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.
After its introduction at the High End show in Munich last month, the White Lightning 3 Tonearm Cable is now available! Nordost’s newest tonearm cable brings a high-performance connection to analog setups of any level. Whether you’re setting up your first serious turntable or fine-tuning an established system, this cable is designed to elevate your listening and let the details your system may be lacking shine through.
What sets the White Lightning 3 apart is its careful, precision engineering. With the tightly controlled twisted pair construction and dual shielding of its solid core, silver-plated OFC conductors, it maintains clean channel separation and minimizes the type of noise that can ruin a listening session. There’s also a dedicated ground wire, enhanced with Nordost’s Micro Mono-Filament technology, which helps keep background interference to a minimum. The result is a quieter, more open soundstage and a greater sense of presence in every performance.
If you’ve been thinking about making a small but meaningful upgrade to your analog system, the White Lightning 3 Tonearm Cable might be the missing piece. It’s available now through Nordost retailers worldwide. For full specifications and details, see here or ask a Nordost retailer near you!
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 June.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Wuthering Heights – Cécile McLorin Salvant – Ghost Song
Karaköy – Brazilian Girls – Let’s Make Love
Volver, volver – Buika – Niña de fuego
Carmensita – Devendra Banhart – Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
Nothing Else Matters – Miley Cyrus, WATT, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujillo, Chad Smith – Nothing Else Matters
Appalachia Borealis – Phil Cook – Appalachia Borealis
Hey Hey, My My – Battleme – Songs of Anarchy: Music from Sons of Anarchy Seasons 1-4
The 4 Seasons: Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297, ‘L’inverno’ (Winter) : I. Allegro non molto – Takako Nishizaki – Vivaldi, A.:The 4 Seasons/Concerto Alla Rustica
As the curtain closed on the final High End show in Munich, Nordost was proud to make its mark once again, with a memorable display of innovation and performance. In our main room (Atrium 4, E112), we showcased a full loom of Leif 3 Red Dawn 3 cables, introduced our brand-new Blue Heaven 3 Digital Interconnect, Ethernet, and USB cables, and offered a first look at the White Lightning 3 Tonearm Cable and our highly anticipated, cutting-edge QNET7 network switch. These new and upcoming products continue Nordost’s mission of bringing out the clarity, detail, and musicality that make listening so rewarding.
Beyond the gear, the event was filled with the energy and sense of community that Munich has brought to the hifi industry for over 20 years. We hosted packed demonstrations and listening sessions and had the pleasure of connecting with our valued distributors, trusted partners, and fellow manufacturers. A special thank you to the manufacturers, and to our fabulous German distributor, Audio Reference, who featured Nordost products in their own rooms, using our cables and components to help deliver the best possible performance from their extraordinary systems. Your support and collaboration make all the difference, and we’re grateful to have shared this show together over the years.
Here are some of our favorite images from systemswired with Nordost around the show.
Until next time, High End. See you next year in Vienna!
Nordost’s Room – Featuring Red Dawn 3 and special looks at new Blue Heaven 3 cables and the QNET7 Network Switch being released later this year
Audio Reference’s Concert Hall System
Nordost on Display in the Audio Reference Room
Audio Reference’s Room – Multiple Systems, All Wired with Nordost
We’re also announcing and giving a special sneak peek at the soon-to-be-released White Lightning 3 Tonearm Cable, as well as the QNET 7, an exciting new audio focused network switch, coming later this year!
Our new Blue Heaven 3 Digital Interconnect is engineered to deliver a clean, stable digital signal that preserves the full character of high-resolution audio without distortion, lag, or compression. As a true 75-ohm conductor with a co-axial construction and the brand’s patented Micro Mono-Filament technology, this cable ensures high-speed transmission and signal integrity from source to component. Its BNC termination maintains signal accuracy, while included gold-plated RCA adaptors offer versatile compatibility without compromising performance.
The Blue Heaven 3 Ethernet Cable is designed for listeners who are looking for precision and immersion from their streaming sources. This cable features solid core conductors arranged in precision-twisted pairs, each individually shielded and protected by a dual-layer braided shield. This construction minimizes crosstalk and external noise, preserving the integrity of music files whether the cable is used with a NAS drive, streamer, or server. Its shielded 8P8C/RJ45 connectors prevent any loss from being incurred during transmission.
