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

@janehamble ,
I bought some IEC right angle adaptors from AQ, and a rather expensive one from Voodoo Cable-It can be rotated, but they will set it up to the direction you want. Nice to know that if I change things, it can be readjusted with a few screws.

I just wish these cable companies would just put an adjustable termination for their cables. For the amount that the Hurricane cables cost, it would seem a no brainer, and it probably wouldn't add much to the cost. When I saw the amount of wasted packaging on my Thunder cables, I thought I would be much happier paying for more cable quality and less glitz. After all, who is going to be looking at the packaging after set up?
B

Guys, each step of the way up with their power cords is a huge step up and not incremental.  I have Hurricanes on everything and will get dragon on my source and DAC soonish.  The new Garth Powell interconnects and speaker cables are supposed to be in another league like these power cords are.  Even friends who aren't AQ fans love my power cords when they come over and bring theirs to play.  Just amazing work by Garth.

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

@janehamble ,
+1
My Tornado's really opened up. Bass is significantly better defined.
My recommendation to anyone buying them is to buy a longer length than needed so that you can have some wiggle room.
The right angle connectors really help. AQ said that since they should contribute practically nothing to the sound.
B

Funny they look like the Anticable reference designs with only the battery pack. Anticable $300.00 and sound oh so good. 

The Thunder's arrived last week and are now breaking in nicely.

My only bugaboo is how stiff they are.
I can't fathom how cable companies can make a product that will not bend, twist or conform to any given application.
I had to buy some right angle adapters. The ones that really worked were some overpriced Voodoo cable adapters.
When I called AQ, they said they would look into it, but I doubt it.

When I see the amount of money AQ spends on packaging, I find it a bit disconcerting that they will not provide a means for allowing their cables to be properly inserted/connected to equipment without placing unnecessary strain on the connectors/equipment.

Sorry if I am hijacking this thread, but I really had to mention it.
I will start a fresh one, if others wish.
Bob

Thanks for posting the info on the speaker cables. I noticed the Mythical Creatures are now on the AQ site.  Wow, a $9k starting point is up there, but if these are the revolution the Storm series is, then it's going to almost be worth the entry price.

One of my friends who has the Quatro speaker system asked Richard
about a base for those speakers. Richard was not sure if that would happen, but sort of left the door open that it could.


Another interesting thing I learned was from the Audioquest people
who were there. The regional salesman told me that the DBS system
on the Storm series requires at least 400 hours of break-in. I have the  Hurricanes in my system and I can verify somewhere between 400 and 500 hrs is probably needed.

I can also report that the Storm series is everything audiophiles have said about it. The improvement in my system is amazing. I imagine
the same is true concerning the new speaker cables. The demo at 
the meeting was impressive even with the distractions.

Can the base be used on Quartros?  Time to call Richard. Lol. Those are steep prices on speaker cable for many of us. Very interesting to say the least. 

One thing that I failed to mention in that last post is that the granite
base for the Model 7 improves base response and is much more than just a base to raise the speaker higher. Richard told me that using
the various materials that make up the base has a very positive 
effect on base performance. He explained the technical aspects of 
this which were pretty much beyond my comprehension. If any of
you are interested you should call him and ask about this.

I attended the Audio Society meeting at Sonny's. Garth introduced
the new line of speaker cable called Mythical Creatures. He said 
that a bi-wired 6ft. run of the top of the line Dragon would cost 
about 44K. The Firebird, which we heard was less (I can't remember
the price, but I think about half as much. The next one down (Which
is probably of more interest to most of us) will be 9K. That is a
bi-wired 6ft cable. The demo was impressive, but inconclusive
because of the number of people and noise etc.

Richard Vandersteen introduced his new platform base designed
for the Model 7 speaker which, made of various kinds of granite,
raises the the speaker a few inches higher off the floor. Richard
discovered that this would dramatically improve soundstage both
in width and height. Again, very hard to judge because of the conditions,
but my experience with Richard tells me that what he says is accurate.
The granite base will cost 10K.

