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Audioquest custom made triple weave design power cable (Storm Series).

Hi everyone,
I am interested in having my own customized Audioquest power cable build based of their new power line Storm series, which can be found here:

https://www.audioquest.com/ac-power/ac-power-cables/storm-series

The reason being the new line is out of my budget AND I am very interested in how a tailor made Audioquest applied with my own ideas will sound.

The idea:

• Use Audioquest NRG 4 cable, which can be bought in bulk: https://www.audioquest.com/ac-power/ac-power-cables/3-pole/nrg-4

• Dissecting the NRG 4 cable into three different wire parts: neutral, live, earth.

• Add multiple layers of shieldings per wire part: carbon fibre, copper braided sleeve, carbon fibre sleeve.

• Twist the three shielded wire parts in a geometry as the new Audioquest cable above, also have a look at:

https://www.lessloss.com/dfpc-series-p-213.html and

http://anticables.com/power-cords#!/Level-3-Reference-Series-Power-Cords/p/14644872/category=3461168

These great performers also use the same triple twisted design.

There must be something good going on with this geometry? That is why I want to apply it.

• Finally add, Oyaide plugs at each end (046, 079 or 004) and fill it with special crystal mineral against vibration, EMI, RFI, see: http://sablonaudio.com/index.php/power

First of all, would the geometry and design help you guys think?

Would it be worthwhile to try?

I can get Audioquest nrg4 relatively cheap. It has to be Audioquest wiring for me.
richardhk

Showing 6 responses by janehamble

janehamble
123 posts
 

I just had to add my comments to what is becoming a consistent stream of love for these amazing cables.  I actually went for the less-mentioned, middle-child Tornado - to connect my AQ Niagara 1000 to the wall-socket. Integrated amp, DAC, streamer all plug into the N1000 with a variety of mid-grade cables: an NRG-4 for the amp, Morrow MAP3 for the DAC and streamer power supply.

I was stressing for days, waiting for the Tornado to arrive.  (a)  Would that chunky cord even fit behind my audio unit?  (b) would this be another disappointing (and expensive) nothing-burger, after all the hype. 

After a few minutes wrestling the Tornado into position (it just about fits without major kinking) I was ready for the big moment.....and then.... nothing.  For minutes, I literally couldn't get a sound out of my system.  And yes, everything was apparently hooked up correctly, with all the appropriate lights on.  No mute buttons inadvertently activated.

I have no idea what caused the unwelcome silence, but suddenly the music came to life. And how.  Forget burn-in.  Right out of the blocks the sound is obviously and instantly, massively improved. I'm enjoying only my second evening with them, and I'm bowled over.  Seriously folks, it's an absolutely stunning leap in musicality   My system has never had such a transformation with any previous equipment change.  I'll save you the clichés.  I'm just going to have to play my entire music collection this weekend.

I have no idea how much better things could get with a Hurricane or Dragon attached to my mid-level electronics, but the Tornado is worth every penny for me.



janehamble
123 posts
 
In my limited one week's experience, there's only one challenge when using the Storm Series - the stiffness of the cable will be a real problem for a lot of setups.  So this makes me wonder if anyone's found a 90 degree connector that doesn't degrade the performance of these cables?  I guess one could spend another $100 on the Furutech - anyone tried that?  I've already found the weight and torque of the cable has loosened my duplex wall socket, which I'll need to tighten at the weekend.
janehamble
123 posts
 
The outlet is a Cruze Maestro, which is a premium outlet that’s had some rave reviews.  Nevertheless I might consider putting in  AQ.  Thanks for all the suggestions.  Final question for those who’ve owned both - is it really worth upgrading from Tornado to Hurricane? I suspect it’s subtle difference. 
janehamble
123 posts
 
@ctsooner thanks for the info about wall-sockets.  I may get around to switching my Cruze to AQ, based on your comments.  Possibly might also upgrade my Tornado, although I was a little confused by your remark that the difference between Thunder and Tornado is not subtle, while the Hurricane-Thunder may be on some systems.  I guess you're aware that Tornado is the product in between Hurricane and Thunder?  No matter...the Tornado sounds great.  Here's the strange part....
On my system I have the Tornado from wall to Niagara 1000.  My integrated Belles amp seems to sound better plugged into one of the regular inputs on the Niagara, rather than the dedicated power input.  The power input sounds slightly bloated in the bass.  So far I've had the Tornado plugged into the Niagara for about 250 hours, playing music for about 20 hours.  Another question - when yo guys are talking about burn in time, are you speaking about music-playing or simply connected to powered components?
janehamble
123 posts
 

I haven't used Anticable power cords but I had a negative experience with their speaker cables (Reference 3).  Sent them back pronto. 

Can fully understand @gdnrbob's  issue with the stiffness of AQ Storm and have also considered 90 degree adaptors.  I just about managed to bend mine sufficiently to fit.  But it's not a pretty sight :-)

However all is forgiven once you connect them and listen. I use a combination of Hurricane / Niagara 1000 / Tornado and the uplift in SQ over stock cords is beyond belief. 

janehamble
123 posts
 
yep I might try the 90 degree adaptors.  Thanks for the tip.
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