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 Tornado is part of the new generation of mains cables from the American manufacturer's Storm series. It is the second model in the range and comes equipped with active Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) biasing.
AudioQuest Storm Tornado: Features
This new power cable utilizes Perfect-Surface Copper (PSC) and Perfect-Surface Copper Plus (PSC+) conductors.
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 Tornado: 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 Tornado: Current Capacity
The Storm Tornado 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 Tornado: Listening Test
The AudioQuest Storm Tornado effectively reduces mains noise present in the audio/video system as well as subjective distortion.
Playback gains dynamic range and scale. Bass quality is remarkable in articulation and clarity, while the lower spectrum is characterized by extraordinary scale.
The Storm Tornado also offers excellent definition combined with nuance and subtlety. There is a noticeable improvement in spatial imaging alongside a broader soundstage.
With a 16A current capacity, the AudioQuest Storm Tornado power cable can easily handle current transient peaks multiple times its continuous RMS rating. This makes the AudioQuest Storm Tornado perfectly suited for high-end power units, large integrated amplifiers, subwoofers, mains power blocks or power conditioners.
Highly recommended +++
FranckType: Grounded power cable
Conductors: Direction-controlled PSC and PSC+
Biasing: 72V DBS
Current Capacity: 16A
Geometry: Semi-Solid Concentric
Plug: Schuko EU type
Connector: IEC C13
