AudioQuest NIAGARA 1200EU User manual

NIAGARA 1200EU
Owner’s Manual
Low-Z Power |Noise-Dissipation System

EN
Instructions in English are available at the link below.
ES
Las instrucciones de instalación en el español se encuentran disponibles en el enlace
que se indica a continuación.
FR
Les instructions d’installation en français sont disponibles au lien suivant.
DE
Anweisungen auf Deutsch erhalten Sie mit dem nachstehenden Link.
RU
Инструкции на русском языке доступны по ссылке ниже
ZH
安裝說明請詳見下列網址連結.
www.audioquest.com

Table of Contents
Niagara 1200EU Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connection to Audio/Video Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Suggested AC Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Operation and Continuous Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

1
Niagara 1200EU Features
¡Ground Noise-Dissipation System: AQ’s patented technology vastly reduces
ground-borne noise without compromising safety or creating low-level ground loops.
¡Level-X Linear Noise-Dissipation Technology: Ensures the most consistent and
widest bandwidth noise dissipation possible, without the inconsistent results that
typifyminimalist,multi-node resonantpeakingfound in manyACpowerconditioners.
¡Low-Z AC Power Inlets and Outlets: These inlets and outlets not only feature
the superior grip and lower resistance of beryllium copper, but they also include a
heavy Hanging-Silver plating to ensure the lowest impedance at radio frequencies,
enabling superior noise dissipation.
¡Non-Sacricial Surge Suppression: Will accept multiple transient power surges
and spikes up to 6000V or 3000A (the maximum that can make it through a home or
oce electrical panel). Damage from electrical storms or power-line interruptions is
virtually impossible. Set it and forget it.
Introduction
The science of AC power is not simple; 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.

2
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 and receivers 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
ampliers, and battery back-up system topologies. Through dierential 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…

3
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 1200EU uses our patented
AC Ground Noise-Dissipation System, coupled to a sophisticated, directionally
optimized, wide bandwidth-linearized noise-dissipation circuit.
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 1200EU 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
1200EU, you’ll nd optimized radio-frequency lead directionality; run-in capacitor

4
forming technologies developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratories and NASA; and AC
inlet and outlet contacts
with heavy silver plating over extreme-purity copper and beryllium copper, assuring
a tight grip and high system performance.
A great system is built from a solid foundation, and that foundation starts with
power. With an AudioQuest Niagara 1200EU, 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 1200EU 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 fundamental that you nd yourself wondering why it
hadn’t been done before.
For a comprehensive discussion on AC power technology, including everything that
makes AudioQuest’s Niagara a more eective AC power solution, please download
our “Power Demystied” whitepaper at
https://www.audioquest.com/content/aq/pdf/Power-Demystied-whitepaper-8-23-18.zip
—Garth Powell, Senior Director of Engineering, AudioQuest

5
Installation
Unpacking
Before unpacking your Niagara 1200EU, 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 1200EU, these packing
materials will ensure the safest transportation.
The corrugated box should contain the Niagara 1200EU (230V Schuko AC Outlets), two
foam inserts, owner’s manual, four rubber bumpers, 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 1200EU, please read and observe all safety and operating
instructions. Retain these instructions for future reference.
¡Do not disassemble or in any way modify the Niagara 1200EU. 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.

6
Servicing
|
Return to AudioQuest
Servicing of the Niagara 1200EU must be performed by AudioQuest, and is only
required when:
¡The Niagara 1200EU has been exposed to rain, ooding, or extreme moisture.
¡The Niagara 1200EU does not appear to operate normally. (See “Trouble-Shooting
Guide.”)
¡The Niagara 1200EU has been dropped and sustained considerable physical
damage.
If sending the Niagara 1200EU to AudioQuest for servicing (or shipping it for any
reason), please use the factory approved packaging materials. If you have lost any of
these (corrugated carton, foam inserts, one poly bag), please contact AudioQuest for
replacements or advice. 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 polybag
is enough to permanently damage the nish during transport. If you have lost the
original packaging material, please request replacement materials from AudioQuest or
consult us for appropriate options.

