Audioquest thunder vs tornado HC powercords

Reviving an old thread. I am curious about the Tornado. Wanted to try that on my DAC. Currently using a Cullen Crossover Series II on the T+A DAC 200. There was indeed a slight improvement when I switched from the regular Crossover to Crossover II.

If you need more bottom end and thicker sound, get the Tornado HC, otherwise get the Tornado Source for your DAC… trade off is slightly more open mids and highs.

These power cords emphasize low end but it comes at a cost of sacrificing clarity and top end extension. This is the sound signature no matter the component that’s powered by these cords be it a dac, preamp, amp or streamer.
If you like dark sound go for it. If you just want a bit of warmth and a power cord that works well on DACs, try Audience AU24se-i or more recent models. All of these cords will color the sound. The degree of coloration is what’s different. 

I am not looking for more bottom end, thicker or warmer. Just more transparency, if it even exists.

milpai    I am not looking for more bottom end, thicker or warmer. Just more transparency, if it even exists.

The best and most transparent sound power cable is Wavetouch audio WTPC. Alex/Wavetouch audio

Power cords compared (2nd) - JPS, Zentara, Wavetouch WTPC

Power cords comparison - JPS, Zentara, Wavetouch WTPC

https://youtu.be/JLjbLgXM_lw?si=BqJ_Q7trSTbSBxVk&t=141

@milpai I am using Nordost Frey 2 power cord on DAC and Nordost Heimdall 2 power cord on streamer. My integrated amp is also fed by Frey 2.

I can’t recommend AQ. Bloated and dark in my system. Nordost opened things up. Not bright just open and relaxed sound. You have to try though. Don’t take my word for it. 

Thanks for the details @audphile1. My guess is that cables are system dependent. BTW, those Nordosts are quite a bit more than the budget I have set.

@milpai yes 100% system dependent. Yes give AQ a shot. I would bypass Thunder and start with Tornado or Hurricane. Be careful buying AQ on a used market. Too many fakes. I highly recommend TMR as they will have not only a genuine product but also a return policy. They have a good amount of used AQ power cords.
https://tmraudio.com/accessories/power-cables/audioquest-hurricane-high-variable-current-power-cable-1m-ac-cord-5/

Although AQ Thunder, Tornado and Hurricane are made in China, they’re pretty high quality. 
 

Here’s a 1m used Frey 2 from TMR

https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/nordost-frey-2-power-cable-1m-ac-cord/

milpai

My guess is that cables are system dependent. 

I've been saying no audio and cable company knows how to make the power cable properly, except me.

The synergy (system dependent) between cables and components is because the cable or component is not perfect. If a cable is complete, that cable sounds always similar and great with any component. Alex/Wavetouch audio

I am finding good success with Snake River Audio Signature Series, I have two and another one on the way. (Streamer, DAC and AMP)

Iam using tornado on my Marantz Ruby sacd player, its a well balanced sound on my system, iam using tube amp and tube preamp.

Milpai if you audition tornado let it settle for 50 hrs if used if new maybe more, I feel you will like it, Music direct has like summer sale pre pandemic, I grab 1 hurricane, 1 tornado, thunder as well without return policy. Knowing Audioquest pc storm series are good. For the price I took the risk. I was happy to let you know , my plinius sa 100 is happy with the HC hurricanes. My thunder is used on my conditioner. All work good.

@milpai yes 100% system dependent. Yes give AQ a shot. I would bypass Thunder and start with Tornado or Hurricane. Be careful buying AQ on a used market. Too many fakes.

@audphile1, I intended to go with either Tornado OR Hurricane source for the DAC. Thanks for the advice on used market.

@fthompson251 , my dealer carries AQ. But I did read very good reviews about them.

@jayctoy , Thanks for the advice - will keep that handy. BTW, what was your previous power cord and how did the Tornado improve on it? I am guessing that you are using the "source" version on the Ruby and "variable" on the Plinius?

One approach is to use the best possible power cord on the Power Conditioner, because that is the one that provides current to all components. If I like Tornado, I might be willing to pend a bit on the Hurricane for the conditioner.

I've been saying no audio and cable company knows how to make the power cable properly, except me.

I will bite @mihorn  - tell me.

Milpai Iam using Vishnu Nordost pc on Ruby the sound is less bass and less energy.On my plinius iam using Kimber Palladian before switching to hurricane HC pc. I can’t listen without the hurricane on plinius , 

Milpai the thunder is connected to my ps 300 regenerator , Iam using DCC ref 4 is also a very good cable but the thunder it lower the noise floor of my system , music  flesh  out .i think I will try thunder first for power conditioner. No doubt the hurricane is good .But you might be able to get away with thunder for less price.

Going from the Monsoon/Blizzard to the Thunder brought the most apparent differences of all. The sonic punch and impact is as close to live music as one can get. Dark background, rich colors , lush and saturated sound. Still it manages to present even more details and nuances not present with the Monsoon/Blizzard. I feel the Thunder goes as far as should be needed in transparency and resolution without becoming hyper analytical and losing musicality. 

After much trial and error, the Thunder is now my dedicated headphone amp power cord. The infusion of solid and distinct bass notes has proved a perfect match when listening with headphones. It will stay there for quite some time to come.