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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.
128x128bo1972
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,570 posts
 
“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”

So why don’t you visit these shows and enlighten them with your genius and Tru-Fi system? 

Please be sure to post video on YouTube 😉
in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
LOL!.. I feel a number 2 coming on ,..
jimski
46 posts
 
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
51 posts
 
Question for jimski. I also have Vandersteen 7s and Aesthetix Atlas Eclipse mono blocks. What power cable do you use on the Model 7s?
jimski
46 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
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