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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.
bo1972
jimski
26 posts
 
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
chargerfan
51 posts
 
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!



jimski
26 posts
 
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 [email protected] if you care to communicate more directly.
Jim Heckman
Pennsylvania (two-week round trip shipping from Aesthetix...)
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
779 posts
 
I want to bring this post back. It has been one of my favorite reads and most audiophiles have not heard about this incredible power cable.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
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. 
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