The Blue Heaven 3 USB 2.0 Cable provides a high-performance digital link that enhances sound quality with greater clarity, dynamics, and musical detail. Utilizing Nordost’s Micro Mono-Filament technology, the cable features four precision-wound, double-shielded conductors that deliver a fast, stable signal between source and system.
Available soon, the White Lightning 3 Tonearm Cable is designed for music listeners who are serious about getting the most out of their analog system, preserving the tone, texture, and detail of your favorite artists. This cable boasts a twisted pair design, fully isolating left and right channels and comes complete with dual shielding for cleaner separation and greater clarity. The White Lightning 3 Tonearm cable also includes a dedicated ground wire, enhanced with our Micro Mono-Filament technology to reduce hum and keep your system quiet so all you’re left hearing is the music.
Coming later this year, the QNET7 is a Layer-2 ethernet switch, designed from the ground up to maximize audio performance and eliminate noise for high speed, digital transmission. It not only improves sound staging and 3D imaging but also transforms the bass response through the further separation of low frequencies. The QNET7 has seven ports, offering 10/100/1000BASE-T (1 Gbps), 100BASE-TX (100 Mbps), and 1000BASE-LX/SX (802.3z-1998 (CL3B)) SFP capability. The new QNET7 is equipped with nine independent, ultra-low noise power supplies which minimize cross-contamination and ensure clean, interference-free operation. Compatible with Nordost’s QSOURCE, the QNET7 is expected to be the centerpiece of any high-end streaming setup. The QNET7 will be available later this year for worldwide distribution with Nordost dealers.
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 May.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Nothing Like You – Cécile McLorin Salvant – Dreams and Daggers
So Says I – The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow
Love Is Blindness – Jack White – Sixteen Saltines
Moonlight Sonata Blues – Jon Batiste – Beethoven Blues
Sympathy for the Devil – Hans Theessink – Jedermann Remixed – The Soundtrack
Heroes – Peter Gabriel – Scratch My Back
Alexandra Leaving – Leonard Cohen – Ten New Songs
Steamroller Blues – James Taylor – Sweet Baby James
Improving a system that’s already been called “the best” is no easy feat—but we’re always up for the challenge. And this year, our efforts paid off!
We made several key updates to our system, including the strategic addition of a few Odin Gold Power Cords. These enhancements brought a welcome richness and presence to the sound. And as a result, we were honored with two Best in Show: Best Sound awards from The Absolute Sound’s Robert Harley and Andre Jennings, along with a close runner-up nod in the same category from Jonathan Valin. We also received fantastic coverage from Tracking Angle, Analog Planet, and TAS’ Jeff Wilson.
The Nordost room in Schaumburg F featured a world-class, reference-level system with Stenheim loudspeakers, components from VTL, dCS, and Grand Prix Audio—and of course, Nordost’s own audio cables, power components, and audio enhancers. The sound was described by Jonathan Valin as having a “uniformly rich, dense tone color; outstanding (and outstandingly well-controlled and articulated) bass; sweet treble that never shrieked (unlike many other rooms); and phenomenal dynamic range that brought these high-sensitivity transducers vividly to life.”
Beyond the incredible sound, there was plenty to see and hear in Schaumburg F. Showgoers enjoyed a full schedule of Nordost-hosted events, including:
Daily lunchtime jazz listening sessions featuring records from Newvelle Records
Abey Fonn, founder of Impex Records, presenting Patricia Barber’s Modern Cool fresh off the press
A lively “Flash DJ Session” with Qobuz’s David Solomon
An exclusive audio showcase of a test lacquer pressing of an upcoming piano release by VDM Sound Group
And the next best thing to attending in person: The Who: Live at Leeds!
But there was even more to experience from Nordost–not only in our own demonstration room, but also in the many other rooms throughout the show hosted by our partners and friends at CH Precision, Watson Audio, Morel Audio, JBL, Arcam, and Holm Audio.
Here are some of our favorite snapshots from AXPONA 2025!
