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AudioQuest NRG-X3 Low-Noise UK Mains Power Cable
As low as £79.95 £66.62
SKU
AQ NRG-X3 UK
Lifetime
New
24 hours
As with the previous versions of NRG-X cables, new NRG-X cables use Direction-Controlled Long-Grain Copper (LGC) in superbly simplified Semi-Solid Concentric Conductors — packing the same 12 amp rating (X3,120V) into 7 strands instead of the previous 37 strands. That’s an incredibly tiny percentage of the previous strand interaction. Sounds so simple, but the resulting improvement is so delightfully clear.
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AudioQuest NRG-X3 Low-Noise UK Mains Power Cable
AudioQuest is pleased to introduce improved versions of NRG-X2 and NRG-X3—AudioQuest’s much-beloved high-value, high-performance, entry-level AC power cables.
While lacking many of the features that make NRGs Y and Z, the Winds, and the Storms so incredible—such as ZERO Tech and GND (Ground-Noise Dissipation)—the X models are cut from the same cloth, designed to effectively lower noise in an audio/video system. One hears more of what’s on the recording: transient articulation, bass definition, soundstage scale, and the spatial cues that bring music, dialog and sound-effects to life.
As with the previous versions of NRG-X cables, new NRG-X cables use Direction-Controlled Long-Grain Copper (LGC) in superbly simplified Semi-Solid Concentric Conductors — packing the same 12 amp rating (X3,120V) into 7 strands instead of the previous 37 strands. That’s an incredibly tiny percentage of the previous strand interaction. Sounds so simple, but the resulting improvement is so delightfully clear.
Directional-control, a crucial Noise-Dissipation technique, ensures that induced noise is dissipated and drained properly. These many material and design advantages enable significantly superior performance over stock AC cords, and over many much more expensive after-market AC cables.
Features :
- Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductors
- Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
- Noise-Dissipation: Quiet Background and Minimal Circuit Misbehavior Due to Direction-Controlled Conductors
Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductors:
Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductors are used in some of AudioQuest’s AC power and speaker cables as a cost-effective, flexible alternative to typical stranded conductors. Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductors use fewer, larger strands that do not change position down the length of the cable. While solid conductors are the complete solution to strand distortion, Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductors avoid many of the distortion mechanisms of stranded conductors.
Long-Grain Copper (LGC):
LGC allows a smoother and clearer sound than cables using regular OFHC (Oxygen-Free High-Conductivity) copper. OFHC is a general metal industry specification regarding “loss” without any concern for distortion. LGC has fewer oxides within the conducting material, less impurities, less grain boundaries, and definitively better performance. NRG-X3 cables use LGC strands in a Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductor arrangement.
About AudioQuest
AudioQuest has been the largest cable supplier to the high-end specialist market for many years. AudioQuest is sold in several hundred outlets in the US and in over sixty countries. Bill Lowe (Founder) is especially pleased that this success has been possible despite his insistence that the foundation of the company, and the foundation of AudioQuest marketing, must be the performance of the product. In the audio world, many professionals have learned that it is not always convenient to listen to the products they sell … they might learn something they don’t want to know! Bill has always understood the challenge of basing the existence of AudioQuest on the performance of the product. However, to Bill, this is the only reasonable way to do business and the only acceptable way to combine his passion for music (and all things high performance), with his need to make a living.
UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.
Enhance Your Experience: Free Cable Burn-In Service with Nordost VIDAR Machine
Please take note of the following details regarding our cable burn-in service:
- Cable Compatibility: We regret to inform you that we cannot burn-in cables with stripped bare ends or BFA plugs. In order for cables to undergo the burn-in process, they should be terminated or have connectors.
- Timing: Cables will be burnt in for the selected period after processing your order. For custom-length cables, the burn-in process will occur after they have been terminated by the manufacturer or our engineers unless specified otherwise in the product description.
- Availability: Future Shop provides our cable burn-in service free of charge, but its availability is at our discretion. While we strive to fulfil all burn-in requests for the specified time periods, please understand that during exceptionally busy periods, we may be unable to meet the demand due to limited connections on the Nordost Vidar cable conditioning machines.
The Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in machine integrates three key functions into one operation:
- Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
- Deep Conditioning: The machine provides a wide band and deep conditioning process that affects the conductor core, resulting in changes to the signal transmission through the metal. This deep conditioning enhances the cable's performance.
- Ultrasonic Surface Conditioning: The VIDAR machine utilizes ultrasonic waves to condition the surface of the conductors, optimizing their contact and overall conductivity.
