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storm audio core 16 plus

Storm Audio Unveils Core 16+ AV Preamp Processor at CEDIA 2025: Next-Level Home Theater Performance

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StormAudio, renowned for high-performance AV preamp/processors and power amplifiers, is bringing its enhanced Core 16+ immersive audio processor to CEDIA EXPO 2025. The company will also offer a first look at other upcoming innovations, aiming to strengthen its position in a market where competitors like Trinnov Audio are pushing the boundaries of home theater audio.

Table of Contents

StormAudio Core 16+: Key Upgrades and Features

The Core 16+ represents the latest generation of StormAudio’s acclaimed AV processor platform, offering support for up to 18 discrete channels and advanced speaker layouts such as 9.4.4 and 11.1.6. This model succeeds the Core 16, which debuted in 2021.

The 16+ integrates StormAudio’s signature technologies, including:

  • Expert Bass Routing – precise low-frequency management for multiple subwoofers and complex setups.
  • StormXT “Ambience Expander” – enhances spatial realism for a more immersive soundstage.
  • Full suite of Dirac licenses, including Dirac Live Active Room Treatment, for advanced room correction.
  • HDMI Dual Zone Matrix – provides flexible multi-room video distribution.
  • Elite MK3 DSP – the same high-performance processing engine used in StormAudio’s flagship models.

Enhanced HDMI Performance: It features seven HDMI inputs and two outputs, all supporting HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3, and 4K/8K video at 40 Gbps. The inclusion of HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG ensures compatibility with the latest video formats.

Together, these upgrades position the Core 16+ as a versatile, high-end option for immersive home theater environments.

From Olivier Thumerel, CEO at StormAudio. “We’re excited to return to CEDIA Expo with new products on the horizon and continued improvements to our processor lineup,…This is an important opportunity to connect with the community and demonstrate the performance and usability that sets StormAudio apart. It’s also an honor to be featured in two sound rooms at the show, where attendees can experience the performance firsthand. We are very proud and grateful to partner with PMC Speakers, Barco Residential, and madVR Labs in Sound Room 6, as well as Seymour Screen Excellence, Ascendo Audio, Christie, Moovia, Panamorp,h and Simplified Acoustics in Sound Room 7.”

