Monthly Archives: May 2022

High End Munich 2022 Recap

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It was wonderful to be back at High End in Munich after such a long pause! High End was the perfect venue to introduce attendees from all over the world to the new products we have launched since we last showed there in 2019! Visitors saw our QNET Network Switch, Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cable, Premium QSOURCE DC Cable, Premium QKORE Wire, and QRT Stand Mount, all prominently featured in our reference-level sound system, wired with Valhalla 2 Cables. We were also thrilled to see our products showcased by our new German distributor, Audio Reference,  in every system in their room. On top of all that, we were proud to support several more industry friends as they achieved the best sound from their fantastic products!  

We know that not everyone was able to make the trip to Munich this year, so we took a nice sampling of the many Nordost-wired systems for you to enjoy here! 

Nordost’s main room featured our Valhalla 2 cables, QNET Network Switch and more, alongside other products from Wilson Audio, Dan D’Agostino, VPI, and Roon:

Our German Distributor, Audio Reference, showcased a number of amazing systems using our Valhalla 2 and Odin 2 cables.

Raidho Acoustics used our Valhalla 2 cables in their phenomenal system.

CH Precision’s room used our Supreme Reference Odin 2 cables, and featured our new Tyr 2 X1 cable, designed specially for use with CH Precision components.

Moon’s room was sounding great with our Heimdall 2 range of cables.

The scansonic room featured primarily our Frey 2 range of cables alongside some others from the Norse 2 family.

Hegel’s room used an assortment of our Leif and Norse 2 cables to wire their systems.

TAD’s system was wired with Nordost’s reference Valhalla 2 cables.

Dealer Spotlight: Rhapsody.Audio

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By Amy Hansen

Here at Nordost, we value the relationship we have with all our dealers.  In the fall of 2021, when my path crossed with Bob Visintainer of Rhapsody.Audio, who has the vision, passion, and knowledge for putting together incredible high-end audio systems, I instantly knew it would be the start of something special. That’s why this month, I’m putting the spotlight on a true one-of-a-kind.  It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Bob Visintainer, of Rhapsody.Audio.

After residing on 24th Street in Manhattan for 20 years, Rhapsody.Audio moved to a beautiful residential neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY in the summer of 2021.  Now in an impressive brownstone built in 1878, the move increased the number of listening rooms from one to seven, which gives every set of speakers its own space to shine.   

Thick stone walls serve as the backdrop to brands such as Pilium electronics from Greece, AlsyVox ribbon speakers from Spain, Kondo electronics from Japan, Deisis Audio speakers from Italy, Bayz Audio omnidirectional speakers from Hungary, Taiko Audio products from the Netherlands, Constellation from the USA, V.Y.G.E.R. Turntables from Italy, Magico (check out the M9’s now available for audition!) and Raidho speakers from Denmark, all wired with Nordost cables — A true feast for the eyes and ears.

During the great undertaking of relocating his business, Bob had the idea of creating Rhapsody Listening Rooms (R.L.R.’s) around the country. These listening rooms allow people across the country to now hear the exotic products that they may have only had a chance to hear at shows. 

Speaking of shows, Bob and Zoltan Bay of Bayz Audio were exhibiting on the 16th floor at Axpona 2022 with Pilium amps and Nordost Odin 2 cabling. I was not the only one who they impressed, as they were chosen to be Best of Axpona 2022 by Enjoy the Music.com and noted as one of the best by The Absolute Sound. 

Despite industry hurdles, like Covid, price increases, and delayed wait times, Bob continues to bring clients the magic and synergy he creates at Rhapsody.Audio in their own homes. 

Visiting Rhapsody.Audio, which is by appointment only, is an amazing musical experience I’ve been privileged to have more than once, and with only a 4-hour drive between us, I hope to have many more. 

Rhapsody Audio

1 S Portland Ave #1A, Brooklyn, NY 11217

(212) 229-1842

info@rhapsodynyc.com

www.rhapsody.audio

Introducing the QNET – Network Switch

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Over the past two decades, the way in which people listen to music has evolved tremendously. Today, even the most discerning of audiophiles have embraced digital sources into their systems. However, in some cases, this adoption has moved faster than the technology, forcing users to integrate non-audio-grade components into highly specialized systems. This is especially true with standard network switches, designed to be used with TVs or computers, which introduce noise, cross-contamination, and interference into your hifi system. 

Nordost’s QNET is different…

The QNET is a layer-2, five-port Ethernet switch that has been specifically designed with audio performance in mind. 

Compared to other audiophile network switches currently found on the market, which are typically standard switches with a simple upgrade to either the power supply or oscillators, the QNET is completely redesigned from the ground up. Every aspect of this product, from part to placement, was made to perfect the transmission and receival of high-speed audio signals, while achieving extremely low noise operation. 

Internally, the QNET uses a high speed, multi-layered, impedance-controlled layout, which optimizes signal routes, minimizing reflections, interference, and crosstalk. It also boasts an extremely low-noise, stable oscillator for the main clock of the device, which allows for minimal jitter and phase noise. It is equipped with six dedicated power supplies, which provide unencumbered current to all parts of the switch, while minimizing noise cross-contamination and ensuring clean, interference-free operation. 

Externally, the QNET is manufactured using an extremely durable aluminum housing. This housing not only acts as a heat sink and shield for the device, but also provides physical separation for the five, independent ports, each accommodating an 8P8C (RJ45) connector. The physical separation of each of these ports is a critical and unique design element, ensuring minimal crosstalk and interference within the device.

Each port on the QNET is optimized for its application. Three of the five ports are auto-negotiated 1000BASE-T (1 Gbps) capable, which should be used for the router and other generic network devices. The remaining two ports are fixed to 100BASE-TX (100 Mbps), a speed at which internal noise reduction is possible, making these ports best used for primary audio servers/players or external media sources. 