The VIDAR employs a proprietary combination of composite and complex signals to condition the cables. These signals comprise ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies, extending beyond the range of video frequencies. The signal moves back and forth along the cable, penetrating deep into the core with ultra-low frequencies and traversing the surface with ultra-high frequencies. This transmission method generates beat harmonics between the two complex waveforms, which permeate all layers of the cable. The circuitry of the VIDAR also drives electrons from the conductor into the insulation area, neutralizing electrical charges.
So, what does this all mean for you?
The ultimate outcome of conditioning cables with the Nordost VIDAR is improved sound staging, increased detail, and an overall more musical presentation in your audio system.
Now, you may wonder why cable burn-in is necessary. During cable manufacturing, gasses become trapped as insulation is applied over the conductors. Additionally, new cables often possess high electrical charges, resulting in a brittle and bright sound that lacks the desired detail and depth for music production.
When cables undergo burn-in, the trapped gasses are dissipated, and small impurities in the conductor metals begin to exhibit diode-like behaviour, favouring current flow in a specific direction.
Here are the physical effects of the burn-in process:
- Charge Neutralisation: The burn-in process neutralizes charges in the conductors and insulation, promoting a more balanced electrical environment.
- Wide Bandwidth Frequencies: The conditioning affects how signals pass through the metal, enabling a wider range of frequencies to penetrate all cable layers.
- Signal Transmission: The burn-in process establishes the directionality of the cable, optimizing signal transmission from one end to the other.
When cables are properly burnt in, you can expect the following audible changes in your audio system:
- Fuller and Natural Sound: Your system should be capable of producing a more immersive and realistic performance with a fuller and more natural sound.
- Increased Detail: You may notice enhanced details and nuances in the music, allowing you to perceive subtle elements that were previously hidden.
- Improved Soundstage: The dimensionality of your system's soundstage can be greatly improved, creating a more spacious and immersive listening experience.
At Future Shop, our goal is to maximise your satisfaction. That's why we offer a free burn-in service on all our cables before they arrive at your door, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the benefits of properly conditioned cables in your audio system.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT
Customer Reviews
4.7 /5.0 of 9 Reviews
High quality
Matt
31 Oct 2024
It fits perfectly in the hifi unit socket, unlike the previous cable I had for 8 years, which was always loose. I finally decided to upgrade. Audioquest is a brand I trust that I have cables from already, so I chose this one for just under £100.
At 2m, I think it's a fairly reasonable price. It is really high-quality and well-made. And I believe I can feel and hear a difference compared to previous cable, it seems to bring a sense of renewal to my hifi.
I like it because Audioquest products are high in aesthetic quality and performance, and the black and red colours look good.
It works well with my Roksan K3 integrated amp. I would compare it to my older cable, but I can't remember what brand it was. I'm sure it was called "Black Widow" or something. It was grey and thicker but not as good as this Audioquest one. This new one seems to bring out a bit more detail in the sound. But I'm just a wannabe audiophile; there's not much difference.
At 2m, I think it's a fairly reasonable price. It is really high-quality and well-made. And I believe I can feel and hear a difference compared to previous cable, it seems to bring a sense of renewal to my hifi.
I like it because Audioquest products are high in aesthetic quality and performance, and the black and red colours look good.
It works well with my Roksan K3 integrated amp. I would compare it to my older cable, but I can't remember what brand it was. I'm sure it was called "Black Widow" or something. It was grey and thicker but not as good as this Audioquest one. This new one seems to bring out a bit more detail in the sound. But I'm just a wannabe audiophile; there's not much difference.
Excellent service
Timothy Prince
17 Sep 2024
It was my first time using Futureshop, and the service was excellent. I ordered one day, and the cable was delivered the next day.
The cable in question was exactly what I needed and has worked perfectly so far.
The cable in question was exactly what I needed and has worked perfectly so far.
Hear & see the difference
Chris
10 Aug 2024
Verified Buyer
I've always been a bit sceptical of these types of products. There are many detractors online, and YouTube videos use scientific measuring equipment to debunk the possibility that they could make any difference to sound quality. I have purchased two of these cables.
The first I used on my UAD Apollo 8 audio interface (DAC). I immediately heard the soundstage open up, and low frequencies displayed greater clarity and depth.
I then purchased a second to use on my Rega Brio amplifier (in the same chain), but I found that it refined the sound too much. I then moved that cable to my Denon AVR 2800 in the other room, and it instantly opened up the sound stage there, too (as well as increasing picture clarity on my OLED TV that the AVR feeds). For the past week, I've been obsessively replaying my favourite music and movies and enjoying the details and clarity. I'm very impressed.
The first I used on my UAD Apollo 8 audio interface (DAC). I immediately heard the soundstage open up, and low frequencies displayed greater clarity and depth.