Comparison

Storm Audio Model ISP Core 16+ (2025) ISP Core 16 (2021)
Product Type AV Preamp/Processor AV Preamp/Processor
Price TBD $13,999
Auro-3D / Dolby Atmos / DTS:X Pro / IMAX Enhanced Yes Yes
StormXT Channel Expander Yes Optional
All grades Dirac Live licence included Yes Yes
Dirac Live Active RoomTreatment supporting speakers Yes – Up to 9 speakers Yes – Up to 9 speakers
StormMonitoring – remote monitoring Yes Yes
Number of Output channels 18 16
Decoding / upmixing channels 18 16
Input sampling rate supported up to 192 kHz up to 192 kHz
Post-processing sampling rate 48 kHz 48 kHz
Bass Management: (Standard & Expert) Yes Yes
Flexible Bass Routing (up to 6 zones, Expert mode) Optional Optional
Multi-subwoofer Channels Unlimited Unlimited
Multi-way Crossover (6 to 48 dB/oct, Linkwitz-Riley, Butterworth) up to 4 per channel up to 4 per channel
Parametric EQ per channel up to 20 filters up to 20 filters
HDMI inputs/outputs 7/2 7/2
HDMI Standard HDMI 2.1a /
HDCP 2.3		 HDMI 2.1a /
HDCP 2.3
HDMI  Matrix capability for multi-room Yes Optional
4K UHD, rec BT709 and rec BT2020 Yes Yes
HDR Support HDR10 / HLG / Dolby Vision HDR10 / HLG / Dolby Vision
Color Space and Subsampling RGB, YCbCr, 4:4:4, 4:2:2, 4:2:0 RGB, YCbCr, 4:4:4, 4:2:2, 4:2:0
Deep Color (12 bpc) Yes Yes
Max. resolution support (18 Gbps) 4K 60fps 4:4:4 8bpc  4K 60fps 4:4:4 8bpc 
3D / OSD Yes to both Yes to both
ARC / eARC Yes Yes
Streaming: Roon-ready endpoint Yes Yes
Digital input: Coaxial/Optical 3 / 3 3 / 3
Digital input: AES/EBU 16ch (DCI compatible) No No
Analog stereo inputs, balanced: XLR No No
Analog stereo inputs, unbalanced: RCA 4 4
Analog main outputs, balanced (ch 1 to 16) XLR XLR
Analog main outputs, balanced (ch 17 to 24) No No
Analog main outputs, balanced (ch 25 to 32) No No
Analog main outputs, balanced (ch 17 to 32) No No
Stereo downmix Zone2 outputs Digital Optical Digital Optical
Digital output: AES/EBU 32ch (ch 1 to 32) No No
Digital output: AVB 32 ch (ch 1 to 32) No No
Digital AES67 / Dante compatible (Audio over IP): 32ch out / 32ch in  No No
Audio zone configuration Yes Yes
Individual theater and zone source selection (Main & Zone2) Yes Yes
Theater and Zones listening presets Unlimited Unlimited
Dirac Live Active Room Treatment  Yes Yes 
Dirac Live Room Correction, Dirac Live Bass Yes Yes
Dirac Live profiles 10 per Theater / Zone 10 per Theater / Zone
Dirac Live runtime with high-resolution mixed-phase filters Yes Yes
Backup and restore of the setup Yes Yes
Firmware update via USB / network Yes Yes
USB type A (upgrade and monitoring) 3 2
Ethernet / Wi-Fi Yes Yes to Ethernet – No to WiFi
Output trigger control 4 (out) 4 (out)
IR remote ports, in / out (input loop through) 1/1 1/1
IR remote control sensor in the front panel Yes Yes
Front panel display TFT 5″ TFT 5″
Advanced control via front panel   Yes Yes
Web-based product configurator Yes Yes
TCP/IP API based control Yes Yes
Storm Remote control application (iOS / Android) Yes Yes
Crestron, Control4, Savant, RTI, ELAN home automation drivers Yes Yes
Logitech Harmony IR database integration Yes Yes
IR remote control handset Yes Yes
Voltage range 100V to 240V 100V to 240V
Type SMPS SMPS
Range selection Universal Universal
Home/rack (removable ears) Yes Yes
Net weight (kg/lbs) 8 / 18 8 / 18
Size (Rack Units) 3RU 3RU
Dimensions (DLH) – no ears, no feet (cm) 

Ears : Add 4 cm (2 x 2 cm) 

Feet : Add 2 cm

 40.22 x 44.2 x 13.27 40.22 x 44.2 x 13.27
Dimensions – with box (cm) 55 x 55 x 28 55 x 55 x 28

The Bottom Line

The StormAudio Core 16+ reinforces the brand’s reputation in high-end home theater by offering expanded 18-channel support, advanced room correction, and versatile multi-room capabilities. Building on the foundation of the 2021 Core 16, it adds meaningful upgrades that enhance flexibility and immersion, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking precision and ease of use.

While competitors like Trinnov Audio offer alternative approaches, the Core 16+ stands out for its combination of user-friendly interface, advanced DSP, and signature StormAudio technologies, positioning it as a top contender in today’s premium AV processor market.

Price & Availability

Price and availability are still forthcoming, but it could be more than the regular Core 16, which retails for $13,999. However, Storm Audio Core 16+ will be shown at CEDIA Expo 2025 in Denver, Colorado, which will be held from September 4th through the 6th.  Storm Audio will be at booth #4312, as well as across multiple partner booths and sound rooms in support of several home theater system demos.

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