Powerline Accessory Reviews

There never seem to be enough AC outlets, and when there are, they're not always easily accessible. I have two dedicated 15A duplex outlets at the power-amp end of my room, but a subwoofer and multiple power amps (up to three at a time) exhaust those facilities. What happens when I need to add a second subwoofer or other EQ? What do I do when I want to keep more than three amps cooking for quick comparisons?

Until I find a way to run more dedicated lines, the best option is to split the AC sources by using a power-distribution box that takes up space and can be costly, or to simply add a multi-outlet extension cord. Horrors! I don't really want to run all that fancy gear on a $2.99 18 gauge throwaway from the local hardware store.

I've found an effective yet inexpensive solution: AudioQuest's sturdy little 3 US ($35). Its name, though not melodic, is descriptive. At one end of the 3 US's sturdy case is a power inlet that accepts a standard three-slot IEC power cord of your choice of length and girth. (I used a 10'-long AudioQuest NRG-10.) On one face are three US-standard three-prong power outlets. Inside, the input is connected to the outlets by heavy-gauge bus links of solid copper bar. Plug in a good cable and you have a serious extension cord that will distribute AC where you need it. AudioQuest's brilliantly simple 3 US should be in everyone's kit of parts so that it will be there when you need it. And you will.