Audioquest
Contents
We recently tested a trio from Audioquest: the PowerQuest 303, 505 and 707. We included the PowerQuest 707 in this stream. At 1299 Euro, it sits just below the Aquarius EVO3. However, we see one more outlet and also a nice extra in the form of the “battery system” which can provide extra power at short transients.
Now we already wrote in the review that we think the High Current outputs sound nicer than the Low Current variants. And that’s no different now. The Low Current outputs sound a bit up-front and sometimes a bit harsh. Again, the High Current versions sound friendlier and smoother. Moreover, the stereo image opens up further. Just like the system at the office in Haarlem. This is nice, because then this behavior seems to be consistent.
All in all, we find the PowerQuest 707 a bit more pleasant and better sounding than the Aquarius EVO3. And that with a slightly smaller money transfer. A win/win in other words!
With the Syncro?
We also briefly combined the PowerQuest 707 with the Isotek Syncro. That was a very pleasant combination! We hear no loss of dynamics, but an increase in calmness and especially definition in the low range. Also the stereo image seems to open up a bit more.
With 1900 Euro this combination costs less than the Isotek Aquarius V5. The Isotek brings even a little more refinement and flow, but this combination comes very close. Interesting!
Last year I used a Oehlbach phaser for testing the polarity on my 10 components. Works on a battery and gives the correct results. When both positions of the plug gave the same results I used a multimeter, this also gave identical results, in other words there is no lower value and the position of the plug doesn’t matter. I marked the position of all phases with a dot of a red paint marker (so on the components, both plugs of the power cords, the power strips used and the wall socket. In this way it is easy to change components or cables. And yes it made a small difference in the sound of the music. Good luck.
Did you try the high power outputs of the Aquarius v5 to say drive the power amps?
No. The Yamaha vintage amps don’t like power conditioners at all.
Great test, thank you.
I betray my ignorance… what do you mean in the Intro by “cables neatly in phase”?