We’re proud to announce the official launch of the QNET7, our high-fidelity Layer-2 network switch!
In the pursuit of perfect sound, every detail counts. If you’re striving to extract every last nuance from your digitally sourced system, your network switch is a linchpin in achieving that goal. Engineered from the ground up, not adapted from pre-existing consumer-grade hardware, the QNET7 is the ultimate hifi network switch solution. The QNET7 minimizes the noise introduced in high-speed digital transmission, reduces jitter, and delivers uncompromised sonic performance. This is not just a switch; it’s a foundational component in any high-end digital setup.
The QNET7 offers compatibility as well as performance with its seven, purpose-specific ports, each tailored to a distinct role within a digital audio environment:
Ports 1–5: Auto-negotiated 1000BASE-T (1 Gbps) ports for high-speed connections to routers, NAS drives, and other network devices.
Port 6: Auto-negotiated 100BASE-TX (100 Mbps), optimized specifically for audio performance with added noise control—ideal for connecting streamers, servers, or DACs.
Port 7: Is compatible with 1000BASE-T (IEEE 802.3ab) and 1000BASE-LX/SX [802.3z-1998 (CL38)] SFP transceivers / modules, allowing it to be used as either an aftermarket RJ-45 or optical port, as needed.
Internally, the QNET7 houses nine ultra-low-noise, independent power supplies, to eliminate cross-contamination and interference between components. The result is enhanced clarity, precise imaging, and a noticeable increase in musical fidelity and realism.
Like all QRT products, listeners will enjoy optimal performance from the QNET7 when paired with other Nordost devices. When set up in a system with Nordost’s QSOURCE Linear Power Supply, QRT Stand Mounts, and Sort Kone resonance control devices, the QNET7 offers outstanding transient response and an improvement in sound staging.
The QNET7 Network Switch is a major foundational upgrade to any digital system that brings new dimensions to your streamed or stored music.
In this month’s Dealer Spotlight, we sit down with the passionate new owner of Executive Stereo, Blair Babineau. From tearing apart computer speakers at the age of 12 and exploring their inner workings, to now running a store that represents decades of hi-fi legacy, his journey into audio has been one driven by curiosity, craftsmanship, and a deep love for music. With a background in music performance and a vision for preserving the Executive Stereo brand while evolving with the times, he shares how he’s bringing a fresh energy to the showroom while staying true to the store’s roots!
Nordost: How did you get started in/become interested in hifi?
Blair: I got into hifi/audio systems when I was around the age of 12. That’s when my dad got me my first pair of speakers to use with my computer. I developed an interest in taking things apart and figuring out how they worked. I ended up tearing that pair of basic computer speakers apart to see the circuitry and components inside. I think that’s what really sparked my interest.
Nordost: What is your mission or philosophy for Executive Stereo?
Blair: My mission for Executive Stereo is to keep its legacy as one of the longest standing Hifi stores in the Toronto area, and to continue to provide our customers with the same level of attention and care that Ed has shown them for years. I also want to keep a selection of high-quality components for our customers to choose from while adding a few new product lines, without deviating too far from what the store is known for: high-end, high-quality products with great customer service.
Nordost: What was important to you while designing your new showroom(s)?
Blair: We have a new location, so we really had a lot of leeway. The most important thing for me was to create a welcoming environment for customers, especially on the main floor, where they walk in. The space is well lit, with warm lighting, and an overall fresh perspective. In the upstairs area, which contains our dedicated sound rooms, acoustics was the primary focus. I designed the system layouts and acoustic treatments primarily focusing on sound quality, but also ensuring that the rooms aren’t overly treated, in order to mimic a situation that someone may have in their own home. This ensures that my customers can hear the systems at their best, but also in a similar way they would hear them at home, without the need of excessive treatment.
Nordost: What is your favorite track/artist right now?
Blair: This one is tough, I find that it changes quite often. But right now, my favourite track and artist is probably Hat and Coat by Patrick Leonard. People will know him from his collaborations with Pink Floyd, Madonna, Elton John, and many other big names.
