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 November.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Comic Sans – Okay Kaya – Surviving Is The New Living
Didn’t I – Darondo – Let My People Go
Hiding Out In The Open – Feist – Multitudes
Roads – Live – Portishead – Roseland NYC Live
Now And Then – The Beatles – Now And Then
C’est Comme Ça (Re: Wet Leg) – Paramore, Wet Leg – C’est Comme Ça (Re: Wet Leg)
Year of the Cat – Al Stewart – Year of the Cat
Slip Away – Clarence Carter – This Is Clarence Carter
Static on the Radio – Jim White, Aimee Mann, M. Ward, Joe Henry – Drill a Hole In That Substrate and Tell Me What You See
A Forest – 2006 Remaster – The Cure – Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe Edition)
In the heart of Østerbro, arguably Copenhagen’s most relaxed and refined neighbourhood, and only a few blocks away from the city’s largest park, Michael Winther has reshaped Top Sound into a haven for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. This renowned audio dealer has been making waves in the Danish capital, offering a splendid range of audio equipment and exceptional listening experiences. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of coming back to Top Sound with Erik Hansen, our Danish distributor, who together with Michael invited listeners for an evening demo of Nordost’s recently launched QB8 MK3, QSine, QWave and QB10.
Top Sound is truly a hidden gem: once you go through the narrow entrance, the store unfolds into several spaces with plenty of gear to cater to all tastes, creating an environment that encourages customers to explore and appreciate the world of high-fidelity audio, most notably analogue/vinyl, clearly the local specialty, alongside some great, fresh coffee from their own machine.
Our demonstration went ahead with a full house in the main listening room, allowing clients and visitors to get up close and personal with our newest product, which played with Wilson Audio Sabrinas, powered by an Audio Analogue Absolute integrated amplifier. We streamed through an Auralic Altair and our own QNET, powered by the QSOURCE. The whole system was cabled with a Tyr 2 loom.
Danes are clearly passionate about music and sound, and very knowledgeable when it comes to HiFi, which made the experience much more interesting, as we showcased the full potential of the audio equipment on display, allowing the audience to lose themselves in the music, to experience every note, every detail, and every emotion.
Copenhagen is constantly ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world and it certainly helps when when you’re able to experience the combination of such a welcoming environment, a curated selection of top-tier audio equipment, and the great hospitality of Michael and his staff.
If you find yourself in Copenhagen and have an appreciation for good music and cutting-edge audio technology, a visit to Top Sound should be on your itinerary. It’s a testament to the power of sound and the joy it can bring to our lives.
As hifi enthusiasts, we shell out big money in order to purchase the components that will give us the best possible sound. A lot of deliberation goes into our purchases: design philosophy, technical specifications, build quality, ease of use, cohesion, aesthetics, budget… These pre-purchase considerations are very important in order to determine the right fit for our systems. But did you know that your consideration shouldn’t stop at the purchase?
Nordost provides several tools that ensure you maximize the potential of your new component. These include the audio cables and accessories that create the basis and foundation upon which high-end systems need to be built.
Let’s say that after doing your due diligence of researching and demoing various options, you’ve purchased an amplifier. You have lived with your amplifier in your system for a few months. You have become familiar with its characteristics and have identified the benefits it brings to your hifi system. Now it’s time to see what that component can really do when you give it the best chance to flex its muscles.
To maximize your amplifier… consider upgrading the following (all of which can be found at your local Nordost dealer 😉) :
Power Cord: It is crucial that you run your components with the best AC cables available. Nordost’s power cords are optimally designed and use proprietary technology so that current is not limited, noise is reduced, and amplifier output is cleaner and more dynamic.
Interconnects: A thoughtfully designed and meticulously built analog interconnect enhances signal transfer between your audio components with as little loss as possible. Nordost’s precision engineering and top-notch materials preserve the integrity of the audio signal, resulting in improved clarity, detail, and musicality.
Speaker Cables: Nordost’s signature flat cable design eliminates strand interaction, optimizes mechanical resonances, and decreases skin effect, making drastic improvements in system performance. Introducing this upgrade will minimize signal degradation, enhancing the overall coherence of your music.
Resonance control (aka Sort Kones!): Due to their very nature, amplifiers generate a tremendous amount of internal vibrations, which are incredibly damaging to their audible performance. Nordost’s Sort Kones are a game-changer. These remarkable mechanical diodes drain all vibrations from your device to outstanding sonic effect.
We are happy to share a great review of our much-loved Blue Heaven cables. In his article, Mark Blackmore explores the concept of cable looms and highlights what can be gained from using audio cables from the same manufacturer throughout a sound system. With our Blue Heaven cables in his system, Mark was inspired to lengthen his listening sessions, commenting “Blue Heaven’s clear, clean sound is a joy.”
