{"product_id":"audioquest-nrg-x3-ac-power-cable-c5-end","title":"AudioQuest NRG X3 AC Power Cable - C5 End","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eNRG-X3 With a C5 End Powers Compact and External-Supply Gear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA power cable carries the last few feet of AC from the wall into a component. It can't add power a component doesn't draw, but a poorly shielded one lets noise ride in on that current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest builds NRG-X3 with a C5 'cloverleaf' connector for components that use that smaller inlet instead of the common C13. The conductors and construction are the same solid Long-Grain Copper as the rest of the NRG-X3 line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSolid Long-Grain Copper, Semi-Solid Concentric\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest builds this cable with solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC), which it says has fewer grain boundaries than ordinary copper and so causes less distortion. The Semi-Solid Concentric geometry packs the strands tightly so they never change position, reducing strand-to-strand interaction along the run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDirection-Controlled Conductors\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest controls the directional grain structure of every conductor in this cable so induced radio-frequency noise is guided away from the circuits it would otherwise disturb. It calls NRG-X3 an outstanding upgrade for DACs, powered desktop speakers, game consoles and streamers, the class of gear that most often carries a C5 inlet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Connectors, Explained\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThis cable ends in a C5 'cloverleaf' plug, the small three-pin connector used on lightweight external power supplies and compact source components, and a standard NEMA 5-15 three-prong plug for the US wall outlet at the wall end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eStereophile\u003c\/em\u003e named NRG-X3 a Recommended Component for 2025. Reviewer Sasha Matson praised it in a pairing test alongside an Emotiva ERC-2 phono preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Power Cable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour component's power inlet is the small three-pin C5 shape, not the larger C13\u003c\/strong\u003e — this cable is built specifically for that connector, so it is the right physical fit before anything else\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou run an external power supply for a streamer, phono stage or small DAC\u003c\/strong\u003e — C5 is the standard inlet on that class of compact power brick\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want AudioQuest's entry-level conductor and Direction-Controlled construction\u003c\/strong\u003e — this is the same NRG-X3 build as the C13 version, just terminated for a different inlet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour rack sits near a Wi-Fi router or other RF-noisy gear\u003c\/strong\u003e — Direction-Controlled Conductors drain radio noise away from the circuits it would otherwise upset\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour component actually uses the larger C13 inlet\u003c\/strong\u003e — \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-nrg-x3-power-cable-1-0-meter\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudioQuest NRG-X3\u003c\/a\u003e is the version built for that connector; check your component's inlet before ordering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003ePlug the female C5 end into the small three-pin inlet on your power supply or component, and the male end into a wall outlet or power conditioner outlet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThen power up the system as usual. Other and longer lengths available. Call for prices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA power cable is one link in the chain from the wall to your gear. It usually joins these categories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/power-conditioners\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePower Conditioners\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — filter the whole circuit; the cable feeds the last few feet after it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated Amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the high-current load most power cables are built to feed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/stereo-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eStereo Amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — another high-current destination for the heavier gauges in this range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/digital-to-analog-converters\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eDigital-to-Analog Converters\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a low-current source component that still benefits from clean, quiet AC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy does shielding matter on an AC cable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest builds its power cables to keep radio-frequency and electromagnetic noise from riding in on the AC line and reaching sensitive circuits. A ground wire without that shielding can act like an antenna, pulling in exactly the noise a power cable is supposed to keep out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDo power cables wear out?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEvery metal conductor oxidizes over time; it is unavoidable chemistry, not a defect. What varies is the rate. Denser, better-shielded conductors with quality plating oxidize far more slowly, so a well-made cable performs the same way for years instead of drifting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs there a C5 cable further up the range?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eC5 is the smallest connector AudioQuest offers in this line, and NRG-X3 is the only model built for it. A C5 inlet is a low-current connector by design, so there is no higher-current C5 rung to climb to; if your component upgrade path leads to a bigger amplifier, that gear will most likely use a C13 or larger inlet instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWill this affect my system's ground safety?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eNo change to your safety ground. Every cable in this line keeps the full three-conductor path, hot, neutral and ground, exactly as building code requires. What differs from a stock cord is conductor quality and shielding, not the wiring topology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about power cables, AC filtration, or system setup? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"AudioQuest","offers":[{"title":"1.0 Meter \/ New","offer_id":45981193207981,"sku":"NEW-AQNRGX3C5-1","price":109.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.0 Meter \/ Demo","offer_id":45981193273517,"sku":"DEMO-AQNRGX3C5-1","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2.0 Meter \/ New","offer_id":45983226167469,"sku":"NEW-AQNRGX3C5-2","price":129.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3.0 Meter \/ New","offer_id":45982222614701,"sku":"NEW-AQNRGX3C5-3","price":149.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4.5 Meter \/ New","offer_id":45983209062573,"sku":"NEW-AQNRGX3C5-4.5","price":179.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6.0 Meter \/ New","offer_id":45981571743917,"sku":"NEW-AQNRGX3C5-6","price":209.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/AQNRGX3C5_01_ends_2025__15465.1744295818.1280.1280_07d99651-9d0f-4cf1-abf5-b1feb38c0bb3.jpg?v=1778162291","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-nrg-x3-ac-power-cable-c5-end","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}