About The AudioQuest ThunderBird ZERO Speaker Cable
Thunderbird ZERO speaker cables are the perfect entry into AudioQuest's Mythical Creatures range and may be used in one of two ways: either as ideal Full-Range cables, or, in combination with a dedicated BASS cable, in a Bi-Wire cable assembly of unparalleled performance.
Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) Conductors: Solid conductors prevent strand-interaction, a major source of dynamic distortion. Extreme-purity PSC+ solid copper minimizes distortion caused by grain boundaries, and, when direction-controlled for surface asymmetry, facilitates crucial Radio-Frequency Noise-Dissipation.
Carbon-Based Linearized Noise-Dissipation System (NDS): AQ's comprehensive Linearized Noise-Dissipation System combines multiple shields and a carbon-based linearized resistive network that turns most of this noise into heat. By "linearized," it means that the system is equally effective across extremely wide bandwidth, rather than at selected frequencies only, as is more common. The remaining bad energy is effectively drained away from the sensitive amplifier circuits via directionally controlled signal and shield conductors.
ZERO-Tech: The only complete way to eliminate characteristic-impedance mismatches between a cable and the attached source and load is for the cable not to have any fixed characteristic-impedance value. ZERO-Tech accomplishes this by eliminating interaction between the insulation (dielectric) and the cable's conductors—enabling uncompressed current transfer. All-important transient current is unrestricted, and RF Noise-Dissipation is linearized (consistent octave to octave).
72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with Level-X RF Noise-Trap: Insulation is also a dielectric that acts like a shunt-filter. Properly biasing the dielectric linearizes the filter, significantly improving the cable's wide-bandwidth ability to dissipate induced noise. The DBS pack's Level-X Noise-Trap "pulls" RF Noise out of the cable, further reducing attached audio circuit misbehaviour.
Mythical Creature Cold-Welded Terminations: Mythical Creature cables are Cold-Welded to AudioQuest's extremely pure Red Copper Spades or Bananas. The bare copper is submerged (hung) in a vat of pure silver instead of being tumbled in a lower-grade solution. AudioQuest speaker breakouts and plug casings are not metal in order not to induce RF Noise into the conductors.
ThunderBird Bi-Wiring: When possible, running separate cables to the treble and bass "halves" of a speaker significantly reduces distortion. Bi-Wiring keeps the large magnetic fields associated with bass energy out of the treble cable, allowing the delicate upper frequencies to travel a less magnetically disturbed path, like taking the waves out of the water when you swim.
AudioQuest's RF/ND-Tech (patented RF-Cancelling Ground-Noise Dissipation) attracts RF energy away from the amplifier's output. When properly implemented, Bi-Wiring has always been a cost-effective way to get better performance for the same or less money. With RF/ND-Tech, the advantage of Bi-Wiring is much more dramatic. Because RF/ND-Tech is so effective, BASS model cables are only for 10KHz and below; do not use a BASS cable full-range or on treble.
ThunderBird BASS cable is ideal with ThunderBird ZERO. A Bi-Wire COMBO with BASS and ZERO cables joined together at the amplifier is usually most convenient. When Tri-Wiring, use BASS cables on the Midrange and Bass inputs.
Caution: Do not Bi-Wire with two ZERO cables. ZERO cables in-parallel can create a very high-frequency resonant peak (ringing) and resulting poor sound. Only use a ZERO plus a BASS cable (whether or not joined as a COMBO). Second best is a single ZERO with AQ Bi-Wire jumpers.
Our Take
The AudioQuest ThunderBird ZERO speaker cables provide a gateway into the company's Mythical Creatures range, delivering unmatched versatility and high-fidelity performance. Designed for Full-Range use or Bi-Wire setups, these cables exemplify cutting-edge technology, ensuring exceptional audio clarity. The use of Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors plays a pivotal role in minimising distortion by reducing grain boundary interference and strand interaction. Moreover, AudioQuest's proprietary Carbon-Based Linearized Noise-Dissipation System effectively neutralises radio-frequency noise across an expansive bandwidth, enhancing signal purity. Combined with ZERO-Tech, which eliminates characteristic-impedance mismatches, these cables ensure uncompressed current transfer and seamless transient response.
Adding to their innovative design, the ThunderBird ZERO cables feature AudioQuest's advanced 72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with Level-X RF Noise-Trap. This system optimises the cable's dielectric properties, facilitating wide-band noise dissipation and maintaining the integrity of delicate audio signals. The cold-welded Mythical Creature terminations ensure a flawless connection, further reducing RF noise. When paired with ThunderBird BASS cables in a Bi-Wire configuration, users can experience remarkable improvements in soundstage depth and detail. This arrangement separates treble and bass signal paths, avoiding interference and allowing upper frequencies to shine. For audiophiles seeking superior performance and uncompromised sound, ThunderBird ZERO stands as a demonstration of AudioQuest's commitment to excellence.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Full Range ZERO-Tech Speaker Cable
- Can be used full-range or with AudioQuest ThunderBird BASS speaker cable in a bi-wire configuration
- Sold as a Pair - 2 Individual Cables
- Also available as a single cable for Centre Channel use etc – please enquire
- Terminations: Factory Fitted Cold-Welded AudioQuest 1000-Series Hanging Silver Plated Extreme Purity Red Copper Spades or Banana Plugs
- Conductors: Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
- Noise Dissipation: Multi-Layer Carbon-Based Noise Dissipation
- Geometry: ZERO-Tech (No Characteristic Impedance)
- 72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with Level-X RF Noise-Trap
- Gauge: 10 AWG
- Jacket: Blue on Black Braid
- Standard Lengths: 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m – other lengths available to special order – please enquire
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.