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.
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.
Related Reading
- StormAudio, Grimani Systems Show That Home Theater Audio-over-IP is Real and Requires no Compromise at CEDIA Expo 2023
- Dirac, StormAudio & Perlisten Are Bringing an 11.7.6 Channel Home Theater System To High-End Munich 2023
- Trinnov AltitudeCI Scalable AV Preamp/Processor Launches for the CI Market at CEDIA 2025
- Marantz Launches AV 20 & AMP 20: New Home Theater Separates
