Power conditioner

@seymour-krelborn 

”It is my understanding that the most important power cord, is the one which connects the Niagara to the wall.  That power cord (the right one) is expensive, and there might be some people that do not believe in those power cords being beneficial?”

+1

The largest improvement to my system from changing any power cord was going from a Shunyata Venom HC to an Alpha Zi-Tron HC to supply my Shunyata distributor from the wall.  The sound of every source in my system improved. The difference was noticeably and undeniably positive.

kn

here's the AI analysis: 

Nordost QBase Mk III

• Passive
• No filtering
• No protection
• No isolation
• No noise reduction
• Requires add‑on modules to do anything meaningful

Between the two, select the Audioquest.  It offers these features:

• Full transformer‑based conditioner
• Heavy noise reduction
• Surge protection
• High‑current outlets
• Real AC treatment

With that said, you may want to consider the Furman Reference 15i which is better than both.  It offersthese features,  it's where I spent my money and it's less expensive:

• Balanced power (±60V) dramatically lowers noise floor for analog and tube gear
• SMP/EVS gives the best surge protection in the industry
• LiFT filtering is neutral and non‑compressive
• No transformer buzz issues (unlike some Niagara units)
• Zero drama with high‑current amps
• Costs far less than the Niagara 5000

@audio-b-dog 

I think it's more complicated with an asynchronus DAC. I don't think my CD player's clock is used. I heard that from my dealer, but I haven't had a chance to check out all the technical stuff. 

If you can budget one of the Berkeley Audio Design's Alpha USB models + a quality AES/EBU cable and quality USB cable, then run your questions passed a Berkeley engineer.

They would know if there are streamers or DACs that are not compatible with their Alpha USB re-clockers.

I have never tried to contact them.  So I do not know if they are reachable or if they will respond to inquiries.  But I think that they would want to help a new customer, and you would get a real answer (not just more questions).

Plixir 

@bosssound 

I've had similar positive experiences with the Berkely Alpha Design Alpha USB interface. Plan to post about it separately when I have time. Will provide link in this thread when I do.

Is this still on your radar?