AudioQuest
AudioQuest NRG-Z2 Cable
Best power upgrade for audiophiles seeking cleaner sound in desktop systems.
The AudioQuest NRG-Z2 AC Power Cable is engineered to significantly reduce noise in your A/V system, delivering a powerful, dynamic, and immersive audio experience. It features direction-controlled Semi-Solid Concentric Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors, which minimize distortion by reducing grain boundaries and surface discontinuities. The cable's ZERO-Tech design ensures uncompressed transients by combining low DC resistance with zero characteristic impedance. Silver-plated drain wires efficiently drain RF noise to ground, further enhancing audio clarity. This cable is an excellent upgrade for DACs, powered desktop speakers, game consoles, and streamers.
$289.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
446
/ 1786
#446 in System & Power Cables
Price vs Category Average
+1%
Above average
Conductor Material
Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
/ Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
Who it's for
- Listeners wanting affordable performance gains for their source components
- Audiophiles seeking a cleaner and more detailed sonic background
- System builders needing durable cables that route easily
Who should skip it
- Serious enthusiasts requiring advanced noise-dissipation technologies
- Budget-conscious consumers wary of premium cable pricing
- Owners of equipment that may not reveal subtle power improvements
Performance breakdown
Noise Floor Reduction
Advanced shielding effectively silences background interference for a cleaner signal path.
Transient Response
Zero-impedance design ensures dynamic peaks remain sharp and completely uncompressed.
Conductor Purity
Perfect-Surface Copper+ minimizes grain boundaries for superior signal integrity.
Build Quality
Robust construction provides long-term durability and reliable power delivery.
System Compatibility
Versatile design integrates seamlessly with streamers, DACs, and powered speakers.
Signal Flow Optimization
Direction-controlled conductors prioritize efficient energy transfer throughout the audio chain.
Key Specs
Conductor Material
Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
Gauge
14 AWG
Topology
Semi-Solid Concentric
Noise-Dissipation Technology
ZERO-Tech and RF/ND-Tech
Shielding
Direction-controlled Silver-Plated Drain Wires
Connector Type
NEMA 5-15P to IEC C13
Release Year
2018
Features
- Direction-controlled conductors for optimized signal flow.
- ZERO-Tech provides zero characteristic impedance for uncompressed transients.
- RF/ND-Tech for enhanced noise dissipation.
- Silver-Plated Drain Wires efficiently drain RF noise.
- Semi-Solid Concentric conductor topology reduces strand-interaction distortion.
- Enhances audio quality for a superior entertainment experience.
- Versatile connectivity for DACs, speakers, game consoles, and streamers.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the AudioQuest NRG Z2 cable for its exceptional build quality and tangible sonic improvements. Reviewers frequently note a significant reduction in background noise, leading to enhanced clarity and dynamics in their audio systems. While acknowledging the premium price point, the consensus among dedicated audiophiles is that the cable delivers substantial performance gains, making it a worthwhile investment for optimizing high end equipment. The perceived value is high because the cable successfully elevates the listening experience.
Know before you buy
The NRG-Z2 is ideal for components that benefit from clean power, such as DACs, streamers, game consoles, and powered desktop speakers. Its design is optimized to reduce noise floor, which helps smaller, sensitive electronics perform with greater clarity.
Yes, the conductors are direction-controlled to ensure the signal flow is optimized. You should install the cable so the arrows printed on the jacket point away from the wall outlet and toward your audio component.
ZERO-Tech eliminates characteristic impedance, which prevents the cable from compressing the signal during high-demand moments. This allows your equipment to handle sudden musical transients and dynamic shifts without feeling restricted.
The NRG-Z2 uses a standard NEMA 5-15P plug for your wall outlet and an IEC C13 connector for your device. These are the most common power connections found on modern audio gear, but you should verify that your specific component uses a C13 input before purchasing.
Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) features an exceptionally smooth surface that minimizes grain boundaries within the metal. By reducing these microscopic discontinuities, the cable minimizes distortion and allows for a cleaner, more refined signal transfer.
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