Audioquest Storm Thunder Power Cable - C19

AudioQuest power cables have received numerous awards from the specialist press over the years and are highly regarded by High-Fidelity enthusiasts. Their ability to outperform standard power cords has played a key role in their long-standing success.

The AudioQuest Storm Thunder 16A / 230V with C19 connector is part of the new Storm series of power cables from the American manufacturer. As the first model in the range, it features the active DBS (Dielectric-Bias System). This C19 version is specifically designed for high-current components such as power amplifiers, active subwoofers, and power conditioners.

AudioQuest Storm Thunder 16A / 230V C19: Features

This power cable uses Perfect-Surface Copper (PSC) conductors combined with a Long-Grain Copper (LGC) core. This design significantly reduces transient intermodulation distortion (TIM), resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction.

While low resistance is essential to meet high current demands, a cable’s characteristic impedance is equally critical for achieving optimal performance.

Unlike many power cables that compress transients, AudioQuest power cables combine low DC resistance with near-zero characteristic impedance, allowing high-current transients to pass freely—an essential advantage for devices using a C19 connector.

AudioQuest Storm Thunder 16A / 230V C19: Shielding & DBS

The Storm Thunder incorporates AudioQuest’s proprietary DBS (Dielectric-Bias System). An external module applies a constant 72V bias to the cable’s shielding. The electrical properties of the dielectric materials directly affect signal integrity.

DBS-polarized shielding (AudioQuest patented) creates a stable and powerful electrostatic field that saturates and polarizes the insulation, effectively minimizing noise and preventing RF interference from entering sensitive electronics.

The DBS batteries offer an estimated lifespan of approximately 10 years, with a built-in test button for easy status checking.

AudioQuest Storm Thunder 16A / 230V C19: Current Capability

The Storm Thunder offers a 16A current capacity, making it ideal for power-hungry devices.

Power amplifiers place extreme demands on power supplies, as transient current requirements—although very brief—can be several times higher than average RMS consumption.

Unlike many high-end power cords whose characteristic impedance restricts transient current, the Storm Thunder is designed to handle these dynamic current demands without compression, regardless of volume level or musical content.

AudioQuest Storm Thunder 16A / 230V C19: Listening Test & Performance

In listening tests, the AudioQuest Storm Thunder effectively reduces mains noise and subjective distortion in high-end audio/video systems.

Sound reproduction becomes highly transparent and dynamic across the entire frequency range. Bass performance is dramatically improved, offering outstanding definition, powerful dynamics, and exceptional articulation.

The presentation is more open and fluid, with enhanced soundstage depth and more precise instrument placement.

With its 16A current capacity, the AudioQuest Storm Thunder 16A / 230V C19 power cable can handle transient current peaks far exceeding its continuous RMS rating. It is perfectly suited for power amplifiers, large integrated amplifiers, active subwoofers, power strips, and power conditioners.

Highly recommended +++