A Foundation of Silence: The Moonwires Acquila DC Cable Review

The ascent of digital streaming has reshaped the modern audio system, bringing with it a new wave of components that rely on direct current (DC) power. From music servers and routers to network switches and NAS devices, the purity of the DC supply is paramount. It follows, then, that the quality of the DC power cable is no longer an afterthought but a critical link in the chain, directly influencing both the stability of the power supply and the resulting sonic performance. Addressing this crucial need, the Swiss manufacturer Moonwires has unveiled its Acquila DC power cable, offering a significant upgrade path for the discerning audiophile.

Hailing from Switzerland, Moonwires was established in 2020 in the canton of Valais, a region in the southwestern part of the country bordering Italy. Power cables form the very core of the Moonwires product line. Founder and designer, Mr. David Bonvin, crafts his cables through a meticulous process of research into the piezoelectric effects of various minerals and the mitigation of electrosmog, utilizing a unique combination of natural materials to achieve sonic excellence.

I have had the privilege of reviewing some of Mr. Bonvin's confidential theoretical documents, and I can attest to their profound scientific basis. This rigorous, science-led approach establishes a foundation that sets Moonwires apart from other cable manufacturers, promising a distinct and demonstrable impact on sound reproduction. In other words, the unique character of a Moonwires cable is not merely a theoretical claim; it is an audible reality waiting to be discovered upon listening.

The Aquila DC power cable is available with a variety of custom terminations to suit any system. Our review sample was supplied with a DC 5.5/2.5mm connector on one end and a GX16 on the other, with a generous length of 150cm to facilitate our evaluation. Standard lengths begin at 50cm, and other common terminations, such as the 5.5/2.1mm DC plug, are readily available. Moonwires is also happy to accommodate inquiries for other specific connector types.

The Acquila draws its name from the Aquila constellation, a fitting title for a cable built around a core of stellar technology. Its design is distinguished by Moonwires' proprietary shielding, which utilizes the natural mineral Shungite to effectively isolate the cable from electromagnetic interference.

At its heart, the Acquila employs high-purity, silver-plated pure copper conductors, with Teflon (PTFE) serving as the dielectric. This core is protected by a comprehensive triple-layer shielding system, comprising the aforementioned Shungite, a silver-plated pure copper braided mesh, and an additional layer of copper foil. The entire construction is encased in an outer jacket woven from Basalt fibers, and the terminals are meticulously soldered with high-purity silver solder to ensure maximum signal integrity.

For those unfamiliar, Shungite is a rare mineral celebrated for its exceptional EMI-shielding properties. This unique material is capable of absorbing and neutralizing harmful electromagnetic radiation, effectively creating a protective cocoon around the cable. By integrating Shungite into the Acquila's architecture, Moonwires aims to preserve the absolute purity of the delicate DC signal it carries.

Our 150cm review unit is terminated with a DC 5.5/2.5mm plug on one end and a GX16 connector on the other. The hardware itself is superb, conveying a tangible sense of quality and precision engineering.

To begin the evaluation, I connected the Acquila to our reference NAS and cued up "Baby, Now That I've Found You" by Alison Krauss & Union Station. I was immediately impressed with the cable's superb rendering of detail and the palpable body it brought to the performance. From the gentle humming and count-in of the male vocalist to the subtle taps on the body of the guitar, every element was presented with exceptional clarity.

It's often in these subtleties that a component's true character is revealed. Though these introductory sounds are faint, they were imbued with a remarkable sense of air and space. This mastery of micro-dynamics is instantly captivating, serving as a clear prelude to the rich tonal beauty that is about to unfold.

As the track unfolds, the low-frequency performance proves to be wonderfully composed. The bass is deep and rich, with a deeply satisfying natural resonance. Against this stable backdrop, it reveals an exquisite, tightly-woven texture, with both attack and decay handled with absolute control. There is a remarkable tautness—a dynamic elasticity that allows each note to bloom into the room with precision. While not overwhelming in weight, the bass possesses a firm, substantial, and immaculately defined body.

This solid foundation allows the other instruments to shine with a brilliant vibrancy. The acoustic guitar, for example, is delicate yet crystal-clear; even during the most rapid, nimble passages, every single note remains distinct and perfectly articulated. The strings, in turn, have an elegant, silken quality, weaving through the soundscape with a graceful and effortless interplay. Set against the foundational bass, these lucid upper frequencies are free to sparkle like a canopy of stars.

Ultimately, introducing the Moonwires Acquila is akin to taking an already fine audio presentation and giving it an expert final polish. It burnishes the existing quality, revealing a more refined, captivating, and deeply seductive performance.

Next, I turned to a classic track, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, to further gauge the Acquila's impact. Swapping the stock power cord on the NAS for the Moonwires cable brought about a distinct and immediate improvement, rendering the instruments in a more three-dimensional and resonant space.

This was evident from the very first notes of the song's iconic, rhythmic synthesizer line. The soundstage opened up, with a greater extension at both the upper and lower extremes. This expanded dynamic range created a more layered and nuanced presentation, making the vertical movement of the melody far more pronounced. As the track progressed, a greater sense of front-to-back depth also emerged, enhancing the perceived dimensionality of the performance. This added depth, in turn, amplified the track's inherent rhythmic bounce and drive.

In essence, the Acquila brought tangible gains in width, height, and depth, injecting the song with a greater sense of dynamic life and resonant energy that made the driving rhythm utterly addictive.

While savoring the individual details is a rewarding experience in itself, appreciating the composition as a whole reveals the Acquila's true mastery. The various elements within the song are presented with a remarkable sense of both separation and cohesion. The background drumming, for instance, exhibits tremendous tension and impact on every downbeat; the crack of the snare is crisp, cutting through the air with a palpable three-dimensional quality. Though mixed with a lighter touch, the drums lack none of their requisite power and authority.

Sting's voice is rendered with a perfectly judged weight—neither too lean nor overly rich, but impeccably balanced. It occupies its own distinct space, maintaining a slight distance from the surrounding instruments without ever sounding disconnected or detached. The interplay between the vocals, drums, and synthesizer is simply sublime. This masterful orchestration allows you to either focus on the intricate details of a single instrument or sit back and enjoy the seamless, fluid whole. The result is a presentation that sounds utterly harmonious and musically complete.