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 October.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Paper Thin – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas
Slippery People (LIVE) – Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense (LIVE)
Billie Jean – Vanessa Fernandez – I Want You
Modern Girl – Bleachers – Modern Girl
Tom’s Diner – Suzanne Vega – Tom’s Diner
Joyful Girl – Soulive, Dave Matthews – Next
You’re Dead – Norma Tanega – Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog
Heaven – Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
Cruisin’ (Single Edit) – Huey Lewis, Gwyneth Paltrow – Greatest Hits: Huey Lewis And The News
Alien Love Call – Turnstile, BADBADNOTGOOD, Blood Orange – New Heart Designs
The performance caliber of a high-end audio system begins and ends with the AC that feeds it, making AC distribution one of the most impactful upgrades in hifi. With the new QBASE Reference, Nordost has now developed a power product that matches the caliber of their most preeminent cable ranges. The QBASE Reference is a multifaceted, reference-level AC distribution unit that operates as a filter-less alternative to power conditioners, delivering pristine power to audio components, without imparting its own sonic characteristics on systems or limiting AC current.
For years, the hifi community has been misdirected into thinking that the only way to protect sensitive electronics from power fluctuations, electrical noise, and “dirty” power is through power conditioning. But at what cost? Power conditioners are a semi-redundant solution which hinder more than enhance audio performance. The same in-line power technology that allows a power conditioner to reduce noise simultaneously limits bandwidth, compresses dynamics, and contributes to sonic confusion. These are compromises Nordost refuses to make.
Always searching for a solution, Nordost turned to its own QRT products, a family of transformative, parallel power products designed to eliminate noise, enhance dynamics, and bring cohesion to performance, while preserving an unimpeded AC path to system components. It was within those already highly acclaimed ideas that the jumping-off point for the QBASE Reference was conceived; the apex of Nordost’s already lofty accomplishments in the realm of AC power.
At its core, the QBASE Reference, like Nordost’s other QBASE units, is a passive distribution component that uses star-earth topology to address the noise-inducing, conflicting flow of signal and ground paths within a hifi system. However, that’s just the beginning of what the QBASE Reference has to offer. This 10-outlet AC distribution unit offers numerous Nordost technologies within its mechanically tuned, extruded aluminum chassis, in order to bring a new realm of power optimization and audio refinement to your reference system.
QBASE Reference features include:
Star Earth Topology provides ground separation for all of the devices it serves, allowing stray voltages and eddy currents to be referred to one, central, ground point.
Specialized PCB design offers symmetrical Live/Neutral Topology as well as separate grounding (with Voltage directionality technology).
Multiple, internal QSINE and QWAVE devices can be tailored to the listener’s preference and the system’s specific needs. The QWAVE technology manipulates the sine wave by sampling the AC signal and inserting a series of pulsed frequencies back into the AC line to tame harmonics and overtones. QSINE technology enhances the AC signal by introducing a frequency field onto the circuit path that removes noise from the sine wave through a process similar to dithering.
Specifically optimized and modified QPOINT technology impacts both the PC boards and QSINE/QWAVE technology within the QBASE Reference, imparting an increased synergy between all internal elements, which enforces audible sonic cohesion.
Dual Primary Earth design allows for an optional, additional, switch-activated Primary Earth in setup scenarios that include dual mono preamps that use dual power cord inlets, to avoid different ground potentials on both channels.
Internal, solid core Micro Mono-Filament wiring throughout the device, increases transmission speeds.
Pre-QKORE ground design provides a completely separated ground path that leads to and directly complements the LVAP technology housed inside the QKORE.
Resonance control Sort support feet are four modified Sort Füt units, which work in perfect synergy with the mechanically-tuned chassis of the QBASE Reference, draining vibrations from the electrical and mechanical aspects of the device.
QBASE Reference – USQBASE Reference – EUQBASE Reference – AUS
The QBASE Reference is designed to conquer the imperfections and unpredictability of the AC signal, making it the ultimate solution for achieving unprecedented audio purity. Introducing it into your system will allow you to hear your music as it was intended to be experienced, without compromise.
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 September.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
The Returner – Allison Russell – The Returner
Crucify Your Mind – Rodriguez – Cold Fact
Loves Me Like a Rock – The Wailin’ Jennys – Fifteen
Come Monday – Jimmy Buffett – Living And Dying In ¾ Time
Sunny Came Home – Shawn Colvin – A Few Small Repairs
Amsterdam – Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
Don’t Wait Too Long – Madeleine Peyroux – Careless Love
Ahora Quien – Salsa Version – Marc Anthony – Valio La Pena
Because of You (2023) – k.d. lang – Because of You
Keep Those Teardrops from Falling – Natalie Bergman – Keep Those Teardrops from Falling
John Ferry, of Kazoo Audio, is a true veteran of the Michigan audio scene. Kazoo is a bastion of audio bests in the suburban town of Portage, located outside of Kalamazoo, MI, which John operates alongside his business partner, Chris Zainea. Both Chris and John are dedicated to providing the perfect mix of top-tier audio equipment and service. In their search to find the best audio equipment to create the most memorable musical experiences, they found Nordost, and have been an exemplary Nordost dealer ever since.