I saw that Sunny’s in CA was supposed to have Garth reveal the new AQ Speaker cables at a meeting last Saturday. Richard Vandersteen was also supposed to be there. I’d love to read a review or see some comments on the new speaker cables. I just bought some Quattros and my dealer told me to wait for the new AQ speaker cable release.

It's not out quite yet is it?

Has anyone heard the new Mythical series speaker wire?

Charger, thanks.  Yes, I'm really excited about these cables.  AQ needed a full upgrade to the line I think. 

Read on another forum from an AQ dealer - there will be a "Firebird" model just below the Dragon. Also a mix of silver/copper. But the indication is that it's still a very big price jump over a Hurricane (i.e. more than 2x cost for 2.0m lengths). Hopefully there's also another model just below that, still above Hurricane, with just a touch of silver to keep the price relatively sane. Then I can think about upgrading my monoblocks to that.

I don't know if you guys are awake out there, but there is news on the Audioquest new line of speaker cables called the Mythical Creatures
speaker cables. Our Audio Society meeting on the 29th of this month
will feature Richard Vandersteen and Garth Powell. Garth is scheduled
to introduce the new line of speaker cables that up to now has only been rumor. I don't know the specific agenda, but I'm hoping for a demo like
the one Garth did for us on the Storm Series power cables. Just imagine, if these speaker cables make an impact like the Storm Series the result could be really special. Stay tuned>

The irony of it all is that I actually am willing to sell one of my Hurricane's to purchase the Dragon source cable for the DAC/server.  I may need to put an add together, lol.  

It's going to be awhile as I need to get the Dragons' in my possession and then get my ride over to my buddies house to do the audition.  I too can't wait to hear it though, lol....  

Thanks for the correction. I messed up the names. That can happen with me due to my MS.  You are correct.  

I found that on one of the systems I remember, the Tornado sounded a bit better than the Thunder.  The system was a fairly resolving system.  The system using the Hurricane vs the Tornado showed the Hurricane to be a very very good cord.  Dragon is in a different league.  I really wanted to hear the Dragon cords vs the Enklein that my buddy just got.  I may try and secure some of them to play a bit.  

As for which outlet to plug the Belles into, I've never been able to do that. I use an Ayre AX5/20 integrated and it sounds better in the power outlet.  

As for burn in, I needed about 500 hours before my bass fully settled in.  It also helped a spec with the soundstage, but it wasn't huge after the first 200 hours or so.  I play music at serious volume levels.  That's just me though.

I have the older one I guess as I have a reddish hue to mine.  I just got them a few weeks ago.  

Are there any photos of the new Hurricane PC version?

@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?

sorry you have to sell Darth.  Charger, very cool.  I've never met Randy. He's never been open when I"ve been down by 3rd street.  I've sent him many folks though, lol.  Including a 7 purchase.  I know he takes great care of customers and still has a great ear for set ups etc... Very small world.
Jim is also a great guy.  I love Aesthetix gear.  Wonderful stuff for the cost too.  Just like Vandersteen does.  

In case anyone is interested I am selling a 1M Hurricane 20AMP IEC power cable on Audiogon.

I now need a longer length so if you are interested please let me know.

Cheers

ctsooner, I used to live in SD. Bruce was my dealer for many years
at Stereo Unlimited. He is truly a fine person to work with. I now
live in Huntington Beach up the coast. My dealer is Randy Cooley
at Optimal Enchantment. Jim White used to work for Randy in Santa
Monica. Through them I have become friends with Richard. Like you,
I have learned so much from them. Seems like it is a small world.

To me it's not subtle at all.  Tornado to Thunder is subtle.  Some may think the Thunder to Hurricane is subtle, but it depends on your houses electrical as well as your system.  Mine has VAndy Quatro's and is highly resolving.  I have found the difference to be huge, so I went with Hurricane.  I'm getting the Dragon for my The Memory Player, once I get it as that is the biggest difference and I only need the source one.

I have used the Furetech, AQ's and the Cruze Maestro in a friends room. We also had the Oyaide installed.  He had totally separate circuits for each (he's a dealer with very high end gear and a great room).  

