Audioquest JAWS C13 1m

A notch above the Monsoon in AudioQuest’s power cable range, the JAWS takes the brand’s in-house technologies (ZERO-Tech, RF/ND-Tech, Ground Noise Dissipation) and adds two developments: a move to PSC+ copper on 100% of the conductors (solid rather than stranded) and the addition of a graphene layer in the shielding. C13 version here, European Schuko on the wall side and three-pin IEC plug on the component side, up to 16 A at 220-240 V.

PSC+ copper in solid conductors

Where the Monsoon combines a Long-Grain Copper core wrapped in Perfect-Surface Copper+, the JAWS moves to 100% PSC+. The PSC+ process smooths the copper surface to reduce distortion caused by grain boundaries and surface irregularities.

Another defining choice: solid-core conductors rather than stranded. Fewer strands, thicker. In a stranded cable, strands that make intermittent contact as the cable flexes generate intermodulation distortion on transients, a phenomenon AudioQuest has long sought to eliminate in its interconnect cables. Applying this to power follows the same logic.

In terms of cross-section, live and neutral each use 3.31 mm² (equivalent to American 12 AWG), with ground at 2.08 mm². Enough to carry 16 A continuously at 220-240 V without notable heating.

ZERO-Tech and uncompressed transfer

Most power cables focus on DC resistance: the larger the conductors, the lower it is, and the better average current flows. Except audio does not operate only in steady-state. When an amplifier hits the impact of a kick drum or an orchestra’s tutti, it calls for a current spike over a few milliseconds. On that timescale, it is the cable’s characteristic impedance that matters, not its DC resistance.

ZERO-Tech is AudioQuest’s answer: a geometry designed to cancel the characteristic impedance seen by a transient. In practical terms, peaks in current demand are no longer compressed by the cable itself. When the effect becomes audible, it translates into greater dynamic contrast and firmer control over level peaks.

Four-layer shielding with graphene

Noise treatment is built around two blocks. First, RF/ND-Tech (US patent 8,988,168): a common-mode cancellation topology that drains induced radio-frequency noise from the line. Then Ground Noise Dissipation, with a four-layer shield including one graphene-based layer.

Graphene remains conductive across a very wide frequency range, which improves dissipation into the gigahertz range, where conventional metal shields lose effectiveness. The drain wires are themselves directional: AudioQuest listens to each copper batch to determine the optimal direction, indicated by an arrow printed on the jacket.

The whole design aims for a darker background and more preserved micro-information, a difference that becomes perceptible especially on highly resolving systems, where the electrical noise floor is no longer masked by other flaws.

Cable format and connection

The JAWS has an 18 mm outer diameter. A fairly stiff cable, not difficult to install, but leave a little slack behind the component so as not to strain the IEC plug. Wall end: European Schuko, two poles plus ground. Component end: IEC C13, the standard three-pin connector used for sources, preamps, and integrated amps up to around ten amps continuous.

Current capacity: 16 A RMS at 220-240 V (50 or 60 Hz). Beyond that, the C19 version of the same cable takes over, with a component connector rated for 20 A.

Connection direction follows the arrow printed on the jacket, toward the component. Reversed, the cable works, but without the benefit of conductor directionality.

Where to place the JAWS in the system

The JAWS can power both sources and amplifiers, with constant or variable current draw. On a source component (network player, DAC, CD player, phono stage), what matters most is radio-frequency noise dissipation: the cable acts on the noise floor and the reproduced micro-dynamics.

On an integrated amplifier or a preamp, ZERO-Tech becomes more important, since the amplifier is the link that draws current in the most variable way.

On a power conditioner (PowerQuest, Niagara), the JAWS can serve as the incoming cable between the wall outlet and the unit, in which case it benefits all the output outlets downstream. If a power amp draws more than 16 A on sustained peaks, it is better to move to the C19 version.

Technical Specifications

Design and Conductors

• Solid PSC+ copper conductors (Perfect-Surface Copper+)
• Solid-core conductor structure limiting strand interaction
  • Reduced dynamic distortion
• Very high-purity copper for improved RF noise dissipation
• Optimized cross-sections
  • Live and neutral: 2 x 3.31 mm²
  • Ground: 1 x 2.08 mm²

Proprietary Technologies

• ZERO-Tech (zero characteristic impedance)
  • Elimination of impedance mismatch effects for uncompressed current transfer
• RF / ND-Tech (Radio-Frequency Noise Dissipation)
  • Radio interference dissipation system over a wide bandwidth
• Ground Noise Dissipation (GND)
  • Multi-layer shielding system (4 layers including graphene) to effectively reduce ground noise
• Directional conductors and RF drain wires
  • Controlled conductor orientation to carry interference away from sensitive circuits

Connectors and Power

• High-quality power connectors: EU Schuko to IEC C13
• Supported current: 16 A RMS at 220–240 V (50 / 60 Hz)

Construction and Dimensions

• Outer diameter: 18 mm
• Optimized geometry to minimize internal electrostatic fields
• High-performance insulation for mains signal stability

Audio Benefits

• Significant reduction in background noise
• Improved dynamics and micro-detail
• Better power signal stability
• Cleaner, more precise soundstage