Hi Richard, are you giving the AQ Hurricane line a thought?
G.
Review Audioquest Hurricane (part 1)
We started frequent testing of power cables at the beginnig of this century, since 2002 to be precise. AC-power is actually the foundation of any audio system. It feeds and provides every sound system with the necessary energy. Fifteen years ago we were already surprised how much impact different power cables could have on the end result of any system.
In nearly 20 years AudioFacts carried out thousands of tests especially in audio. We distinguish ourselves from others by structurally spending much time at research and test work, in which we think and work by our Tru-Fi philosophy.
When you're working from Tru-Fi in audio you always focus on all the different properties that sound possesses. You can understand audio only when you exactly know why the sound and stage of your audio system is as what you're listening to.
Therefore you should know of each individual component in your system the full DNA (properties) it owns. Because the sound you hear from your own system is formed by all properties of each individual component together, the acoustics and other factors that affect the sound negatively.
Most people still have no idea of how important power cables actually are. In 2004 we already had created a method to convince customers that they are essential in each system. That is why we figured out shootouts so we could prove how important power cables actually are.
We did a shootout between a cd player of 2000 euro and a power cord of 2400 euro. Against a 5000 euro cd player along with our most sold power cable of 100 euro.
Almost everyone had a preference for the cd player of 2000 euro combined with the power cable of 2400 euro. While everyone was convinced that the most expensive cd player would become the winner.
Working from Tru-Fi it becomes so much easier for us to hear and understand the differences between brands and power cables exactly. In over 15 years we've tested many power cables. And the differences between all these power cables of different brands are huge.
Tru-Fi shows us that Audioquest power cables are able to reveal all the different properties sound possesses. But in addition, the most important properties also reveal a natural sound and realistic proportions of voices and instruments.
All our tests in cables over the years showed that unfortunately there are several brands which cannot reveal all the different properties of sound. And in addition, certain properties are not filled in the right way. We found out that various cable brands present both voices and instruments out of proportion (often too big).
In reality both voices and instruments are very direct (tangible) and small in proportion. We call that 'intimate' individual focus. In addition, various cables emphasize a certain frequency range, but you want the full frequency range to be evenly played.
The Hurricane is a power cable by Audioquest from the all-new 'Storm Series'. And it cannot even be compared to the previous power cables from Audioquest. Because it is a new level in quality that stands on its own in its price range.
A number of years ago, Audioquest hired AC-power specialist Garth Powell. From his knowledge and insight he has developed new AC-power products for Audioquest. And the Storm Series are the first new power cables he developed.
AudioFacts knows from all our research and test work how important AC-power is and that this is a profession on its own. We continuously share information with various specialists in specific parts in sound&vision. That is why it is nice to see that even Audioquest now specializes in this part.
The Hurricane also features a new DBS battery pack. That has become even more effective now that the bandwidth is increased. In addition, the level in noise is also decreased. Because the cable is twisted now it decreases the level of interference also.
Audioquest uses the best quality in solid copper (PSC+) for the Hurricane, which they apply in all their best copper cables. This can be heared by a richer sound with even more diversity (layering). And there is more grip and control in the high frequencies. And it also creates a more powerful low frequency range.
In part 2 we will explain in details why the Hurricane is so different compared to the older Audioquest powercables. But also compared to other competitors.
In nearly 20 years AudioFacts carried out thousands of tests especially in audio. We distinguish ourselves from others by structurally spending much time at research and test work, in which we think and work by our Tru-Fi philosophy.
When you're working from Tru-Fi in audio you always focus on all the different properties that sound possesses. You can understand audio only when you exactly know why the sound and stage of your audio system is as what you're listening to.
Therefore you should know of each individual component in your system the full DNA (properties) it owns. Because the sound you hear from your own system is formed by all properties of each individual component together, the acoustics and other factors that affect the sound negatively.
