AudioQuest ThunderBird XLR to XLR Cable
ThunderBird is one of the best analogue interconnect cable the world has ever heard. If it wasn't for its Mythical Creatures siblings — FireBird and Dragon — it just might be the very best in the world.
Among other tried-and-true AudioQuest materials and design techniques, ThunderBird features solid directionally controlled conductors of the finest copper — Perfect Surface Copper+ (PSC+) — Copper-Plated RF-Draining Barrels, and AudioQuest's Level-6 Noise-Dissipation System.
Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) Conductors: Solid conductors prevent electrical and magnetic strand-interaction. PSC+ Solid-Copper minimizes distortion caused by grain boundaries and maximizes linear RF Noise-Dissipation.
Level 6 Noise-Dissipation: Radio-Frequency Noise from cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellites is everywhere. AQ's Level 6 Linear Noise-Dissipation includes a carbon & graphene resistive mesh-network, direction-controlled conductors, and Silver-Plated drain wires, significantly minimizing RF Noise masking effects.
ZERO-Tech for Linear, Wide-Bandwidth Noise-Dissipation: The only way to avoid characteristic-impedance mismatch-effects between a cable and its attached source and load circuits is to prevent the cable from having a characteristic-impedance. ZERO-Tech succeeds by eliminating the electrostatic field between the cable's high and low signal conductors, enabling linear (consistent octave to octave) Radio-Frequency (RF) Noise-Dissipation, and uncompressed transients. In order to preserve ZERO-Tech's complete isolation between signal conductors, a Dual-72v DBS pack is included with the ThunderBird XLR cable.
72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS): Insulation is also a dielectric that can act like a shunt-filter. Biasing minimizes dielectric-noise and linearizes the filter, significantly improving wide-bandwidth dissipation of induced RF noise.
FEP Air-Tube Insulation: Positive conductors benefit from almost no contact between metal and its FEP insulation, which is notable for its superior dielectric constant and minimal signal interference. Negative conductors benefit from intentionally "lossy insulation" — no air and no FEP helps maximize the negative connection's different job.
6% Silver-Plated RF Drain-Wires: Direction-Controlled Silver-Plated RF Drain-Wires further ensure the proper and efficient dissipation of induced radio-frequency noise for clearer, more natural sound.
Copper-Plated RF-Draining Barrels: Grounded Copper-Plated Barrels maximize Noise-Dissipation by preventing a metal barrel from capacitively coupling RF to the conductors.
Hanging-Silver over Red Copper Plugs: AudioQuest's finest plugs feature superior Hanging-Silver (not tumbled) directly over extreme-purity Red Copper to ensure uncompromised signal transfer.
Our Take On The AudioQuest ThunderBird
The AudioQuest Thunderbird XLR-to-XLR cable is a standout in analogue interconnects, delivering exceptional performance with its innovative design and premium materials. While overshadowed by its more advanced Mythical siblings, FireBird and Dragon, Thunderbird itself boasts remarkable engineering. It features solid Perfect Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors, which minimise distortion and maximise RF noise dissipation through their unique directional control and precise construction. AudioQuest's Level-6 Noise-Dissipation System incorporates a cutting-edge carbon and graphene resistive mesh-network, direction-controlled conductors, and silver-plated drain wires to combat the pervasive effects of RF noise from modern environments. Additionally, ZERO-Tech technology eliminates characteristic-impedance mismatches, ensuring uncompressed transients and wide-bandwidth noise dissipation. The inclusion of 72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) further enhances noise suppression and linear signal performance, while FEP Air-Tube Insulation reduces interference for an ultra-clean signal. With copper-plated RF-draining barrels, hanging-silver over red copper plugs, and a focus on uncompromised sound clarity, the Thunderbird cable epitomises AudioQuest's pursuit of audio excellence.
All this technology is used to ensure you get the best musical performance possible at this level. ThunderBird is at the start of the top tier of AudioQuest interconnect cables and should be at or near the top of your list if you have a suitable system.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Stereo Analogue Balanced XLR Interconnect Cable
- Sold as a Stereo Pair - 2 Individual Cables
- Conductor Metal: Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
- Noise Dissipation: Graphene/Carbon Mesh-Network + Dual 72v DBS
- Geometry: ZERO-Tech
- Insulation: FEP Air-Tubes
- Terminations: Hanging-Silver over Red Copper XLR Plugs
- Jacket: Blue on Black Braid
- Available Lengths: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 & 6 metres
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years - Does not cover misuse or abuse
- Learn more about AudioQuest
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.