AudioQuest Thunderbird Ground Goody Ground Cable - 1.0 Meter

AudioQuest ThunderBird GroundGoody Adds RF/ND-Tech Noise-Dissipation

A turntable ground wire carries no audio signal at all. It connects a turntable or tonearm's chassis ground to a phono preamplifier's ground point, draining away hum a signal cable alone can't stop. A premium ground wire differs from a plain strand of wire in conductor quality and how well it dissipates radio-frequency noise.

AudioQuest's ThunderBird GroundGoody is the step up from Black Hole in the company's GroundGoody ground-wire line, adding AudioQuest's RF/ND-Tech noise-dissipation on top of the same silver-over-copper conductor approach used throughout the line.

Silver-Over-Copper Conductors, Direction-Controlled

AudioQuest builds ThunderBird GroundGoody around the same premium silver-over-copper conductor approach as Black Hole, controlled for direction and cold-welded to Direct-Silver-Plated spade lugs at each end, per AudioQuest's own prior description of this product.

RF/ND-Tech, Level 8 Noise-Dissipation

AudioQuest describes ThunderBird as using its RF/ND-Tech at Level 8 Noise-Dissipation, covered under US Patent 8,988,168, for a more elaborate noise-control approach than Black Hole's Carbon RF-Trap alone.

The Connectors, Explained

ThunderBird GroundGoody terminates in a spade lug at each end, sized to fit the ground posts common on most turntables and phono preamplifiers you're likely to own, the same termination style used on Black Hole.

Who Is This Ground Wire Best For?

• Your turntable or tonearm still hums even with a signal cable connected — a dedicated ground wire like ThunderBird is what actually addresses chassis hum, not the signal cable
• You already own a Black Hole and want AudioQuest's more elaborate noise-dissipation approach — ThunderBird adds RF/ND-Tech on top of Black Hole's Carbon RF-Trap construction
• Your turntable or phono stage has a spade-lug ground post — ThunderBird's spade lugs are sized to fit that post directly
• You want AudioQuest's top ground-wire construction in this line — ThunderBird sits above Black Hole as the step-up GroundGoody
• Your budget calls for AudioQuest's more accessible ground wire instead — AudioQuest Black Hole GroundGoody carries a simpler Carbon RF-Trap construction at a lower price

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect one spade lug to your turntable or tonearm's chassis ground post, and the other spade lug to your phono preamplifier's ground terminal, alongside your regular signal cable connection.

Then power up the system as usual. Other and longer lengths available. Call for prices.

Pairs Well With

A ground wire is one link in the vinyl playback chain. It usually joins these categories.

• Turntables — the source of the signal or ground point this cable connects to
• Phono Preamplifiers — the usual destination at the other end of this cable
• Phono Cartridges — the cartridge is what actually generates the signal this cable carries
• Stereo Amplifiers — many integrated amps include a built-in phono stage of their own

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need a signal cable if I have this ground wire?

Yes. A ground wire carries no audio signal at all; it only drains away hum between your turntable's chassis and your phono stage's ground point. You need both a signal cable and a ground wire for a complete connection.

What is RF/ND-Tech?

AudioQuest's own name for the Level 8 Noise-Dissipation approach used on ThunderBird, covered under US Patent 8,988,168, in place of Black Hole's simpler Carbon RF-Trap.

Will this fit my turntable's ground post?

ThunderBird terminates in a spade lug at each end, the size commonly used on turntable and phono preamplifier ground posts; check your gear's actual ground post size before ordering if you're unsure.

Is there a step up?

Not in the AudioQuest GroundGoody line we carry. ThunderBird is the top of that range. If you want to go further, call us and we will talk through the whole chain.

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, grounding, or matching your gear? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.