AudioQuest Niagara 7000UK User manual

Owner’s Manual
Niagara 7000UK
Low-Z Power
|
Noise-Dissipation System

2
Niagara 7000 Features 3
Introduction 3
Installation 5
Unpacking 5
Safety Information/Warnings 5
Servicing/Return to AudioQuest 5
Power Source 5
Placement 6
Connection to Audio/Video Components 6
AC Cable Routing 6
High Current/Low-Z Power Banks 6
Level-X Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation System Power Outlets 7
Suggested AC Connections 8
Operation and Continuous Use 10
Power Switch/Circuit Breaker and LED Power Indicator 10
Rear-Panel Power Correction Switch/Niagara 7000 Current Draw 10
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)“Test” Button/Momentary Switch 11
Extreme Voltage Indicator 11
XFMR-1 and XFMR-2: Front-Panel Circuit Breaker Reset Buttons 12
Break-in Time/Continuous Use 12
Specications 13
Trouble-Shooting Guide 14
Warranty 19

3
Niagara 7000UK Features
¡Transient Power Correction provides power ampliers a current reservoir of over 90 amps peak
(up to 25mS)
¡Patented Ground-Noise Dissipation System yields lower distortion and greater resolution
from audio, video, and digital components with grounded AC cords/circuits
¡Level-X Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation Technology: More than 23 octaves dierential-mode
ltering (3kHz-1GHz in excess of 24dB reduction) and 20 octaves common-mode ltering (20kHz-
100MHz in excess of 30dB reduction) with linear response, optimized for varying line and load
impedance
¡12 Low-Z NRG Series AC Power outlets: 4 High-Current Low-Z Power; 8 Level-X Ultra-Linear
Filtered Power (source components) Outlets feature thick direct-silver plating over beryllium
copper. This assures the most ecient dissipation of induced radio frequency noise possible.
Introduction
The science of AC power delivery is not a simple one; it demands focus, and the devil is in the details. In fact, the
great 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 a
somewhat 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 very 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 dynamics from much of our audio
software, the loudspeakers we employ to reproduce them are often 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…
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, these approaches may also impart
ringing, current compression, and non-linear distortions that can render the cure worse than the disease.
The Niagara 7000UK uses our patented AC Ground Noise-Dissipation System, the world’s rst Dielectric-Biased AC
Isolation Transformers, and the widest bandwidth-linearized noise-dissipation circuit in the industry. Our unique

4
passive/active Transient Power Correction Circuit features an instantaneous current reservoir of over 80 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 7000UK 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 7000UK 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 7000UK, you’ll nd optimized radio-frequency lead directionality, run-in capacitor forming technologies
developed by USA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories and NASA, and AC inlet and outlet contacts with heavy silver plating
over high-purity copper and beryllium copper. This assures a tight grip and the greatest RF (radio frequency) noise
dissipation possible.
A great system is built from a solid foundation, and that foundation starts with power. With an AudioQuest
Niagara 7000UK, 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 7000UK 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.
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 7000UK, 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 7000UK, these packing materials will
ensure the safest transportation.
The double box set should contain the Niagara 7000UK (240V UK-1 13R AC Outlets), two foam inserts, owner’s
manual, Quick-Start Guide, front-panel polishing cloth, rack-mount kit, 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 7000UK, please read and observe all safety and operating instructions (or, at the
very least, the Quick-Start Guide). Retain these instructions for future reference.
¡Do not disassemble or in any way modify the Niagara 7000UK. 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 7000UK must be performed by AudioQuest, and is only required when:
¡The Niagara 7000UK has been exposed to rain, ooding, or extreme moisture.
¡The Niagara 7000UK does not appear to operate normally. (See “Trouble-Shooting Guide.”)
¡The Niagara 7000UK has been dropped and sustained considerable physical damage.
If sending the Niagara 7000UK 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 7000UK is connected should be adequate for use at 230V to
265V single phase nominal voltage, 13 amps (current capacity RMS or greater). However, the Niagara 7000UK will
operate very well with a 10-amp service outlet. If the maximum current capacity available is 10 amps, and the
system exceeds 10 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 7000UK requires a safety ground (supplied via the power utility AC wall outlet).

6
Placement
The Niagara 7000UK is manufactured with four rubber textured polymer feet for safe, secure placement on any
table, cabinet, shelf, or oor. When rack-mounting is required, these feet may be removed with a standard Phillips
screwdriver. The Niagara 7000UK’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 7000UK may not.
Placement or proximity to other components is not critical, and, under standard use, the Niagara 7000UK does
not produce any appreciable heat. The Niagara 7000UK 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 7000UK chassis, rst
remove the three Torx 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 7000UK’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 in a rack, shelf, or cabinet, the Niagara 7000UK 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 7000UK is placed, an appropriate 13-to-16-amp-rated high-current 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 240VAC UK-1 13P plug. We highly recommend the use of any AudioQuest 16-amp-rated
Wind Series or High-Current Storm Series AC cable. Because these cables feature conductors that have been
meticulously controlled for proper low-noise directionality, they will ensure the best possible results from the
Niagara 7000UK’s Ground-Noise Dissipation Technology.
When facing the Niagara 7000UK’s rear panel, the IEC-C20 inlet is located on the unit’s lower-left side. The AC inlet
cord must be connected to an appropriate AC outlet (see “Power Source”).
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.
High Current | Low-Z Power Banks
There are three High-Current/Low-Z Power outlets (labeled “1” through “3”). These outlets feature our Transient
Power Correction Technology (90 amps peak - up to 25 mS duration) and are designed to enhance the performance
of power ampliers via our circuit’s low-impedance transient current reservoir. Power ampliers, monoblock
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 AC outlet 1. This
enables the standby sense circuit, which requires the current draw of a power amplier connected to (and only
to) outlet 1. If the standby sense circuit is not utilized, and the sense circuit bypass switch is set to “Enabled,” any
of the three high-current outlets may be utilized.
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.

