AudioQuest Storm Thunder Power Cable

AudioQuest mains cables have received numerous awards from the specialized press over many years and are highly regarded by High-Fidelity enthusiasts. Their performance and the improvements achieved compared to stock power cords have driven their success.

The AudioQuest Storm Thunder is part of the new generation of mains cables from the American manufacturer's Storm series. It is the entry model in the range and comes equipped with active Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) biasing.

AudioQuest Storm Thunder: Features

This new power cable utilizes Perfect-Surface Copper (PSC) conductors. These conductors are essentially PSC with a Long-Grain Copper (LGC) core. This geometry significantly reduces Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM).

While many power cables feature low resistance to meet high current demands, a cable's characteristic impedance is also crucial for delivering optimal performance.

Unlike most cables that restrict or compress a transient, AudioQuest mains cables combine low DC resistance and ZERO characteristic impedance. This allows uncompressed high-current transients to be delivered effortlessly.

AudioQuest Storm Thunder: Shielding

Additionally, it features the manufacturer's proprietary DBS bias system. A pack attached to the cable polarizes the shield with a 72V electrostatic field! All shields are also equipped with a dielectric whose electrical properties affect signal integrity.

The DBS biased shielding (patented by AudioQuest) creates a powerful, stable electrostatic field that saturates and polarizes the insulation. This minimizes noise and prevents RF interference from entering the electronics.

The DBS batteries are rated for a lifespan of approximately 10 years. A test button on the pack allows you to check the battery status at any time.

AudioQuest Storm Thunder: Current Capacity

The Storm Thunder cable offers a 16A current capacity, rendering it ideal for current-hungry devices.

Power amplifiers present a true challenge for any power source, as transient current demands (though brief) can be several times greater than average (RMS) current draw.

Power amplifiers are also unique compared to all other components in that current draw is dynamic rather than constant, fluctuating with volume and audio signal content. Many high-end mains cords compress or restrict the audio transient because their characteristic impedance limits transient current flow.

AudioQuest Storm Thunder: Listening Test

The AudioQuest Storm Thunder effectively reduces mains noise present in the audio/video system as well as subjective distortion. Reproduction feels significantly more faithful and highly transparent. Dynamics are remarkable and consistent across the entire audio spectrum.

Like all AudioQuest mains cables, adding the Storm Thunder transcends bass quality. Low frequencies display enhanced definition, superb dynamic impact, and outstanding articulation! Playback is also clearer and wide open.

There is also a noticeable improvement in spatial imaging and instrument placement accuracy.

With a 16A current capacity, the AudioQuest Storm Thunder power cable can easily handle current transient peaks multiple times its continuous RMS rating. This makes the AudioQuest Storm Thunder perfectly suited for power amps, large integrated amplifiers, subwoofers, mains power blocks or power conditioners.

Highly recommended +++