We had an incredible time at the Montréal Audiofest! As always, it was a pleasure to connect with the music lovers and customers who come to see us year after year. The demonstrations in the Nordost room, featuring our new Leif 3 audio cables were a highlight for showgoers who were impressed by the dramatic improvements our products make in an audio system.
Thank you to all our fellow manufacturers and retailers who proudly featured Nordost products in their rooms. We are always happy to see our cables in use, making systems perform at the highest level and revealing the full potential of their great components.
If you weren’t able to make it up to Montréal, you can have a look at some photos from the show below!
We are thrilled to announce that Nordost has received an incredible 15 Editors’ Choice Awards from The Absolute Sound in 2025! This recognition is a true testament to the exceptional performance and innovation of our products and means all the more coming from such a prestigious publication. The award-winning products range from our Supreme Reference Odin 2 cables, trickle down throughout each one of our cable families, and even our QRT audio enhancers, including multiple iterations of QBASEs and QKOREs. These accolades speak volumes about the improvements our products bring to sound quality, delivering audiophiles an unparalleled listening experience.
Below you will find a list of each of these award-winning products, which were carefully and favorably reviewed by The Absolute Sound. Find out more of these fantastic offerings, read some expertly written reviews, and see an Authorized Nordost Dealer near you to experience the Nordost difference for yourself!
The Nordost QBASE Reference is a high-end AC distribution unit designed to deliver clean power to audio systems. It features Star-Earth Topology and QPOINT Technology, ensuring optimal power flow and minimal noise. Additionally, the unit’s extruded aluminum chassis houses QSINE and QWAVE tech for enhanced performance. The QBASE Reference improves sound purity, offering an unparalleled audio experience.
Nordost’s Odin 2 Analog Interconnects and Speaker Cables are designed to deliver the highest level of audio performance, offering unparalleled clarity and resolution. O2 Analog Interconnects feature ten silver-plated OFC conductors and Nordost’s patented Dual Mono-Filament technology, which ensures a fast, transparent, and detailed signal transmission. The HOLO:PLUG® connectors are custom-designed to interface with each cable’s geometry. Odin 2 Speaker Cable uses 26 silver-plated, solid-core conductors and a flat design to maximize transfer speed, and minimize signal. These cables set a new standard in high-end audio, capturing every nuance and offering exceptional bandwidth and dynamic range.
🏆 Valhalla 2 Interconnect and 🏆 Valhalla 2 Speaker Cable
The Valhalla 2 Analog Interconnects and Speaker Cables from Nordost are engineered to deliver extraordinary performance with exceptional detail and transparency. The Analog Interconnects feature 10 solid-core, silver-plated OFC conductors and Dual Mono-Filament technology, ensuring precise signal transmission with minimal loss or phase shift. V2 Speaker Cables use 28 solid-core, silver-plated conductors and a Dual Mono-Filament design to provide unmatched bandwidth, dynamic resolution, and clarity. Both products preserve the integrity of the audio signal, allowing for a highly detailed and dynamic listening experience. The cables are terminated with high-quality HOLO:PLUG® connectors, ensuring optimal connection integrity. Together, the Valhalla 2 cables are designed to bring out the full potential of your audio system, providing an unparalleled, transparent, and immersive musical performance.
Nordost’s Tyr 2 Power Cord, Analog Interconnects, and Speaker Cables are designed to deliver clarity and resolution across your system. All Tyr 2 Cables feature solid-core silver-plated conductors and Nordost’s patented, Dual Mono-Filament technology. All three products are designed to minimize signal loss and interference, ensuring the utmost fidelity and transparency in your audio system. Together, they elevate the performance of your components, revealing every nuance in your music and improving the overall listening experience.
The Frey 2 Analog Interconnects and Speaker Cables from Nordost are crafted to provide high-performance. SIlver-plated, solid core OFC conductors, Dual Mono-Filament technology, and mechanically-tuned lengths are all hallmarks of this range. Nordost’s advanced design reduces noise and interference, allowing for a more transparent and lifelike listening experience. The Frey 2 cables offer excellent value while maintaining Nordost’s reputation for high-quality construction and performance.
