The QSATGA Power Cord

QSATGA stands for the collaboration between QSA, Grand Activation, and of course Tweek Geek as instigator.

It's very simple, and you can build one of these yourself, at your own risk of course. We start with the outstanding Grand Activation AC-55 3 conductor, MMAT treated, shielded AC wire.  To that we (or you) add the QSA Wattgate AC connectors with the level of MMAT treatment of your choosing. We consider this an intermediate build for a couple reasons:

1. The individual conductors are nearly too large, and too close together.
2. The overall cable diameter fits too tightly to the rear of the connectors, they need to be modified to fit without struggling mightily.

Our blog offers some assembly tips in this fascinating post. :)

We can also build it for you for an additional $100.

Our Comparisons

The QSA terminations across the board offer up a tighter, more controlled bass than the Furutech NCF. As you rise in connector treatment level, you go from equal performance in resolution, but superior in soundstage, to a level that really has to be heard to be believed. 

This cable is definitely NOT audio jewelry. It is  very utilitarian, pragmatic and designed for great sound.

The Violet level connectors easily surpass the FI-50 NCF, and put this assembled cord on an "equal but different" footing with Grand Activation's own HGA2000. You surpass the performance of the HGA 2000 when you choose the Red level QSA connectors and beyond. We have currently (November 2024) gotten up to the Black/Red level, and can say that this configuration is also and "equal but different" performer against GA's top of the line HGA6000 Power cord. Beyond that, you are in some pretty competitive territory. I am confident that this cord at the Gold level would likely embarass some oligarch level power cables. I will let you know for sure very soon. 

Equal But Different

When I say equal but different when comparing the QSATGA cord to the GA (Grand Activation), I mean equal in terms of resolution and soundstage, but different in tonal character. The Grand Activation HGA2000 is a balanced performer across the board. The HGA6000 has a more resolving nature, but a darker character. It's counterintuitive and true. Both cables present the audio with an inner glow as well.

The QSATGA character is more lit up and energized than the GA, which I would call more relaxed. Once you arrive at the Black Red level cord, you go beyond the performance of the top of the line GA cable.

Conclusion

Look, the internet is full of hyperbole these days. "What is truth?" we shout at our displays as yet another component becomes the product of the hour on the 50 various YouTube channels (no disrespect, there are just a lot of you).  Their ears aren't your ears. Their systems aren't your system. Their tastes aren't your tastes. There is only one true way to know: I give you the opportunity to try one or two of these power cords in your own system. Listen for yourself. If they don't perform better than your existing cords, send 'em back. If they do, then you decide if they are worth the investment. That's it. 

In-Home Auditions