Nordost: What kind of music do you prefer to use for personal listening and demonstrations?
Blair: For personal listening, I tend to listen to any genre, be it rock, jazz, pop, or r&b. But I am quite specific with which songs/artists I listen to. For demonstrations, I mostly use more “well-known” songs just for consistency’s sake. I still like to mix it up once in a while, though. This past week, I have been using a song called “Mumbo Jumbo” by Brent Lewis, which is a percussion-based track that’s very well recorded, and has a very large sense of scale and width when played on a good system.
Nordost: What’s your favorite part of working in high-end audio?
Blair: I think my favorite part of working in this business, for the short period of time that it’s been, is probably to be able to experiment with different combinations of components, cables, and speakers. I like to see how each of them sounds individually and how they affect each other. This also helps me better understand the products that I am selling, and improves my ability to give well thought-out system recommendations to customers. I also come from a music background, I’ve played piano since I was 4 along with a few other instruments as well, so music is a big part of it for me. Plus it’s also been quite interesting to meet different customers who have their own musical background!
Nordost: How do you see the hifi industry evolving in the future?
Blair: I think a new group of younger buyers, like myself, who have rediscovered physical media formats such as vinyl, will eventually get the bug to upgrade our stuff. As younger buyers grow their careers and their interests develop, I think making sure they get to experience and see what good sound is like is very important. That’s why I try to give everyone that visits my store the same experience, no matter their age, because that initial impression of “wow that’s what I could have” is very important. You never know, they may come back to you down the road for exactly that.
Nordost: What do you think the next big innovation in hifi audio will be?
Blair: I think the next big innovation in hifi is probably going to be the integration of AI into DSP systems and room correction. We have seen what AI is capable of in different industries, and I think in high end audio, the ability to dynamically adjust your system’s response to the exact song you’re listening to (and not only just the room) would be quite transcending.
Nordost: What components would make up your dream audio system?
Blair: This is another tough one. But from what I’ve experienced so far, and based on my sonic preferences, my dream system would consist of: KEF Blade 1 Meta speakers, Transrotor Dark Star reference turntable with the TRA 9 tonearm and a Benz micro LP cartridge, MOON 891 streamer/preamp, dual MOON 861 power amplifiers bridged into mono, dual REL Carbon Special subwoofers, and Nordost TYR 2 cabling.
Nordost products are designed to allow you to enjoy your favorite performances as they were intended to be heard. All of us here are passionate about great music, and want to share our passion with you. Each one of us has our own style… We listen to a wide variety of artists and genres but, in a way, we appreciate them all. We thought that we would share a few of the songs on our own personal playlists with you each month. Some may be classics, some may be brand new, some may not even be to your tastes, but we hope that there is something here for everyone.
Here are some of the songs that we will have on rotation this August.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Paper Wings – Gillian Welch – Revival
St. James Infirmary – Baba Blues – Glimmer of Gold
No Children – The Mountain Goats – Tallahassee
Affirmation – Live – George Benson – Weekend in London (Live)
Columbus & 89th – Sarah Jarosz – Polaroid Lovers
Dancer – IDLES, LCD Soundsystem – TANGK
Whiskey And You – Chris Stapleton – Traveller
Perfect Darkness – Live from Union Chapel, London – Oct 5 2011 – Fink – Wheels Turn Beneath My Feet
At Nordost, we love working closely with our retail partners and hosting musical evenings for their clients. These events are enjoyable for everyone involved, and it’s always interesting to hear how a listener’s system evolves over the years. Learning about someone’s system helps us offer more relevant, bespoke advice on which Nordost products will be the most effective in improving system performance.
Some of these recommendations can be short-term improvements, while others might be mid- or long-term upgrades. A phrase that we often use at Nordost is “unlock the potential of the system you already love”. Someone may already own their dream amplifier or loudspeakers and simply want them to sound as good as possible. This is where Nordost can help–and in so many different ways! Often, that’s by identifying improvements to a part of the system that hasn’t been addressed yet, such as power cords, or in the case of the study below, resonance control.