Most people still have no idea of how important power cables actually are. In 2004 we already had created a method to convince customers that they are essential in each system. That is why we figured out shootouts so we could prove how important power cables actually are.
We did a shootout between a cd player of 2000 euro and a power cord of 2400 euro. Against a 5000 euro cd player along with our most sold power cable of 100 euro.
Almost everyone had a preference for the cd player of 2000 euro combined with the power cable of 2400 euro. While everyone was convinced that the most expensive cd player would become the winner.
Working from Tru-Fi it becomes so much easier for us to hear and understand the differences between brands and power cables exactly. In over 15 years we've tested many power cables. And the differences between all these power cables of different brands are huge.
Tru-Fi shows us that Audioquest power cables are able to reveal all the different properties sound possesses. But in addition, the most important properties also reveal a natural sound and realistic proportions of voices and instruments.
All our tests in cables over the years showed that unfortunately there are several brands which cannot reveal all the different properties of sound. And in addition, certain properties are not filled in the right way. We found out that various cable brands present both voices and instruments out of proportion (often too big).
In reality both voices and instruments are very direct (tangible) and small in proportion. We call that 'intimate' individual focus. In addition, various cables emphasize a certain frequency range, but you want the full frequency range to be evenly played.
The Hurricane is a power cable by Audioquest from the all-new 'Storm Series'. And it cannot even be compared to the previous power cables from Audioquest. Because it is a new level in quality that stands on its own in its price range.
A number of years ago, Audioquest hired AC-power specialist Garth Powell. From his knowledge and insight he has developed new AC-power products for Audioquest. And the Storm Series are the first new power cables he developed.
AudioFacts knows from all our research and test work how important AC-power is and that this is a profession on its own. We continuously share information with various specialists in specific parts in sound&vision. That is why it is nice to see that even Audioquest now specializes in this part.
The Hurricane also features a new DBS battery pack. That has become even more effective now that the bandwidth is increased. In addition, the level in noise is also decreased. Because the cable is twisted now it decreases the level of interference also.
Audioquest uses the best quality in solid copper (PSC+) for the Hurricane, which they apply in all their best copper cables. This can be heared by a richer sound with even more diversity (layering). And there is more grip and control in the high frequencies. And it also creates a more powerful low frequency range.
In part 2 we will explain in details why the Hurricane is so different compared to the older Audioquest powercables. But also compared to other competitors.
90 responses Add your response
I'm sorry if I gave the impression that $2K for a power cord is inexpensive. I was just pointing out that there are power cords that cost $16k; therefore relative to that, $2K is inexpensive. Personally, I set a price range for every component that I purchase based on what's comfortable to me. I wouldn't criticize a person if they spent $16K on a power cord, because if I had more money my price range per component would definitely be higher. |
Guidocorona That is good news about the 'Glorious True Truth (V4.1)'. I am looking forward to it because I will really be to tired to video anything in 2056. I don't have V4.1 =13d sound yet. I am still at 9d sound, because I have taken up designing the 'Purfikt' ping pong ball to put under everybody's equipment. Comparing, testing and proving my thingies are the the best, well you know the drill, it's a lot of hard work. But I have to say 9d sound is glorious, probably only until I hear 13d sound. Keep us updated on that stuff. |
Ah yes, the revelation of Audio True Truth (ATT) version 4.1 by BO1972 will be tremendous... Almost better than very very good... So much better than the Fake Audio True Truth (FATT) promoted by the crooked media and those real bad hombres who have opinions of things they cannot know because they do not know how untruth their fake truth is about cables and stuff like other stuff that they think they can hear but they do not know the DNA that then needs the audio transport RNA with those ribosomes in the counterclocking triple helix... Just wait for February 31st to come around next timeand it shall all be revealed after my meds... OMG where those meds I need my quantum dotted meds *Glupping sounds!* Woopsie, I think I just swallowed a Brilliant Pebble by mistake... Hope it's not one of the special maximum strength stash reinforced with superconductive grapheene... Those were for external use only... OMG, Feeling drowsy... *Snors*