7
However, the other eight AC outlets (Level-X 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 7000UK’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.
Level-X Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation System Power Outlets
There are two banks (with eight outlets) that utilize this technology within the Niagara 7000UK. Further, the rst
bank (AC outlets 4 through 7), are 100% isolated from the second bank (AC outlets 8 through 11). All eight of these
outlets are in turn, 100% isolated from the High-Current/Low-Z bank (outlets 1 through 3). 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 7000UK’s output circuits.
Though it would be simple to recommend putting the digital or video components into bank 2, and the line-
level audio components and turntables into bank 3, 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 possess sinewaves as small
as the edge of a piece of paper, and the interactions are complex. So long as the power ampliers are in their
appropriate banks (outlets 1-3), and the other components are in the remaining banks, 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 each bank as they have a closer
proximity to the nal stage noise-dissipation circuits. (The same holds true for the High-Current banks.) Again,
because bank 2 is 100% isolated from bank 3, 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. Try either of
the two isolated bank groups to see which works best for you. The bank that sounds best (yielding the greatest
resolution) is the best one for your system!

8
Suggested AC Connections
240 VAC 50Hz POWER CORRECTION
13 AMPS MAXIMUM
31 2 4 6 8 10
5 7 9 11
STANDBY
ENGAGED
HIGH CURRENT |LOW-Z POWER CORRECTION
SYMMETRICAL POWER BANKS ARE GFCI PROTECTED - 120/240V 1O AC
NIAGARA-7000 DESIGNED, ASSEMBLED AND TESTED IN U.S.A.
13 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
3 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT 3 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
ULTRA-LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM |DIELECTRIC-BIASED SYMMETRICAL POWER
1
“Engaged”
position must be
default setting.
Note: Outlets 4 through 11 are subject to many variables and circuit conditions; experimentation is
encouraged for best results. Power ampliers must be connected to Outlets 1 through 3.
AC Cord Orientation: The four source component AC outlets, located at the top right-hand
side of the rear panel, are oriented so that a right-angled UK-13P plug’s cord will dress upwards.
All other outlets dress downward. This was done to maximize the number of AC outlets available
when utilizing the popular right-angled UK plug. Unfortunately, in some environments (for
example top shelf placement), this may appear unsightly. For such applications, we suggest
the use of a straight (non-angled) UK-13P plug. These are available from AudioQuest and are
standard on many of our current range of premium AC cables.
Stereo
Amplier
Line-Level
Preamp
Phono
Pre-
amplier
Turntable
Flat Screen
Monitor /
Projector
Cable /
Satellite
Box
Universal /
CD Player
DAC
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
16 Amp
Rated
AC Cord
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
SubwooferSubwoofer
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block

9
Suggested AC Connections
240 VAC 50Hz POWER CORRECTION
13 AMPS MAXIMUM
31 2 4 6 8 10
5 7 9 11
STANDBY
ENGAGED
HIGH CURRENT |LOW-Z POWER CORRECTION
SYMMETRICAL POWER BANKS ARE GFCI PROTECTED - 120/240V 1O AC
NIAGARA-7000 DESIGNED, ASSEMBLED AND TESTED IN U.S.A.
13 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
3 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT 3 AMPS RMS MAXIMUM OUTPUT
ULTRA-LINEAR NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM |DIELECTRIC-BIASED SYMMETRICAL POWER
2
“Engaged”
position must be
default setting.
16 Amp
Rated
AC Cord
Note: Outlets 4 through 11 are subject to many variables and circuit conditions; experimentation is
encouraged for best results. Power ampliers must be connected to Outlets 1 through 3.
MonoblockMonoblock Subwoofer Line-Level Preamp
Phono
Pre-
amplier
Turntable Streamer
Universal /
CD Player DAC
Computer
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
Phono Amp
Cable / Sat Box DAC
Line-Level Pre Amp
Mono Block
AC Cord Orientation: The four source component AC outlets, located at the top right-hand
side of the rear panel, are oriented so that a right-angled UK-13P plug’s cord will dress upwards.
All other outlets dress downward. This was done to maximize the number of AC outlets available
when utilizing the popular right-angled UK plug. Unfortunately, in some environments (for
example top shelf placement), this may appear unsightly. For such applications, we suggest
the use of a straight (non-angled) UK-13P plug. These are available from AudioQuest and are
standard on many of our current range of premium AC cables.

10
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 7000UK. On the right-hand side of the Niagara 7000UK’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 7000UK. 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 7000UK Current Draw
The default position for this switch should always be “Engaged” or “1”—even for applications in which there are no
power ampliers of any kind powered by the Niagara 7000UK. Defaulting to “Engaged”/“1” serves two functions:
It activates the Transient Power Correction Circuit for power ampliers that would be energized by outlets 1-3,
and also provides a portion of the Level-X Ultra-Linear Noise-Dissipation Circuit for outlets 4 through 11. Although
no damage to the Niagara or the connected components will occur, performance will be compromised when this
switch is not set to the “Engaged”/“1” position.
However, there is one exception to this. Niagara 7000UK 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 Outlet Bank 1 (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 240VAC in standby mode must not exceed 28 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 power amplifier left in full
operational mode).
This is actually far from the truth. If the Niagara 7000UK 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 7000UK runs cool, precisely because
this current reading is false. The circuit utilizes massive capacitive reactance across the AC line, which, akin