Audioquest JAWS C13 3m

One step above the Monsoon in AudioQuest’s power cable range, the JAWS carries over the brand’s proprietary technologies (ZERO-Tech, RF/ND-Tech, ground noise dissipation) with two key upgrades: a move to PSC+ copper across 100% of conductors (solid core rather than stranded) and the addition of a graphene layer in the shielding. C13 version reviewed here, European Schuko on the wall side and three-pin IEC connector on the component side, rated up to 16 A at 220–240 V.

PSC+ Copper in Solid-Core Conductors

Where the Monsoon pairs a Long-Grain Copper core wrapped in Perfect-Surface Copper+, the JAWS goes 100% PSC+. The PSC+ process smooths the surface of the copper to minimize distortions caused by grain boundaries and surface irregularities.

Another key structural choice: solid-core conductors rather than stranded. Fewer strands, larger gauge. 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 signal cables. Applying the same logic to power cables follows naturally.

In terms of cross-sections, the live and neutral conductors each measure 3.31 mm² (equivalent to 12 AWG), with the ground at 2.08 mm². More than sufficient to carry 16 A continuously at 220–240 V without any notable heat buildup.

ZERO-Tech and Uncompressed Power Transfer

Most power cables focus on DC resistance: the larger the conductors, the lower the resistance, and the better the average current flows. But audio doesn’t operate purely in steady-state conditions. When an amplifier drives the impact of a kick drum or the full tutti of an orchestra, it draws a current spike over just a few milliseconds. At that timescale, it’s 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 practice, current demand peaks are no longer compressed by the cable itself. When the effect becomes audible, it translates into greater dynamic contrast and tighter control at peak levels.

Four-Layer Shielding with Graphene

Noise management is built around two core elements. First, RF/ND-Tech (US patent 8,988,168): a common-mode cancellation topology that drains radio-frequency noise induced on the line. Second, Ground Noise Dissipation, featuring a four-layer shield that includes a graphene-based layer.

Graphene remains conductive across an extremely wide frequency range, improving dissipation into the gigahertz region — where conventional metallic shields begin to lose effectiveness. The drain wires themselves are directional: AudioQuest listens to each batch of copper to determine the optimal direction, indicated by an arrow printed on the jacket.

The combined result aims for a darker noise floor and greater preservation of micro-information — a difference that becomes most perceptible on highly resolving systems, where the electrical noise floor is no longer masked by other shortcomings.

Cable Format and Connection

The JAWS measures 18 mm in outer diameter. It’s a fairly stiff cable, not difficult to route, but allow some slack behind the component to avoid stressing the IEC connector. Wall end: European Schuko, two-pole plus earth. Component end: IEC C13, the standard three-pin connector found on sources, preamplifiers, and integrated amplifiers drawing up to around ten amps continuously.

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

The connection direction follows the arrow printed on the jacket, on the component side. Reversed, the cable still carries current without issue, but the benefit of conductor directionality is lost.

Where to Place the JAWS in Your System

The JAWS works equally well with sources and amplifiers, whether drawing steady or variable current. On a source (network streamer, DAC, CD player, phono stage), the most significant factor is RF noise dissipation: the cable acts on the noise floor and the micro-dynamics reproduced.

On an integrated amplifier or preamplifier, ZERO-Tech becomes more important, as the amplifier is the component that draws current in the most variable fashion.

On a power conditioner (PowerQuest, Niagara), the JAWS can serve as the inlet cable between the wall outlet and the unit, in which case it benefits every output on the conditioner. If a power amplifier draws more than 16 A during sustained peaks, switching to the C19 version is advisable.

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 better 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)
  • Multilayer shielding system (4 layers including graphene) to effectively reduce ground noise
• Directional conductors and RF drain wires
  • Controlled conductor orientation to direct interference away from sensitive circuits

Connectivity and power

• High-quality mains 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