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When is Bo's audio book, "I Know Things and You Don't" going to be published? I can only hope he doesn't use an editor as his writings contain a certain "gonzo nonsense" charm that should be left exactly as it is. Maybe I'll simply gather up all 2,140,562 of his words and publish it myself…sell it at audio shows…produce an "off Broadway" musical…something…anything. |
I can outperfrom most products and brands easily. But I still want to life at the end of the year. I will not use other brands to proof how limited they are. It is not my responsibility that over 99% of all audio products are not worth the money they cost. I will just focus on my personal way of doing audio. In a Tru-Fi world Audioquest is so much more effective than any limited trial and error world. And that is why we easily can create a superior endresult with a Hurricane compared to use the same money for a more expensive source or amp. Audioquest is able to fill in all the properties of sound the right way. But...you need all of these properties in your system to use an Audioquest to the max. Each trial and error system will be in over 99% incomplete so you will not have access to the full potential. My clienst have a totally different opinion about Audioquest than you all have overhere. Based on the fact that they are convinced that it is as important than a component. People who have a Tru-Fi system can understand audio and music a lot more easy. Based on the fact that they can hear to a much higher level of details and layers. When music is being displayed in a 3-dimensional stage you learn a lot more easy how music works and sounds like. 2-dimensional sound doesn’t make sense at all, it is a very unnatural way of listening to music. Many digital sources are 2D and are even not able to reveal all the layers. You need these layers to experience the differences of the harmonics of instruments and voices. This will give your emotion access to feel the emotion of the music. |
Most audio shows proof that the people who give these demoes have no F. idea how music and voices and instruments should sound and how big they are in proportion. I can forgive them that their demoes are 2D, but I cannot forgive them that most of their demoes proof that there is almost no diversity in sound. Without this part there is not even one reason to buy the stuff they demonstrate. You never can be connected to the music at all. |
A bit of a late post here. I have been listening to a Hurricane High Current cord for about five days now (as of 2/25/18), replacing an AQ NRG 1000, from wall into stereo amp (Aesthetix Atlas Eclipse, Vandersteen Model Seven MkII speakers). Not knowing what to expect, I’ve found that it’s made a very significant improvement in my system’s sound. Better sound staging, tighter dynamics, much better resolution, tighter and more prominent bass, more separation of instruments, more 3D, and (to abandon official audiophile language) a move into a distinctly more "luxurious" sound. The place is drenched with this beautiful, flowing music, stretched across the eleven feet between speakers and several feet back in. Yes, this is more of a comment than a "review" since it omits comparison with other cables except NRG 1000, and also omits more detailed evaluation of such things as vocals, treble, midrange, proportion, instruments and specific instruments, etc.. However I think my non-audiophile description above implies no observed problem with any of these areas. I also feel my system, while not at a stratospheric level, is easily at a high enough level to render these improvements readily audible, and my observations to have some validity. At any rate, offered to be helpful, and with the recognition that there are no doubt many other high quality cables. Jim Heckman |
chargerfan, My Atlas is stereo, not monoblocks. I'm using the stock cables on the Sevens. My understanding is that Richard Vandersteen feels the speakers were voiced with them, and hence they are optimum, and that aftermarket cables are therefore unnecessary. Also, I trust Vandersteen to supply cables that optimize his products, unlike perhaps some other manufacturers. Obviously I am not asserting these views--they're just impressions. Jim |