🏆 Heimdall 2 USB Cable
The Heimdall 2 USB 2.0 Cable is designed to elevate your audio system by delivering data with exceptional efficiency and precision. It features four 20 AWG silver-plated OFC conductors arranged in a twisted double helix for optimal impedance and noise reduction. The cable is further enhanced with Nordost’s proprietary FEP Dual Mono-Filament insulation, a dual-layer silver foil jacket, and a silver braided shield, ensuring high-speed data transmission and minimal interference.
🏆 Purple Flare Interconnect and 🏆 Purple Flare Speaker Cable
The Purple Flare Analog Interconnects and Speaker Cables from Nordost were engineered to provide exceptional performance at an accessible price point. While these cables have recently been upgraded to our Leif 3 series, you can still find the original Purple Flare range at select Nordost retailers. They deliver an impressive level of clarity and detail, enhancing your listening experience that will be sure to improve upon even the most modest of hifi systems.
Nordost’s QBASE Mark III AC Distribution Unit optimizes power delivery to audio components by using star-earth topology to prevent signal and ground interference. This design ensures clean, uninterrupted power flow, enhancing each connected device’s performance. Its dual-level PC-board configuration and high-quality connectors minimize crosstalk and improve current flow. Both QB8 and QB4 units offer more dynamics and details to your music, without in-line filtering or active circuitry that limit your current and bandwidth.
QKORE Ground Units provides a clean, effective grounding solution for audio systems, addressing the impact of noise and interference caused by poor grounding. They use a parallel grounding method, combining Mono-Filament technology and Low-Voltage Attractor Plates to draw stray noise away from components and create a stable, clean ground. Available in three models—QKORE1, QKORE3, and QKORE6—each provides varying grounding options for different setups, ensuring optimal performance for all systems.
Nordost, in collaboration with Stenheim and VTL, is excited to invite all AXPONA attendees to experience a world-class, reference-level hi-fi system in the Schaumburg F Ballroom at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, from April 11-13.
The centerpiece of Nordost’s room will be their Supreme Reference cables, featuring the Odin 2 line alongside elements of the company’s flagship line, Odin Gold, which will be making its American tradeshow debut since its initial launch in 2021. Stenheim will present their Reference Ultime Two SX loudspeakers, renowned for their clarity and precision, while VTL will showcase their premium components, including the TP-6.5 Series II Signature Phono Preamplifier, the TL-7.5 Series III Reference Line Preamplifier, and the MB-185 Series III Signature Monoblock Amplifiers. To complete the system, industry leaders such as dCS, Grand Prix, and Kuzma will ensure seamless integration of both digital and analog technology. The entire system will be expertly tuned by renowned setup artist Stirling Trayle of Audio Systems Optimized, ensuring an unmatched listening experience.
Over the course of the show, Nordost will host several exciting events in the Schaumburg F Ballroom:
On Friday at 3:15 PM, Abey Fonn, founder of Impex Records, will present a vinyl session featuring three standout records: Patricia Barber’s Modern Cool on a pristine VR900-D2 pressed 180-gram LP, a limited edition 50th Anniversary 180-gram LP of Dan Fogelberg’s Souvenirs, and the Getz/Gilberto 1STEP 180g 45rpm Double LP pressed on VR900-Super Vinyl.
On Saturday at 3:00 PM, David Solomon from Qobuz will host a Flash DJ Session, playing an exciting mix of tracks on our reference system.
On Saturday at 5:30 PM, the iconic live concert recording The Who – Live at Leeds will be presented.
Every day at noon (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), Nordost will host Jazz Lunchtime Listening Sessions featuring Newvelle Records’ Renewal Collection, which includes original compositions from Elan Mehler, Michael Blake, Dave Liebman, and Nadje Noordhuis.
In addition to the presentation in the Schaumburg F Ballroom, Nordost will also conduct live cable demonstrations in Room 716, in partnership with their local retailer Holm Audio. This will allow attendees to experience firsthand the difference Nordost’s cables and audio enhancers make, with expert staff available to answer questions and provide insights into the technology behind the products.
Nordost invites all attendees to visit their room in the Schaumburg F Ballroom and Room 716 at AXPONA 2025 for these exciting events, or simply to experience audio excellence in a meticulously arranged system that is sure to provide a truly memorable audio experience.
