The Thunderbird XTRM RCA brings the XTRM series to one of the best-known interconnect cables in the AudioQuest catalogue. The American manufacturer has gathered its most recent developments here, all aimed at the same goal: reducing distortion still further and efficiently draining radio-frequency noise and electromagnetic interference.
AudioQuest Thunderbird XTRM RCA: conductors and insulation
The cable is built around solid perfect-surface copper conductors in PSC+ (Perfect-Surface Copper+). The solid geometry removes strand interaction, one of the main sources of dynamic distortion in a cable. Alternating layers of graphene (carbon/metal) then shield those conductors from RF noise.
For insulation, AudioQuest uses polypropylene air tubes. Contact between the metal of the positive conductor and the PP is kept to a strict minimum, which greatly limits memory effect. Because air absorbs almost no energy, and polypropylene is low-loss with a benign distortion profile, this high-air-content insulation is markedly more neutral than solid materials.
AudioQuest Thunderbird XTRM RCA: noise dissipation
A DBS pack applies a 72 V bias to the shield. Added to this is the ZERO-Tech principle, applied to every conductor: by eliminating the electrostatic field between positive and negative conductors, it allows linear noise dissipation. 6 % silver-plated RF drain wires with controlled direction complete the arrangement. Our technical primer covers these concepts.
AudioQuest Thunderbird XTRM RCA: connectors
The RCA plugs are silver-plated red copper. AudioQuest reserves suspended, unpolished silver for its finest plugs, laid directly onto extremely pure red copper: no compromise is made on signal transfer.
FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the AudioQuest Thunderbird XTRM RCA interconnect cable
What is the conductor cross-section of the Thunderbird XTRM RCA?
Two Solid Core conductors of 0.52 mm² each, in perfect-surface PSC+ copper. The solid geometry is the key point: it rules out strand interaction, which accounts for a significant share of dynamic distortion. This level of engineering naturally belongs ahead of a capable integrated amplifier.
Does the Thunderbird XTRM RCA suit a streaming source?
Yes, provided it has analogue RCA outputs: this is an interconnect cable, not a digital cable. It connects to the line outputs of a network player or converter and runs to the amplifier input.
Is there a right way round?
Yes. The RF drain wires have a controlled direction, and the shield is tied to ground at one end only, so the cable has a defined orientation. Take the time to keep its route clear of mains cords, as our advice on positioning Hi-Fi equipment explains.
Is there a trade-in scheme for older AudioQuest cables?
Yes, maPlatine.com applies a discount on a new cable in exchange for an older one from the brand. Eligible references and how the offer works are detailed on our AudioQuest cable trade-in page.
FranckType: unbalanced analogue interconnect cable
Conductors: Solid Core
Cross-section: 2 x 0.52 mm²
Copper: PSC+ (Perfect-Surface Copper+) — to be confirmed, see report
Insulation: polypropylene Air-Tubes
Noise dissipation: Graphene-Based (carbon/metal)
RF dissipation: Zero-Tech
RF drain wires: 6 % silver-plated, controlled direction
Bias: DBS 72 V
Connectors: silver-plated red copper RCA
