, furnish a replacement product or, at AudioQuest’s option,
repair the defective product. Return shipping charges back to the purchaser will be paid by AudioQuest.

All warranties contained herein are null and void if: the AudioQuest AC power product (Noise-Dissipation System)
has been opened, improperly installed, altered in any way, or tampered with. AudioQuest is not responsible for
any connected equipment or any claims of damage to connected equipment due to the occurrence of an AC
power surge, spike, or over-voltage event, unless AudioQuest determines after thorough inspection and testing
by AudioQuest (with product shipped to AudioQuest USA at the owner’s expense), that the protection circuitry
was in whole or in part improperly functioning. AudioQuest is not responsible for any connected equipment that
is damaged due to external signal lines (non-AC power lines), that carry an electrical storm or signal wiring fault
surge or spike (such as Ethernet, cable, and satellite connections). All AudioQuest AC power products (Noise­Dissipation Systems), must be plugged directly into a properly wired AC power line with a protective ground.

All AudioQuest AC power products (Noise-Dissipation Systems) cannot be “daisy-chained” together in serial
fashion with other AC power strips, UPS’s, other AC surge protectors, AC power conditioners, three-to-two prong
adapters, or AC extension cords. Any such installation voids the warranty. The AudioQuest warranty only protects
against damage to properly connected equipment or AC cables where AudioQuest has determined, at its sole
discretion, that the damage resulted from an AudioQuest power product (Noise-Dissipation System) circuit or
protection circuit malfunction and does not protect against acts of God (other than lightning), such as ood,
earthquake, war, terrorism, vandalism, theft, normal use wear and tear, erosion, depletion, obsolescence, abuse,
damage due to low-voltage disturbances (i.e., brownouts or sags), or system equipment modication or alteration.
Do not use this product in any way with a generator, heater, sump pump, water-related devices, life-support
devices, medical devices, automobile, motorcycle, or golf-cart battery charger. To be used indoors only and in dry
areas. All warranties contained herein are null and void if used in any way with any of the aforementioned devices.

THE FOREGOING IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AudioQuest does
not warrant against damages or defects arising out of improper or abnormal use or handling of the product,
against defects or damages arising from improper installation, against defects in products or components not
manufactured by AudioQuest, or against damages resulting from such non-AudioQuest made products or
components. This warranty shall be cancelled by AudioQuest at its sole discretion if the product is modied in
any way without written authorization from AudioQuest. This warranty also does not apply to products upon
which repairs have been aected or attempted by persons other than then pursuant to written authorized by
AudioQuest.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole and exclusive obligation of AudioQuest shall be to repair or replace the
defective product in the manner and for the period provided above. AudioQuest shall not have any other obligation
with respect to this product or any part thereof, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise. Under

18

no circumstances, whether based on this Limited Warranty or otherwise, shall AudioQuest be liable for incidental,
special, or consequential damages. AudioQuest employees or representatives’ ORAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENTS
DO NOT CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES, shall not be relied upon by purchaser, and are not a part of the contract for
sale or this limited warranty. This Limited Warranty states the entire obligations of AudioQuest with respect to the
product. If any part of this Limited Warranty is determined to be void or illegal, the remainder shall remain in full
force and eect.

Warranty claims should be accompanied by a copy of the original purchase invoice showing the date of purchase.
(If a Warranty Registration Card was mailed in at the time of purchase or if the product was registered on-line, this
is not necessary.) Before returning any equipment for repair, please be sure it is adequately packed and cushioned
in either the original or a new AudioQuest factory-supplied polybag, foam insert pair, and dual carton set to
protect against damage in shipment, and that it is insured.

19

August/2016

©2016 AudioQuest • California, USA • The Netherlands • Hong Kong • www.audioquest.com • Email: [e-mail] • Made in USA