I recently used a Lumin T3 streamer for a Sort Kone demonstration during an event with a Nordost retailer. Three TC Sort Kones dramatically lifted the product’s performance. The T3 retails for $5000 USD, so three TCs are an ideal upgrade, especially if the T3 is the primary source in the system.
The demo system that we used consisted of the Lumin T3, Accuphase E-700, Sonus faber Olympica Nova III and a loom of Tyr cables, all underpinned by a QBASE Mark III AC Distribution Unit. And the principal demo tracks that night were Leonard Cohen’s ‘Nevermind’ and Nick Cave’s ‘Red Right Hand’.
The benefits of the Sort Kones were immediately apparent: a more believable soundstage, greater energy and presence, better decay time, and it was easier to place individual instruments in the space. The reactions in the demo room said it all– they had expected an improvement but were blown away by the performance they heard! Most of the sonic improvements held up well when we switched to three AC Sort Kones, too. But, as expected, TC outperformed AC. That said, three ACs were still much better than none!
The T3 also proved to be useful for demonstrating the effect of substituting a TC or AC for a BC under the power supply. As expected, this introduced a bit of top-end ’rounding off’–which might be appreciated in a system with more forward balance.
As always, the most persuasive part of the demo was the deconstruction. We removed the Sort Kones from both set ups and in both instances, the system suddenly sounded flat. It’s amazing how quickly you can get used to something! Deconstructing also gives you a more rounded demonstration–some listeners notice performance improvements more when they are added, others when they’re taken away.
The red dots in this picture illustrate the optimum placement for each Sort Kone. This is where a Google Image search can be your friend. Simply type in your source or amp model (with the lid off) to help identify ideal Kone placement. Areas you want to pay attention to are typically under toroidal transformers, densely populated circuit boards, or in the center of CD transport mechanisms. Like with speaker placement, finetuning your Sort Kone placement is key. In both instances, the improvements can be more than you might expect and all it costs you is your time!
So, where should you add Sort Kones in your system first? That depends. If a streamer or CD player is your only source, start there. If you use multiple sources, placing them under your pre-amp or integrated amp may give you improvements across the board. Though, in practice, listeners eventually place Sort Kones under most components in their system over time, since the benefits are cumulative.
Remember, audio components all contain parts that vibrate. The mission of a Sort Kone is to dissipate these unwanted vibrations by acting as a mechanical diode. So, whether you’ve spent $1,000 or $25,000 on a component, Nordost Sort Kones will help you achieve a higher level of performance from what you’ve already invested in.
We’re thrilled to welcome The Sound Advantage as the newest authorized Nordost dealer in Michigan! Located in the heart of Rochester Hills, The Sound Advantage brings a unique blend of sophistication, technical expertise, and an undeniable passion for high-end audio to the region. With their commitment to quality and service, they’re quickly setting a new standard for the local hifi scene.
Their curated showroom features incredible systems, set up and ready for demonstration. Whether you’re building your first hifi rig or upgrading your much-loved system, The Sound Advantage offers solutions to meet your needs. David, the store’s dedicated owner, takes great pride in showcasing the very best of what each brand has to offer.
Since acquiring the business from its previous owners, David has elevated The Sound Advantage to new heights. He’s expanded the store’s offerings by introducing fresh, innovative brands while strengthening long-standing partnerships with iconic names like McIntosh. In this shop, they know that the details in each system’s composition matter, and the staff at The Sound Advantage are ready and willing to help guide you along your own hifi journey.
We’re proud to be working alongside The Sound Advantage and can’t wait to see what the future holds. If you’re in the area, we encourage you to stop by and experience the difference firsthand — and don’t miss the first of many Nordost events happening in-store on October 23rd. See you there!
