AudioQuest
AudioQuest NRG X3 AC Power Cable
Best power upgrade for home theater enthusiasts seeking cleaner audio performance.
Upgrade your home theater setup with this AC power cable, designed for Blu-ray players, streamers, and other AV equipment featuring a C5 inlet. It utilizes Long-Grain Copper conductors and a Semi-Solid Concentric topology to significantly reduce distortion and noise. This construction ensures a cleaner signal path, leading to improved audio clarity, more assertive sound attacks, and longer decay. Recognized by Stereophile as a "Recommended Component," it offers an accessible path to enhanced audio performance.
$149.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.1
/ 5
Category Rank
1846
/ 1910
#1846 in System & Power Cables
Price vs Category Average
-55%
Below average
Gauge
16
/ AWG
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking cleaner sound and a more defined soundstage
- Home theater owners prioritizing long-term durability and reliable connections
- System builders valuing the assurance of a reputable audio brand
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers skeptical of high-cost power delivery upgrades
- Listeners preferring measurable, objective performance improvements over subtle changes
- Entry-level system owners unlikely to hear significant sonic differences
Performance breakdown
Noise Reduction
Long-Grain Copper conductors effectively minimize interference for a cleaner signal path.
Build Integrity
Cold-welded terminations and robust PVC jacketing ensure long-term physical durability.
Sonic Clarity
Noticeable improvements in sound attack and decay for entry-level AV systems.
Compatibility
Specifically engineered for C5 inlets, limiting use to compatible streaming devices.
Current Delivery
Handles 15 amps with ease, providing stable power for demanding components.
Value Proposition
An accessible upgrade path recognized by audiophile critics for tangible performance.
Key Specs
Gauge
16 AWG
Terminations
Cold-Welded
Maximum RMS Current
15 Amp @ 120VAC 60 Hz
Conductor Material
Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
Jacket Material
Black PVC with Red Stripes
Connector Type
C5
Application Type
Blu-ray players, streamers, AV gear
Cable Function Type
AC Power Cord
Know before you buy
The NRG X3 is designed specifically for devices with a C5 power inlet, often referred to as a 'cloverleaf' or 'Mickey Mouse' connector. Check the back of your Blu-ray player, streamer, or AV component to ensure the power port matches this three-pin configuration before purchasing.
Long-Grain Copper features fewer impurities and internal grain junctions than standard copper. This design minimizes distortion and strand-interaction noise, resulting in a cleaner signal path that helps improve audio clarity and dynamic range.
Yes. This cable is direction-controlled to optimize noise dissipation. You will find directional arrows printed on the cable jacket, which should point from the power source toward your AV equipment to ensure the most effective performance.
The NRG X3 is rated for 15 Amps at 120VAC, which is sufficient for most streamers, Blu-ray players, and smaller AV components. However, for high-current power amplifiers, you should verify your device's specific power requirements to ensure this 16 AWG cable is appropriate for your needs.
Cold-welding is a process that joins the cable to the connector without using solder, which can sometimes introduce impurities or create a weak point in the connection. This method creates a more reliable, low-resistance bond that maintains the integrity of the signal path over time.
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$150