AudioQuest Blizzard Power Cable (C13)

The AudioQuest Blizzard is a three-pole power cable from the Wind series that uses Perfect-Surface Copper+ throughout and is the first model in the series to come with an active Dielectric-Bias System.

Above the Monsoon, below the Storm series: the Blizzard is the tier at which AudioQuest stops compromising on conductor material and additionally applies voltage to the insulation. The small black box on the cable isn't decoration – it's the battery for that system.

Why the Blizzard?

Because it improves exactly where the Monsoon still mixes materials. The conductors are 100% Perfect-Surface Copper+ – the cleanest copper AudioQuest uses outside its silver models – in a semi-solid, concentric arrangement with a 12 AWG cross-section. Add to that the 72-volt DBS: a constant DC voltage keeps the dielectric in a settled state so it doesn't color the signal through constant recharging. ZERO-Tech and patented ground-noise dissipation are of course still on board, and the connector contacts are direct gold-plated and cold-welded.

What you hear

The next step toward silence. It gets darker between the notes, fine spatial information comes forward, and the system seems less fazed at high levels. Unlike the jump from NRG to Wind, this isn't about fundamentals anymore, but about the last ten percent – worked out very cleanly.

Who is the Blizzard suited for?

For systems that are already properly cabled and whose electronics can carry the level: good integrated amplifiers, mid-power power amps, high-quality sources and power conditioners with a C13 socket. Honestly: if you're still on the bundled cable at the source, start there, not here. And if you want to feed a powerful power amp with a C19 connection, you'll need the corresponding variant – this one is the C13 version.

Our verdict

The Blizzard is a very mature cable: technically justified, cleanly built, without gimmicks. It's the point where the effort pays off in calm and composure rather than spectacular effects – and that's exactly why it stays convincing after months.

Technical data

• Type: power cable, AudioQuest Wind series, three-pole
• Conductors: 100% Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+), direction-controlled
• Geometry: Semi-Solid Concentric
• Cross-section: 3.31 mm² (12 AWG)
• Dielectric-Bias System: active, 72 V DC (US patent 7,126,055)
• Technology: ZERO-Tech (no characteristic impedance, 50 Hz–1 MHz), patented ground-noise dissipation (US patent 9,373,439), RF/ND tech (US patent 8,988,168)
• Mains-side connector: Schuko (CEE 7/7, three-pole, grounded)
• Appliance-side connector: IEC C13
• Other version: Blizzard with C19 connector (20 A) on request
• Termination: direct gold-plated, cold-welded connector contacts
• Available lengths: 1 m, 2 m, 3 m
• Included: 1 power cable in the chosen length, battery module for the DBS permanently attached to the cable

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does the 72-volt DBS do?

It applies a constant DC voltage to the cable's insulating material. This keeps the dielectric permanently in a settled state instead of having to realign itself with every signal. AudioQuest attributes a measurable reduction in distortion to this; audibly, it comes across as a quieter background.

Do I ever need to replace the DBS battery?

The system draws practically no current because it only applies voltage and doesn't power a load. The battery therefore lasts a very long time. A check function on the module shows you whether voltage is still present – the cable needs no more maintenance than that in everyday use.

How big is the gap to the Monsoon?

The Monsoon mixes PSC+ with Long-Grain Copper and does without DBS. The Blizzard uses exclusively PSC+ and adds the active bias system. Both share cross-section, ZERO-Tech and ground-noise dissipation. The difference is real, but finer than the jump from the NRG series to the Wind series.

What connector is on this cable?

An IEC C13 connector, the common three-pole appliance inlet. It fits the vast majority of amplifiers, sources and power filters. If your device needs the larger C19 socket, the Blizzard is also available in that version – just tell us your model.

What speaks for ordering the Blizzard at HD Zürisee?

That we don't just drop a cable of this class in a box. We sort out connector, length and placement with you, deliver cleanly and install on site if you like. Talk to us in Wädenswil: 044 680 22 00 · WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) · shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

A cable of this class wants matching company – take a look at power amps, integrated amplifiers and DACs. The foundation is under power filters & conditioning and power optimization, the rest of the range in the AudioQuest world.