There’s no shortage of opinions about audio cables in the hi-fi world. Some swear by high-end cable upgrades, while others argue that “a cable is just a cable.” At Nordost, we’ve been designing some of the most reputable hifi audio cables in the industry for decades, and we’ve heard all the misinformation out there. We’ve decided it’s time to set the record straight and speak to some of the most common myths out there, because sometimes, while the vitriol may be real, the information is not. So let’s address some of these myths and provide you with the facts that debunk them.
Myth 1: All audio cables sound the same.
This is one of the most widespread misconceptions in hifi. It is true that all cables serve the same purpose: they transmit a signal. However, how they do that, the materials used to make them, the technologies and techniques employed in their design and construction, the shielding methods, and the internal geometry of the cables can significantly affect their performance. Cables with poor shielding can introduce noise. Cables made with inconsistent or poor materials can cause signal degradation. Technologies like filters compress dynamics. When you’re working with a hifi system, even subtle differences in timing, clarity, and dynamics become noticeable. Needless to say, not all cables are built the same, and those differences in design and construction have significant effects where those audible nuances are concerned.
Myth 2: You need to “break-in” your cables for them to sound good
This one is partially true. It’s important to note that “breaking-in” a cable is different from “burning-in” a cable. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably; they should not be. Breaking-in a cable essentially means you use the cable over time. As current flows through a new cable, the insulation and conductors settle into their roles, which can result in more open and natural sound after long periods of use. While the difference might not be dramatic for every listener, it’s something many audiophiles attest to, once they know what to listen for. However, when you “burn-in” a cable using a specifically designed product, such as Nordost’s VIDAR 2, a very wide band signal of varying amplitude is sent through the cable. When this happens, higher levels of signal, at a wider frequency range, are introduced to the cable than it would typically see during its normal course of use. Without this treatment, a cable can take a tragically long time to break-in, or (especially for cables like interconnects or tonearm cables) it could never receive the benefits of a FULL break-in. In some ways, you could think of this treatment as an “accelerated break-in”, with better results due to the signals employed. The combination of frequencies that the VIDAR 2 puts through the cable allows the process to occur much quicker. The results from the VIDAR 2 will always be better than any other break-in method used, and the results are definitely audible.
Myth 3: The more expensive the cable is, the better it will sound in your system.
Price doesn’t always equal performance. What matters more is system synergy. The right cable for your setup depends on your components, room acoustics, and personal taste. In some cases, a mid-level cable that complements your system’s tonal balance can outperform a flagship cable that doesn’t match your gear or that uses technologies that limit your components in other ways or compress sound. This is especially true if you try to mix and match cables within one system that combat or cancel each other out with competing technologies or design philosophies. In fact, we have conducted public tests where we put a comprehensive loom of our midrange products up against a mismatch of our competitors’ reference products, and our cohesive mid-range loom beats them out every time. The truth is that there are too many variables to speak to every system and situation, which is why we encourage customers to audition cables in their own systems whenever possible.
Myth 4: The value of cables in your system should equal ~15% of your total system value.
Since everyone’s hifi system is so unique, “the right” amount to spend on the cabling of a system is very subjective. Not to mention, an audiophile’s system is never stagnant. What you don’t want to do is limit the performance of your future component upgrades with hifi cables that won’t allow them to stretch their audio muscles. In other words, the limit in your system should never be the cabling. That being said, you should also recognize that going overboard on your cables without the components to support them won’t help you either. Cables should not be corrective. High quality cabling will allow you to hear your components with a clarity that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. So, if you are unhappy with the sonic characteristics of your components in general, a better cable won’t help you. Unfortunately, while most people may be looking for a cut-and-dry number, it isn’t that simple. Finding the right fit for your system is a balancing act.
Myth 5: Digital cables don’t make a difference.
It’s easy to assume that since digital signals are just 1s and 0s, the cable doesn’t matter. But that isn’t entirely true. In reality, digital signal transfer can be complicated and exacting. Timing is critical. A digital cable with poor impedance control can introduce jitter, which affects timing and degrades sound quality. Just like analog cables, digital interconnects benefit from thoughtful design and quality construction. There is A LOT more that goes into digital signal transmission than you might think, or than can be appropriately explained in a short blog, so for more information we encourage you to check out our white paper, “Digital Audio Cables: How Can They Make a Difference?“.