jimski, Thanks for your response. The Atlas amp is a great match for the 7s. Richard's amps are probably preferred, but the Atlas is right up there at the top of the list. I upgraded the caps in the high pass filter rather than use the outboard. I was able to get the same caps that RV uses in his amp. I'm very pleased with the result. I have known Jim White since 2002 when I purchased his original IO phone pre amp with volume controls. Then got a second power supply, then went to Signature, and then to Eclipse. No CDs for me. Living just 90 minutes from Aesthetix has proved to be very convenient. The Atlas was originally designed by Jim White, Richard V. and Charles Hansen (Ayre Acoustics). I'm thinking of going to AQ Hurricane high current cables. Right now I have Kubala Sosna power cables on the amps. Happy listening! |
chargerfan, My response here is so belated it probably won't be read (I don't pay much attention to these good discussions, even when I contribute). At any rate, this is just to say thanks for your observations, especially about the Atlas and Eclipse. Lucky you living close to Aesthetix. I have great respect for Jim White (except for turnaround time on upgrades, which I hear has improved). No doubt your observations about the Vandersteen amps are correct, but they oughta be better at 57k. I hear their new baby brothers are nearing production, with price point "less than half" the big ones. I've even heard less than 20k. In either event, I am wondering if the potential improvement in my already great sound would be commensurately worth my net cost for the new amps, although my dealer assures me it would, and knowing Vandersteen he wouldn't have developed the new ones unless he felt they would best anything available at their price point. My email is ancon867@gmail.com if you care to communicate more directly. Jim Heckman Pennsylvania (two-week round trip shipping from Aesthetix...) |
Just found this thread and am dying laughing. I'm in the hospital recovering from some surgery. This Bo guy is funny. He is so far the rudest person I've read on any board I'm on. Just a know it all tool. Wow....highly entertaining too. It's funny as he brags about/talks about dinner at his house with AQ European VP. Congrats I guess. Gives you no extra cred though. Many of us know and break bread with high level designers or distributors in this small niche industry. Gives us zero extra credibility. Bo, we all put pants on the same way dude. Lighten up. You are very much into yourself and your way is the only way. You just lost 99% or more of the reading public, but that's your gig, so good luck with that. I too own Steen's. I have the Quatro's with Ayre AX5/20 (built in crossover), Ayre QX5 about to be replaced with The Memory Player with built in DAC. If I don't like the DAC, I'll only use the server into the Ayre. I have a WEL balanced interconnect (the price was right) and a Dragon USB into the Ayre from the soon to be sold Mac mini, that Steve Nugent built for his shows and his DAC (with Paul Hynes LPS). Castlerock cables and the Niagara 1000 power deal with stock cord. I"m probably going to get the new Furetch 20amp power outlets behind the Steen's and the rack. I have been waiting on Garth's new cords after hearing the three prototypes a couple of years ago with the launch of the 7000. I was with Richard V, Johnny Rutan (Audio Connection) and Garth during the audition. We were all blown away and they aren't close to what the final production cables are. I then heard the Dragon in Fl at Suncoast. I wasn't familiar with new MSB ref stack ($$$$$$$$$$) nor the HArbeth 40th anniversary speakers, but that was the most detailed I've ever heard any Harbeth. Mike said that the cables make a huge difference for the better. He sells Shunyata also and said that the new AQ's are the best he's heard. The Hurricane seems to be close to teh dragon, but like most high end, it's a small incremental difference. I have spoken to a few others who have used both I their system. Some like the Niagara and some don't. I also own a Synergistic Research Gallilao Powercell 10 with a Tesla cable that I also enjoy. I have not done a shootout yet as I have MS and can't just swap out. I have a friend who will come over and help me do this soon though. Have any of you done a comparison between the Dragon and Hurricane. I can throw in the Tornado too I guess. Also, Richard does say there is no need to change power cords on his amps. I also love Jim White's designs (just sold my Rhea wiht upgrades) as I can't do TT's anymore either. That sucks...:). I'm probably going to get Richard V's new mono blocks if they are as good as some folks have told me. There is a strong chance they outperform 40k mono's based on what a few have shared who have spent plenty of time wiht prototypes. Only listening will tell. Thanks to the kind people on this thread. |