7
Power Source
Ideally, the power source to which the Niagara 1200EU is connected should be adequate
for use at 220V to 250V single-phase nominal voltage, 10 amps (current capacity RMS).
However, the Niagara 1200EU will operate very well with a 16-amp service outlet.
For proper operation, the Niagara 1200EU requires a safety ground (supplied via
the power utility AC wall outlet).
Placement
The Niagara 1200EU is manufactured with four rubber feet for safe, secure placement
on any table, cabinet, shelf, or oor. It can also be safely mounted on its edge or side
(for front edge mounting, we have provided four adhesive rubber bumpers to protect
the chassis nish). The Niagara 1200EU’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 1200EU does not. However, we do not insist they are not to be
used either. Let your ear be your guide.
Placement or proximity to other components is not critical, and, under standard use,
the Niagara 1200EU does not produce any heat.

8
Connection to Audio/Video Components
AC Cable Routing
Once the Niagara 1200EU is placed, an appropriate 10-amp-rated AC cord must be
connected to the AC inlet (IEC-C14) connector. The AC cord must have an IEC-C13
female end connector and a grounded male 230VAC Schuko plug. We highly endorse
the use of any AudioQuest 10-amp-rated @230V (or high-current) AC cord, as the
patented Ground Noise-Dissipation relies on our directionally controlled conductors
for best performance. However, the Niagara 1200EU will function properly with any
appropriate AC cord that meets the aforementioned requirements.
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’s NRG Schuko AC Outlets
The AudioQuest NRG Schuko AC outlets, like all Schuko female receptacles, feature
reversible-polarity connection. Though both orientations are safe to use, only one is
correct for lowest noise, and thus, best performance. The high-current outlets can be
measured with a polarity-checking device to determine which orientation is best for
the AC cord that is connected to your wall’s AC service outlet.
To determine the optimum orientation of the outlets’ AC cords, neither a polarity-
checking device nor even a digital multimeter is ideal. This is because many component

9
power supplies are bi-directional, with one direction typically exhibiting less current
leakage than the other. It is best to determine the optimal orientation by listening to each
component individually, then marking the outlet and the AC cord’s plug. The simplest
way of doing this is with no signal, but with all volume controls set to maximum. The
quieter of the two orientations is the correct one. For line-level components, it might
be necessary to place your ear by the loudspeaker’s high-frequency driver in a quiet
environment. Otherwise, you can use an audio signal to determine the most coherent,
non-distorted sound.
Marking polarity or orientation on AC outlets or cord plugs should be done discreetly
with a tape or ink pen that can be removed with either isopropyl alcohol or household
cleaner on a cotton swab.
High-Current Power Bank
The two High-Current Power Banks were designed to enhance the performance
of power ampliers, powered subwoofers, and powered receivers via the Niagara
1200EU’s low-impedance, dierential-lter circuitry. This, coupled with the patented
Ground Noise-Dissipation System, ensures maximum performance from any power
amplier without the typical performance-limiting eects of current compression
found in many typical “power conditioners.”
The ve source-component AC outlet banks will still perform well for powered
subwoofers, but the high-current AC outlets should be reserved for primary amplier(s).
The source AC outlets have been optimized for line-level audio preampliers, DACs,
universal players, turntables, digital devices, and video products that utilize constant-
current voltage amplier circuits. These circuits never suer from current compression,

10
but their lower input level and higher gain require a more robust means of noise
dissipation. This is key to the Niagara 1200EU’s discrete AC power banks. When viewed
facing the outlets, these are (from left): two high-current, three source center position,
and two source AC outlets. Each discrete bank features isolated GND Tech for optimal
performance.
Level-X Linear Noise-Dissipation System
There are ve outlets that utilize this technology within the Niagara 1200EU. Though
it would be simple to recommend putting the digital or video components into the
upper three outlets and the line-level audio components and turntable into the
two banks below them, 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 or screen can eliminate 100% of all noise. The
size of many of these RF-induced waveforms is as small as the edge of a piece of
paper, and the interactions are complex. So long as the power amplier, powered
subwoofer, or powered receiver are in the two AC outlets labeled “High Current,”
and the other components are in some combination of the ve outlets above, you
should experience exemplary performance. The outlet that sounds best (yielding the
greatest resolution) is the best one for your system!