Nordost products are designed to allow you to enjoy your favorite performances as they were intended to be heard. All of us here are passionate about great music, and want to share our passion with you. Each one of us has our own style… We listen to a wide variety of artists and genres but, in a way, we appreciate them all. We thought that we would share a few of the songs on our own personal playlists with you each month. Some may be classics, some may be brand new, some may not even be to your tastes, but we hope that there is something here for everyone.
Here are some of the songs that we will have on rotation this July.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Interview with Mark Jones – Aficionado, Rebel, Audio Expert
We’re excited to feature Mark Jones of Audio by Mark Jones. With decades of experience and a reputation for authenticity, Mark has created a space where great music, serious gear, and genuine service come together. Nordost’s Atma Maraj sat down with Mark to get to know more about him, his business, and his passion for hifi!
Atma: Can you tell us how you got started in the audio industry?
Mark: I began my part-time audio career in 1987 while studying engineering. Instead of securing a conventional job, I remained dedicated to this industry, which I love.
Atma: What is your shop’s mission or philosophy?
Mark: To be the most relaxed high-end audio shop in the land!
Atma: What are your goals for the company?
Mark: My objectives are modest. I appreciate the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere of my shop. As long as I continue to provide exceptional service, get to listen to the best gear, and earn a modest living, my goals are fulfilled.
Atma: How would you describe your shop’s success so far?
Mark: I opened my latest location at the commencement of 2022, coinciding with the economic downturn. While this may have appeared to be an inopportune moment, I am immensely gratified that I made this decision. It generated significant excitement and has undoubtedly been a resounding success—not only in terms of sales figures but also in the level of satisfaction experienced by our clients during their visits to the new shop.
Atma: What sets Audio by Mark Jones apart from other dealers?
Mark: Selling ultra-high-end products can sometimes foster an elitist attitude within this industry. At AMJ, we treat all clients with equal respect and dignity. A Nordost White Lightning enthusiast receives the same treatment as an individual inquiring about Valhalla 2. I believe this approach contributes to AMJ’s reputation as a comfortable and welcoming establishment.
Atma: What’s your approach to building referrals?
Mark: Servicing the hell out of my clients🤘
Atma: How do you engage with your local community?
Mark: Many years ago, when my shop primarily focused on high-value products and encompassed a diverse range of items such as video and portable audio, the majority of our clientele resided locally. Consequently, we were highly involved in the community. We sponsored sports teams and provided weekly audio/video consultations on a local radio station. In recent years, I have volunteered as the DJ for the local Junior A Lacrosse team, which has been a delightful experience.
Atma: What kind of music do you prefer to use for personal listening and demonstrations?
Mark: I cannot definitively identify a favorite genre. Nevertheless, I tend to gravitate toward music that deviates from the conventional offerings found in retail establishments and audio shows. By playing what we call “real music,” we move the listeners emotionally. The plan is to leave a lasting impression.
Atma: Do you prefer listening to live music or recordings?
Mark: Live concerts are unparalleled in their experience. My recent attendance included performances by Simple Minds and Kraftwerk. However, I hold a deep appreciation for recorded music, which occupies a more significant role in my life due to its accessibility and daily enjoyment.
Atma: What’s your favorite part of working in high-end audio?
Mark: The most rewarding aspect of hifi audio for me is the positive feedback from satisfied clients, whether it pertains to their recently purchased products or their overall experience at our establishment.
Atma: How do you see the hifi industry evolving in the future?
Mark: Regrettably, I believe the industry is headed in the wrong direction. The escalating pricing has alienated a substantial number of individuals from embracing this enjoyable hobby.
Atma: What do you think the next big innovation in hifi audio will be?