Before Kazoo Audio was born, John operated out of the former Classic Stereo, which served the audiophiles of Michigan until the financial crisis of 2008/2009 forced Classic out of business. However, after being brought to tears by an especially powerful musical performance in Nashville with his daughter, John realized the importance of creating an emotional, musical connection in the home. He was inspired to get back into the business, and two months later, Kazoo Audio was open!
John and Chris moved to their current location in 2016. They designed the shop around the love of music, staying true to their chosen mantra: “Where Music Matters”.
When you enter the store, you are greeted by a beautiful selection of equipment. Not to mention, superior service and knowledge from the Kazoo Audio team. As you move through the store, you will find a wide selection in price and performance levels, with several systems on display for audition. As an added bonus, most of the systems feature Nordost cabling and power products.
At Kazzoo, they pride themselves on offering an honest and professional presentation of audio systems in both two-channel systems and home theater set-ups. Kazoo has a little something for audio enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
If you find yourself in the Kalamazoo/Portage area, be sure to stop in for an experience you won’t soon forget.
Nordost’s QRT family consists of several impressive audio enhancers. Each of these offerings works as an individually contained solution, with unique objectives for alleviating the poor power quality that impacts audio systems. Since the QRT portfolio is growing, we wanted to briefly explain each QRT solution on the market, and the distinctive benefits that they bring to a system.
QBASE Mark III
The QBASE is a passive AC distribution unit that addresses the noise caused by conflicting signal and ground paths in a hifi system. It does this by using Star Earth Topology, a design that provides ground separation and allows stray voltages and eddy currents to be referred to one, central, ground point, by lifting the resistance of all outlets on the device except for that of the Primary Earth (which would serve the pre-amp or integrated amp of the system). The QBASE is available with either 8 or 4 outlets (or 6 outlets for the UK model) and uses either an IEC C-14 or C-20 input.
QRT Plug-Ins
The QSINE, QWAVE, QVIBE, and QKOIL are a range of complimentary, modular AC products that improve upon the AC quality that feeds your home sound system. Whether it’s by generating a field, reshaping a sine wave, or introducing harmonics onto the AC line, each of these unique solutions work to reduce EMI, lower the noise floor, and increase clarity and imagery of the musical reproduction.
QPOINT
The QPOINT is a resonance synchronizer that manipulates the electromechanical resonances inside the components within its immediate proximity so that they resonate in unison with each other. Synching these resonances eliminates internal electrical noise and enhances the coherency and timing of the components themselves. The QPOINT allows users to switch between two distinct modes, each with their own unique characteristics, to better tailor results for each individual system.
QNET
The QNET is a layer-2, five-port Ethernet switch that has been designed and constructed from the ground up to maximize audio performance. Every aspect of the QNET, including its multi-layered layout, its six dedicated power supplies, the incredibly stable oscillator for its clock, and the five, independent 8P8C ports, were chosen in order to minimize noise, crosstalk, and interference.
QSOURCE
The QSOURCE is a linear power supply that provides a stable, clean output of DC Power at select voltages. Its unique design removes electrical anomalies and noise artifacts from the line and smooths out DC output. Meanwhile, a fanless construction maintains extremely low noise levels, which allows heightened articulation and dynamics to shine through digitally-run systems. The QSOURCE is the perfect upgrade to Nordost’s QNET network switch and as many as four QPOINTs, while simultaneously powering two additional digital components (specced to run at 9V, 12V, 19V, or 24V respectively).
QKORE
QKOREs are parallel grounding devices which provide an artificial, “clean” earth for hifi systems by using both an electrical and mechanical approach. Using Norodst’s Mono-Filament technology, Low-Voltage Attractor Plates, and a passive electronic circuit, QKOREs draw stray high frequency noise and voltage-generated magnetic fields to a manufactured earth point, leaving a clean reference behind.
While it’s apparent how individualized each of these audio solutions are, it’s important to highlight that the benefits gained from using them together, as a family, can be staggering. Nordost’s QRT family is a holistic approach to achieving great sound. When used in concert, each and every QRT addition to an already well-composed system brings yet another layer of improvement to the musical performance.
The QRT family truly is a FAMILY of products, and we really encourage you to think of it in that way.
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
Troy – Sinéad O’Connor – The Lion and the Cobra
Chevrolet Van – The Nude Party – The Nude Party
Tengo el Alma Herida – Marta Gómez, Andrés Rotmistrovsky – Bajo & Voz
One Day – Matisyahu – Light
Harvest – Rufus Wainwright, Andrew Bird, Chris Stills – Folkocracy
Simple Man – Acoustic – Shinedown – Leave a Whisper (Deluxe Edition)
Sun Dog – Edouard Ferlet – Sun Dog
Brothers in Arms – Club For Five – You’re The Voice
The Boxer – Jerry Douglas, Mumford & Sons, Paul Simon – Babel (Deluxe Version)