11
NIAGARA-1200
DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE U.S.A. - ASSEMBLED IN TAIWAN
220 - 240 VAC 50Hz
10 AMPS MAXIMUM HIGH CURRENT
10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
LEVEL-X LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM
NIAGARA-1200 DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE U.S.A. - ASSEMBLED IN TAIWAN
220 - 240 VAC 50Hz
10 AMPS MAXIMUM HIGH CURRENT
10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT 10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
LEVEL-X LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM
NIAGARA-1200 DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE U.S.A. - ASSEMBLED IN TAIWAN
220 - 240 VAC 50Hz
10 AMPS MAXIMUM HIGH CURRENT
10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT 10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
LEVEL-X LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM
EURO
UK
Asia
Suggested AC Connections
Computer
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Powered
Subwoofer
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Receiver or
Integrated
Amplier
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block

12
NIAGARA-1200 DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE U.S.A. - ASSEMBLED IN TAIWAN
220 - 240 VAC 50Hz
10 AMPS MAXIMUM HIGH CURRENT
10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
LEVEL-X LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM
NIAGARA-1200 DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE U.S.A. - ASSEMBLED IN TAIWAN
220 - 240 VAC 50Hz
10 AMPS MAXIMUM HIGH CURRENT
10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT 10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
LEVEL-X LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM
NIAGARA-1200 DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE U.S.A. - ASSEMBLED IN TAIWAN
220 - 240 VAC 50Hz
10 AMPS MAXIMUM HIGH CURRENT
10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT 10 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
LEVEL-X LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM
EURO
UK
Asia
Flat Screen Monitor /
Projector
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Streamer
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Turntable or
Cable Satellite box
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Universal /
CD Player
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block

13
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
1200EU. On the left side of the Niagara 1200EU’s chassis, there is a black rocker switch.
Firmly press the rocker switch so that its upper portion is ush with the end-cap or
panel. This position is marked with the number “1.” Typically, within a second, you
should hear an audible “clack” sound from the relay within the Niagara 1200EU. At the
same time, the adjacent 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.)
Extreme Voltage Indicator
One portion of the Niagara 1200EU’s non-sacricial surge protection is dedicated to
a fast-acting extreme voltage shutdown circuit. If more than 275VAC 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
1200EU’s AC outlets, activating the red LED “Extreme Voltage” warning indicator. Once
the event has passed, or the building wiring fault has been corrected, the circuit will
automatically re-engage.

14
Break-in Time
|
Continuous Use
The Niagara 1200EU 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
Level-X Linear Noise-Dissipation Circuits—the Niagara 1200EU 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 1200EU 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 1200EU 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 1200EU has a ve-year warranty, but it was designed to last for over two
decades. Provided that the Niagara 1200EU is used inside a home, store, studio, or
oce with a reasonable climate (7 degrees to 38 degrees Celsius, with less than 20%
humidity), it can be left on continuously; there are no parts that will wear out.

15
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:
275VAC (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).
Level-X Linear
Transverse-Mode
Filter:
In excess of 24dB from 20kHz to 1GHz, linearized for
dynamic (rising) line impedance with frequency (source)
and 10- to 50-ohm load, system current dependent.
Input Current
Maximum Capacity:
10 amps RMS (total).
7 AC Ground-Noise
Dissipated Outlets in
3 Isolated Groups:
2High-Current outlets for on-demand current to
variable-current equipment (ampliers).
3Level-X Linear Filtered AC outlets (outlets 3 through 5).
2Level-X Linear Filtered AC outlets (outlets 6 and 7).

16
Power Consumption: Typically, less than 5W at 230VAC input.
Dimensions: 498mm W x 87mm H x 191mm D
Weight: 6.85kg

17
Troubleshooting Guide
At AudioQuest, we always appreciate hearing from you. However, if you have questions,
problems, or suspect that your Niagara 1200EU requires service, please start here.
There is no power to any of the AC outlets.
When the Niagara 1200EU’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 bottom end-cap rocker switch fully ush with the chassis
and in the “1” position?
¡Is the input AC cord fully inserted into the Niagara 1200EU’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.
¡Is the 10-amp circuit breaker tripped?
The bottom end-cap or panel has one 10-amp circuit breaker with a reset button.
Simply push the button to reset the breaker. It is quite unlikely this would occur, but
if a large appliance or a defective component were to experience a short circuit, this
breaker device will activate, thus saving itself and the connected equipment.