Mark: In my opinion, the next great advancement in hifi audio equipment will be simplicity—not necessarily in terms of technological sophistication, but rather in terms of versatility. For instance, a pair of fully digital active loudspeakers that eliminate the need for multiple expensive components would be an ideal solution. This approach would enable high-end audio to become more accessible to a broader audience while maintaining its exceptional performance.
Atma: What components would make up your dream audio system?
Mark: My ideal system is undoubtedly of a high caliber, but I do not aspire to possess one of the exorbitant systems that cost upwards of one million dollars. Instead, I envision a well-specified Linn turntable, a Grimm digital player, Luxman amplification, and a pair of Marten loudspeakers. Naturally, Nordost Valhalla 2 would be my obvious choice to pull it all together.
Thank you to Mark for taking the time to meet up with us and giving some background on what makes his location so unique. Learn more about Audio by Mark Jones at audiobymarkjones.ca, and stop by to see Mark’s amazing new showroom when you’re in the Ontario Area!
We’re excited to share a new review of our Red Dawn 3 Analog Interconnects, written by Mark Gusew of StereoNET. Mark is no stranger to Nordost products and came into his review with a solid understanding of the performance upgrades that come with each new generation of our cables. As he explains to his readers: “With each generational upgrade, Nordost continues to push the boundaries of sonic performance, with clear incremental steps throughout the range to suit customers’ needs and budgets.”
To put the Red Dawn 3 in context, Mark compared it directly with both the Blue Heaven 3 and Purple Flare 3 cables, giving him a comprehensive view of how these products fit within the Leif 3 Series.
While he was particularly struck by the transient speed of the Red Dawn 3—calling it a “well-designed, full-range cable that delivers high performance in no uncertain terms… the result is fast and fun music-making with superb levels of transparency”—Mark was equally impressed by the Leif 3 family as a whole.
“I couldn’t resist comparing the other Nordost cables from the Leif 3 range – Blue Heaven and Purple Flare – and the family resemblance is uncanny. They all have the same blistering speed and pristine clarity…”
You can now read Mark’s full review of the Red Dawn 3 Analog Interconnects here:
In honor of the recent introduction of our NEW Blue Heaven 3 Digital cables, we thought it would be helpful to share some of our most frequently asked questions around digital cables. Hopefully, these will help you demystify digital cables as a whole and give you an insight into what makes Nordost digital cables, from Leif 3 all the way up to Odin Gold, special!
Q: If a digital signal is basically just 1s and 0s, how can audiophile USB cables make an audible difference?
A: The signal that flows through a USB cable is actually analog in nature. It’s composed of high-speed square waves that represent 1s and 0s. Losses in the shape and speed of those square waves can cause equipment like DACs to misinterpret the conversion to an analog musical signal and cause distortion.
Q: Are Nordost Ethernet cables shielded?
A: Yes, because of how susceptible they are to RF interference, shielding is something we took to new levels when we designed ALL of our Ethernet cables. The twisted pairs inside our Ethernet cables have their own shielding as well as a dual braid shield over the cable assembly.
Q: Why do Nordost 75 ohm digital cables come with BNC to RCA adaptors?
A: The correct termination for true 75 ohm impedance is always a BNC connector because of the mechanical spacing of the center conductor relative to the outer insulation. If you terminate directly to an RCA connector, you can’t maintain that impedance. We’ve found that keeping the integrity of the 75 ohm cable with a BNC termination and using an RCA adaptor always provides better sonic results than a direct RCA termination. It also means the cable can be used easily as a clocking cable, which typically uses BNC connections for superior performance.
Q: What technologies differentiate Nordost USB 2.0 cables from their competitors’?
A: Nordost cables utilize high-purity FEP insulation with either Micro Mono-Filament or Dual Mono-Filament technology, which enhances the speed of transmission, as well as advanced shielding techniques that maintain the integrity of the signal. These technologies allow our cables to perform to spec, even at extended lengths, with no loss of information. Additionally, the connectors of our Blue Heaven 3 USB 2.0 Cable are constructed using ESD material, which dissipates electrostatic charges from the cable and prevents those charges from ever building up, before they can negatively impact performance.
