AudioQuest Pegasus vs Thunderbird Interconnects


Hello all,

Has anyone had the chance to listen? I know Pegasus is brand new, but Thunderbird has been around. I am questioning whether the cost/performance is worth it to upgrade to Thunderbird. Not many reviews out there.

128x128jeffreyw

@bwguy +1

@kennymacc +1

I did same- replaced Earth with Pegasus both between DAC and pre-amp and pre-amp to amp. (See my profile for description of my system.) Relative to Earth, sound with Pegasus was saturated- akin to production of deep, vivid color by wetting a dry cloth or stone. I also perceived an improvement in timing and imaging- in a particular a deeper soundstage. Yes, sweeter highs, clear and natural vocals, and fuller and more articulate bass. End result- emotion conveyed with ease- more joy.

Interestingly, in my system, I preferred Pegasus to Thunderbird between DAC and pre-amp. I felt that with Thunderbird that the background was blacker, that bass was stronger, and that instruments' timbre may have been more accurate. But less fun. Less sweet. Rhythm less engaging. Wider but shallower sound stage.

With Pegasus between DAC and pre-amp, I even preferred Earth over Thunderbird between pre-amp and amp. Although, again, sound with Thunderbird had blacker background and stronger bass, system was less fun than with Earth. The qualities that the Pegasus brings to the table were diminished.

Only downside of Pegasus is that cable is so thick that it is difficult to handle. Thunderbird solves this by possessing three separate strands. However, once you have Pegasus in place that issue is of no consequence.

Note that testing of Pegasus vs. Earth in my system produced same result as comparing the same at my dealer. See link to report of test below.

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2632909

 

@bossound  

Initially, my plan was to bring in both a pair of Audioquest Pegasus and Fire interconnects for auditioning and comparison.  Whichever sounded best would remain.  First up, was the Pegasus XLR interconnects.  As the Pegasus began to burn-in more and more, they began to open up more and more.  And after some further burn-in time, the Pegasus locked-in and began to synergize with my system so beautifully, I knew they weren't going anywhere.  Happy listening.

Never tried the AQ Pegasus, however, there is a reason that the Thunderbirds are twice as much as the Pegasus.

Currently, I own the AQ Thunderbirds. They took quite a while to fully burn in, but today, I am really amazed at how well the soundstage is lit. At times when there is a solo guitar or a sax etc. it seems like it jumps out at you. Very impressive.

Check out my review.

Audiogon Discussion Forum

ozzy

@ozzy The AQ Pegasus XLR are truly wonderful sounding interconnects in my system that I could very happily live with for the duration. But, just the same, I’ve just ordered a pair of AQ Thunderbird XLR, which should be, I hope, my end-game interconnects. It was your comment that inspired me pull the trigger on the AQ Thunderbird interconnects. Thank you. Happy listening