The QNET is provided with its own DC power supply. However, to achieve the best results, the QNET should be powered by Nordost’s QSOURCE Linear Power Supply and connected with Nordost’s award-winning Ethernet Cables. 

Whether you stream music and/or video from a local server, a NAS drive, or from the internet, upgrading your digitally-run system with Nordost’s QNET will make all the difference. This premium network switch will deliver enviable dynamic range, extension, and clarity to your system. As a result, the voices and instruments in your music will stand out against a surprisingly black background, giving you the fluid, life-like performance that you are looking for from your digital experience. 

  •  Audio optimized, Layer-2, five-port Ethernet switch
  •  Auto-negotiated and fixed Ethernet ports 
  •  Internal noise-reduction
  •  High speed internal layout 
  •  Low-noise, high precision oscillator
  •  Dimensions: 165mm D x 34.25mm H (6.5in D x 1.35in H)

Questions and Answers: Product Warranties

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All Nordost products bought from an Authorized Nordost Dealer are covered under warranty. However, to benefit from your warranty, you must register your Nordost purchase. From time to time, we are asked questions about our warranty, what is covered, and how to register products, so we thought that we would answer some of our most-asked warranty-related questions for you here! 

Q: What is the warranty on Nordost products? 

A: Nordost products have a non-transferable, limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser (with the exception of our QRT products, which carry limited 2 or 5-year warranties, and our headphone cables carry a limited 2 year warranty). In order to benefit from Nordost’s warranty program, Nordost must receive a completed product registration form along with proof of purchase. Register your Nordost product here.  

Q: How do I register my Nordost products so that I can benefit from Nordost’s warranty program? 

A: If you have purchased your Nordost product directly from an Authorized Nordost Dealer, you can register your Nordost products directly on the Nordost website. To access the Product Registration Page, simply click here, or you can find the link located on the navigation bar at the bottom of every page on our website. To complete your product registration, complete all the necessary fields and upload an image of the proof of purchase provided by your Authorized Nordost Dealer at the time of sale.

If you prefer, Warranty Registration Cards and proof of purchase from an Authorized Nordost Dealer can also be mailed to: 
Nordost
93 Bartzak Drive
Holliston, MA 01746 USA

Q: Is there a warranty on pre-owned, or second-hand Nordost purchases. 

A: Nordost’s products have a non-transferable warranty to the original purchaser. If you purchase a previously-owned Nordost product from a private seller, the product will not hold its original warranty.

However, if you purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Nordost Product directly from an Authorized Nordost Dealer, your product has been inspected by Nordost and deemed a “factory-certified used product” which can be resold under warranty. If you have purchased a Certified Pre-Owned Nordost product from an Authorized Nordost Dealer, a Certified Pre-Owned Warranty card will be included in the packaging.

Q: How do I register my Certified Pre-Owned Nordost Product? 

A: If you have purchased a purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Nordost Product directly from an Authorized Nordost Dealer, you should fill out the Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Registration Card provided with your purchase and send in the completed form, along with your proof of purchase, by mail to:
Nordost
93 Bartzak Drive
Holliston, MA 01746 USA

OR, Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Registration Cards and proof of purchase can also by scanned and emailed to info@nordost.com, or faxed to + 1 508 893 0115

Hi-Fi+ Reviews the Odin 2 Tonearm Cable +

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With so many hifi solutions out there, it’s important to stand out. Historically, this has never been a problem for our Odin 2 Cables, and it looks like we still don’t have anything to worry about! Alan Sircom’s review of our newest Supreme Reference cable, the Odin 2 Tonearm Cable + is here and he was quite clear in his opinion when he wrote, “this is the best damn cable to hook a turntable to a phono stage. Ever”. 

We couldn’t say it better ourselves!

Throughout his time auditioning this stellar tonearm lead, Alan was taken with the detail, dynamics and bass articulation that our Odin 2 Tonearm Cable + brought to his system, saying:

“By rights, this veteran format should have long since faded from view, but Odin 2 Tonearm Cable + reminds us why that simply never happens, because despite its on-paper inferiority to digital, when listening to an album now, it has a sense of dynamic shading and time-sensitivity that makes all digital seem a lifeless affair. There is verve and lust for musical life in those grooves, and Odin 2 Tonearm Cable + will dig it out!”

You can read Alan’s review of our flagship tonearm cable here: Nordost Odin 2 Tonearm Cable +.

You can find more great Nordost reviews on the Reviews Page.

Nordost is heading to Munich for High End 2022

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Nordost is thrilled to finally be exhibiting again at the High End 2022 Show in Munich, held at the MOC May 19-22. We are excited to be introducing several new products that have been released over the course of our two year hiatus, and to show attendees what we have been working on! Throughout the show, product trainers and specialists Bjorn Bengtsson, Alex Brady, and Dennis Bonotto will be performing live demonstrations and answering questions in (Halle 4) Atrium 4, Room E112. High End 2022 should be a fantastic show, and we hope to see you all there!

Nordost Playlist – May 2022

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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

  1. Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)—Angelique Kidjo—Oremi
  2. Red Clay—Craig Pilo—Just Play
  3. Too Late Now—Wet Leg—Wet Leg
  4. Good To Be (Home Again)—Keb’ Mo’—Good To Be…
  5. Tell Her You Belong To Me—Beth Hart—Better Than Home (Deluxe Edition)
  6. Space Oddity – Live—Natalie Merchant—Live in Concert
  7. Feel It Still—Pentatonix—PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I
  8. I Love Being Here With You – Live—Diana Krall—Live In Paris
  9. Tower Of Song—Tom Jones—Spirit In The Room
  10. The Medium—Toro y Moi, Unknown Mortal Orchestra—MAHAL