ctsooner- If you want to laugh more. Read through this post, my I was in tears too. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/streamers/post?postid=1465169#1465169 |
OMG...talk about being full of yourself. I am opinionated to say the least, but I'm not in Bo's league. lol. The irony is that I use only AQ cabling. I have used Onkyo in the past. Pass makes some good gear. I like Ayre better, but I also don't like Nelson's distaste for dealers and how he 'sells' via that Reno company, new gear at B stock prices. |
People keep playing with the first or last 3 to 6 feet, depending on how you look at it. I inserted ofc wire from my panel to a distribution block. No outlet in the wall to the block. Direct connect. Block to panel. My equipment is feed from one circuit out of the distribution strip. That was a larger gain than any one power cord to a device. More thought should for into the 20 to 60 feet from your panel to your rack. Material is costing me about $5 to $8 a foot. |
Try the cryo wire and you will also probably hear a positive difference. There are some filters on the main panel also, but I don't have them handy to share that link. My friend has done that. that said, the Hurricane's have made such a major difference in my system, that I now want to buy the Niagara 5000 and sell my Niagara 1000. I run two dedicated lines to my system, but am only using the one for the Niagara now. I will have the second line installed behind each speaker for it's internal subs and I am ordering the Thunder cable for the speakers today. |
I am making another feed from my panel that will be a blend of ofc and mil spec silver coat cu with limited shielding. I'm not so interested in chrio. IMO, once a cable is fully broken in, the chrio makes little difference. I don't think many decent cables use chrio copper either. Maybe I am wrong. I never heard much difference between signal or power tubes, chrio or not. The chrio might have been a little brighter. Maybe they last longer, not sure. My wall power should be good for 50 years or more so that should outlast me. You can also take it with you if you move, hopefully the new location is as long or shorter a run. I am interested in the Hurricane, but we are talking $14k for 7 power cords. That better be some good cu as Rhodium Furutech ends would be about $1.2k in parts. That's leaves $12.8k for 35 feet of wire. That's $365 a foot. I guess if your earning $350k or more a year it's a tolerable expense. Rewiring from my panel for $5 a foot for a total of $120 and a huge gain is a lot better deal. I do benefit by being a Journeyman electrician. I do the labor myself. I would charge $500 for a full day of labor to run wire, properly bond and ground a panel. People leave a lot on the table there too. Grounding and bonding that is. I think a lot of my noise floor dropped as I have a much more precise relation between Hot, neutral and ground now eliminating micro voltage difference or ground loops. I'm scarred of power conditioners. I always heard the ones I tried. They benefit some gear and hurt other. It's an expensive shot in the dark. What have you found the audioquest to benefit. I have tube amps and preamps. Digital front end as well as tube phono pre. |
The Niagara power units are the best I've heard to date and that includes some of the exotics. You have no loss of dynamics. It's the first one I've heard that I can say that about. Some claim to not change dynamics, but the ones I've had in all have. Will you do an individual copper rod ground for each run? I've found that made a big difference for me. As for cords, they still make a big difference. If you don't/can't spend that, the next one down in the lineup is darn good and also makes a difference. Heck, I LOVE the Thunder also. I'd personally put one on the Source you use the most adn go from there. Then the Preamp (you also should have one on the Niagara (if you have one). Borrow a few from your dealer and check them out. I have only a few components, so it made sense for me. |
Curious what you did. I try to keep it NEC compliant. The next version for me will have a dedicated ground rod to take the shielding only. Mil spec silver wire from the shield to the rod. I have a Ufer ground as my main ground. I don't have a subpanel. I have heard the best nec compliant ground is to have a subpanel with it's own 10 foot cu ground rod with a # 1 cad welded to the rod, to an isolated geound bar in the sub panel. All audio grounds go to the isolated ground bar. The #1 lands on that bar. The ground in the subpanel is bonded to the main ground in the primary panel. I won't not bond a ground. A 900 volt fault in my amp to ground would never trip the breaker and eminate into the earth through the ground rod. That = death in my lawn. I will deal with the noise over my family protection. |
