Audioquest Storm Thunder power cable

For several years, Audioquest power cables have been receiving numerous awards from the specialised press and are very popular with High-Fidelity enthusiasts. Their performance and the upgrade compared to standard power cords contributed to their success.

The Audioquest Storm Thunder is part of the new generation of power cables from the American manufacturer’s Storm range. This is the range’s first product and it’s equipped with DBS “Dielectric-Bias System” active bias.

AUDIOQUEST STORM THUNDER: CHARACTERISTICS

This new power cable uses perfect-surface copper (PSC) conductors. These are basically all PSC with a long-grain copper (LGC) core. This geometry allows to considerably reduce transient intermodulation distortion (TIM).

While many power cables have low resistance to meet the high-current demand, the cable characteristic impedance is also essential to offer optimum performance.

Contrary to most cables contracting or compressing a transient, AudioQuest power cables combine low DC resistance and ZERO characteristic impedance. It allows to provide uncompressed high-current transients.

AUDIOQUEST STORM THUNDER: SHIELDING

There is also the proprietary bias DBS system from the manufacturer. The cable housing polarises the display with a 72V current! Every shield is also equipped with a dielectric element with electrical properties affecting the signal integrity.

The DBS bias shield (patented by Audioquest) creates a powerful and stable electrostatic field which saturates and polarises insulation. It limits noises and prevents RF from entering the electronic circuit.

The announced life span of DBS batteries is around 10 years. A test button on the housing allows to check battery status.

AUDIOQUEST STORM THUNDER: CURRENT

The Storm Thunder cable offers a 16A current capacity which is perfect for power-hungry devices.

Power amplifiers are a real challenge for any power source because transient current needs (even if short) can be several times greater than the average power consumption (RMS).

Compared to all other components, power amplifiers are also unique by their dynamic and non-constant power consumption which changes in accordance with the volume and the audio signal content. Many high-end power cords contract or compress the audio transient because their characteristic impedance restricts the transient current.

AUDIOQUEST STORM THUNDER: TESTING AND LISTENING

The AudioQuest Storm Thunder effectively reduces power line noise present in the audio/video system and subjective distortion as well. The sound reproduction seems more accurate and very transparent. The dynamic range is formidable and present on the whole audio spectrum.

Like every Audioquest power cables, the Storm Thunder addition sublimates bass quality. It shows enhanced definition, remarkable dynamics and outstanding articulation! The reproduction is also clearer and more open.

We also notice an improved spatialisation and accuracy in terms of sector placement.

With its 16A current capacity, the Audioquest Storm Thunder power cable can withstand transient peaks from currents several times its continuous RMS value (average). This makes the Audioquest Storm Thunder perfectly adapted to power units, large integrated amplifiers, subwoofers, power strips and other power conditioners.

Would recommend +++