Writing for the German online publication, Fairaudio.de, Michael Bruss put our PowerQuest 505 power conditioner through its paces, comparing it against a simple hardware-store power strip and then against his high-performance reference.
[Note: Michael Bruss reviewed the EU version of the PowerQuest 505, which, as seen in the photo above, provides seven EU outlets. North American units feature 12 outlets, including four for high-current devices.]
With the PQ-505 in his system, Bruss notes a calm, quiet overall presentation with voices and musical instruments clearly delineated and solidly rendered across a deep, wide soundstage. Compared to Bruss’ reference, the PQ-505 produces more transient snap and presence along with unambiguously greater bottom-end impact and control.
It's that last bit — the bottom-end grip and bass impact — that really distinguishes the PowerQuest 505 from the competition, decides Bruss.
He concludes: "The AudioQuest PowerQuest 505 is a well-designed power filter for ambitious and complex hi-fi systems; sonically, it outperforms simple power strips without requiring the technical complexity — or the cost — of the high-end Niagara series...
"The high-current outputs of the AudioQuest PowerQuest 505 prove that even more powerful components can be integrated without issue. Surprisingly, the PowerQuest 505 delivers plenty of punch and energy in the bass and sub-bass. It also combines crisp impulses and lively transients with a spacious soundstage. This sets it apart slightly from its direct competitors and, to my ears, makes it one of the top picks under 1,000 euros."