I then purchased a second to use on my Rega Brio amplifier (in the same chain), but I found that it refined the sound too much. I then moved that cable to my Denon AVR 2800 in the other room, and it instantly opened up the sound stage there, too (as well as increasing picture clarity on my OLED TV that the AVR feeds). For the past week, I've been obsessively replaying my favourite music and movies and enjoying the details and clarity. I'm very impressed.
Has this cable have sorcery built in
Richard . H
11 Apr 2024
Verified Buyer
Wow, wow. I have had this cable for about a week, and I have used it on my Bose audio player for the first time, and I am blown away by the sound. The quality is outstanding, with a deeper base and sharper detail than my Bose cable. The build quality is excellent. The cable is still burning in, having only been used for a few days, and wow, I cannot believe the difference.
AQ cables are just a cut above the rest on the market.
AQ cables are just a cut above the rest on the market.
How to make a secure fit
JPS
8 Jul 2023
Verified Buyer
In response to a previous review by Richard, when I recently replaced my amp and CD player with new Denons, I experienced the looseness of fit that you describe. They would sometimes disconnect.
But I've resolved it! I fetched a roll of black electrical insulation tape and made a few careful winds around the end, effectively making it fatter. Being insulation tape, it has no conductive properties, so it has no effect on the electrical function of the plug.
I now have a very snug fit for both leads, which stay put unless I choose to remove them. A simple solution that costs a few pence worth of tape and a couple of minutes of my time.
If you don't have any insulation tape, you can get some at any DIY store or most local hardware shops.
But I've resolved it! I fetched a roll of black electrical insulation tape and made a few careful winds around the end, effectively making it fatter. Being insulation tape, it has no conductive properties, so it has no effect on the electrical function of the plug.
I now have a very snug fit for both leads, which stay put unless I choose to remove them. A simple solution that costs a few pence worth of tape and a couple of minutes of my time.
If you don't have any insulation tape, you can get some at any DIY store or most local hardware shops.
Simple and Effective
JPS
27 Mar 2023
Verified Buyer
Secure fit into my amplifier. I bought it to replace a similar product, but this one is easier to use because the cable bends more easily.
I was initially sceptical about the value of replacement mains cables, but they work!
I was initially sceptical about the value of replacement mains cables, but they work!
Happy customer
Michael Reading
26 Mar 2021
Verified Buyer
I first want to mention customer service, I had some questions about their range of cables.
These were answered by email immediately, I then proceeded to order a couple of these cables, which promptly arrived the next day.
Good cables for the price, but excellent service.
These were answered by email immediately, I then proceeded to order a couple of these cables, which promptly arrived the next day.
Good cables for the price, but excellent service.
Well made cable, disappointing connection
Richard
30 Aug 2020
Verified Buyer
I’m a big fan of AudioQuest audio cables and power cables, and have several of the older NRG-X2 C17 power leads for CD player, Network player and Blu-Ray player, which are superb. Sadly, AudioQuest dropped the C17 lead in their new range, though both AQ and Futureshop on the phone confirmed this C13 lead will power a 2 pin device without an issue.
However, the problem is that it does not provide a secure connection - the old C17s gave a satisfying final squeeze, and were rock solid - not so with the new X3, which feels loose, and has worked itself loose on a couple of occasions. I don’t know if the older 2 pin style was designed to be secured using just the live and neutral feeds - perhaps the redundant earth connector in the new lead is to blame? AQ and Futureshop confirmed this would work fine with an older C17 connection; did anyone consider the lack of the Earth pin for securing it?
Using it for my Blu-Ray player rather than the amp it was bought for, as I don’t trust it to stay put. Such a pity.
However, the problem is that it does not provide a secure connection - the old C17s gave a satisfying final squeeze, and were rock solid - not so with the new X3, which feels loose, and has worked itself loose on a couple of occasions. I don’t know if the older 2 pin style was designed to be secured using just the live and neutral feeds - perhaps the redundant earth connector in the new lead is to blame? AQ and Futureshop confirmed this would work fine with an older C17 connection; did anyone consider the lack of the Earth pin for securing it?
Using it for my Blu-Ray player rather than the amp it was bought for, as I don’t trust it to stay put. Such a pity.
I don't recommend
this product
this product
Response from Future Shop
8 Sep 2020
AudioQuest ensure that the plug bodies fit a wide range of products, some of which have larger apertures/inlet sockets than others, so the cables can feel a little loose, but are generally OK.
There may always be additional factors that don’t help the above, such as the cable being twisted or forced into a position it naturally doesn’t go to, but again it’s extremely rare that they work themselves loose.