In order:
Furutech
AQ, Oyide
Cruze (not close)

The tie is due to what flavor you like.  AQ is the house sound.  Most neutral with great timber and really dynamic.  Oyide is smoother and is a great performer all around.

All were very good and worth the upgrades.  I have my two lines on a wall that I need the electrician to extend to the new wall.  I am thinking strongly of getting the cryo Furutech top of the line as stated above as it's really special.  I'll use the two AQ's I have for my house circuit that will have a Richard Gray power deal that I plug my Wyred 4 Sound LPS (4 supplies) into.  I then use it to power my modem, router and cable TV box, lol.

Charger, it was awesome. Dinner was Italian of course.  The conversation was just amazing.  Learned sooo much.  :). Are you in SD? I used to buy through Bruce when I was stationed out there (82-87).  I still have the NAD system my brother bought from him and I still have part of my Stax system I got there.  It was the first time I met Richard. 

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. 

Audioquest would strongly recommend completing the sound package  using their NRG Edison Outlet to plug the Storm series PC's into. If you haven't tried one yet, you practically need a hammer to drive the prongs into it. 
Furutech's GTX-D NCF Outlet might sound better yet.

ctsooner, That must have been a real ear opener. RV really enjoyed it.
It's a valuable learning experience to be around people like those you mentioned. A few years ago when I was traveling to NYC every so 
often, through super record collector Carol Kessler, I was able to hook
up with Sid Marks and  spent time with his listening group when ever I was in town. Those were fun times. Of course, no problem at all on the post.

Adaptors will most probably degrade the SQ.  Furetech makes a cool stand/holder for heavy connectors.  They have carbon in them and allegedly help SQ even more.  That's hard to believe, but these holders are wroth it if you are having problems.  

As for duplex outlets, are you using an audiophile one or even a $25 medical grade one?  If so, you won't have that problem.

You might try suspending the stiff power cords from the ceiling with fishing line and eye hooks. Thus, relieving strain on both ends. I’m not a big fan of adaptors.

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.

chargerfan44 posts08-13-2018 1:50pmAlso, regarding the rumor out there about speaker cables, the prototype
of the Storm series cables was being demonstrated at a few select
dealerships two years ago. One of those I believe was Audio Connection
in New Jersey.

Yes, I was there.  Richard, Alex Brinkman, Johnny, Garth and I stayed after everyone left and auditioned for a while.  I was begging Garth to get me a couple of prototypes, lmao.  I waited a long time for them to come out, lol.  

You just took me by surprise when you spoke about the speaker cables. I was sworn to secrecy when told about them.  Please don't take my post any other way.  I've been waiting on Richard to get the amps to market and then Garth's new cables as I think they will be crazy good and affordable (well a few will be, lol).  It's a very exciting time for AQ as they have hired the right people.

These cords have been taking over my system in the past several months. In some cases I did direct comparisons, in other cases just "set-it and forget-it". The biggest difference was from NRG 1000's to Hurricanes on my tube monoblocks - awesome! I've also got a Hurricane from wall to Niagara 7000 driving the main system. Over time, with burn-in, this has truly morphed into my dream system. My girlfriend and I get pumped for each listening session. The only 2 non-Hurricane cords left here are NRG WEL Signatures, but eventually I'd like to replace them with Hurricanes too (though I think the WEL's are still an excellent cord). There's definitely some magic to these new cords.

I also have a separate, extremely high performance headphone system (best headphone sound in the world, for my preferences: Stax 009/S driven by a commissioned T2 amplifier, with vinyl source), and now I'm working on that too. Currently "just" a Thunder & Niagara 1000, plus 2x NRG 1000 cords (the old tube amp cords) there, but now I've got another 2 Hurricanes on the way; I'll probably move 1 of these to the main 2ch setup, then the other new 'Cane plus the repurposed NRG WEL into the headphone setup (and an NRG 1000 bumps down to the SOTA Nova pump & power supply lol). 

Also, regarding the rumor out there about speaker cables, the prototype
of the Storm series cables was being demonstrated at a few select
dealerships two years ago. One of those I believe was Audio Connection
in New Jersey.

The new connection that fits the Model 7 is Furutech. These should be
fine on the Quatro speaker. After all, the Model 7 enclosure design was
really the Quatro with a wider base for the subwoofer/amp used in the 7.

Thanks for sharing Charger.  I've got Thunder on order for the Quatro's.  Which connector did they put on them?  I assume the older one that was on the NRG?

With the Vandy 7s the Thunder will be drawing current above and below
180 hz which is the crossover point between the mid-range driver
and the subwoofer. The sub-woofer amp boosts the frequencies below
the crossover point back to flat and rolls off the subwoofer above the 
crossover point. So, as you can see, the current will be limited unless
called upon. Right now I have about 20 hrs on the Thunders. It does
seem to me that the there is greater clarity in the bass region, Above the 
the crossover point the midrange will slope up while the subwoofer 
slopes down. Below the crossover point the opposite takes place. Break-in will take awhile.

After the Thunder PC's are installed, keep us informed. Will it be long?

No question mark on the last sentence of my previous post. Maybe an exclamation mark!

Everyone knew about Garth and the speaker cable at our meeting.
Although he didn't exactly admit it, more like a no comment. 
OK, here is the latest on my adventures with the Storm series. I have 330
hours on all four cables (two on the amps, two on both preamp power supplies. Plus, I now have the Thunders on the speakers. I believe the 
Hurricanes on the Atlas amps are broken in. And the sound is much better than it has ever been. I was happy, I was is hog heaven. And then
guess what happened? Two days ago the sound started to improve. This
was affecting all aspects of my sound. I thought, what is going on here.
And then the obvious hit me. The PRE-AMP dummy. The preamp is coming in. Both cables, one for each power supply is opening up
the preamp. Suddenly the usual brightness and aggressive sound of the Mercury recordings I have basically disappeared, the soundstage was 
getting bigger and deeper, transparency improved and images were
rock solid. Perhaps more important the sound was simply more musical
and easier to enjoy. Especially the Mercs. I have been trying for 40 years
to get those records to sound the way I thought they could and should sound. And now they are. The preamp, drawing much less current than
the amps took longer to realize it's potential. Now I am hearing my Atlas cart, Basis table with the Super arm and even AJ Conte's arm wire as 
never before. The whole package is being delivered to the mono-bloc
Atlas amps. Now I will focus on the Thunders which I expect will deliver
the goods as well. No question, the Storm series is a separate component equal to the components in a system and part of the chain that can make or break sound quality?

Charger, I didn't think that AQ wanted the Garth speaker cable deal out in public yet, but I guess it is ;) ....yes, preliminarily, the speaker cables will be game changers too.  Garth knowns what he's doing for sure.

I wonder if I need a special connection for the Quatro's too????  I haven't even looked to see if the Thunder's normal connection will work.

Thank you for that chargerfan! I didn't realize they had a long break-in time. I was impressed right out of the box. 

Speaker cables?......Hmmmmm. 

bultaco, The Thunder will allow the Model 7 subwoofer to become
more dynamic with more slam. Prior to talking with RV, I noticed a
bit of a roll off between the mid-range and low base. The Thunder
should remedy that. Randy Cooley (Optimal Enchantment) also
verified this. Don't forget the Storm series cables are as of now, all
high current cables which the subs will like. 

Also, I had a major improvement in sound at 320 hours of break-in.
I'm positive that this was the Io preamp Hurricanes breaking in. When  
I talked to Audioquest they said break-in on these cables is anywhere
from 250-350 hrs. It takes time to break these babies in, but it is totally worth it.

Changing out the terminations, as already noted, is no problem for
Audioquest. Also, the word is that Garth is working on speaker cables.

guys, AQ will terminate the cables to fit the Quatro on up. You just have to ask them.  

@chargerfan  - interested to know if AQ can actually make a Thunder power cable that will fit the Vandy Sevens?

Please let us know how you go.

Thanks.

Thanks are starting to burn in and now.  Dynamic as heck. I'll be asking AQ to make a cord for my Quatros. Yes, the difference it makes is the low end dynamics.  it does make a difference.  I'll get the Tornado's also for them. That's all they need.