Today we want to share an incredibly strong review of our QNET Network Switch in StereoNET, penned by Mark Gusew. In his review, Mark not only praised the QNET, remarking that he heard improvements in almost every area, but also made the argument that digital upgrades are an unquestionable necessity – a fact that needs more attention in the hifi world!
Mark was incredibly impressed with our network switch, saying it was “the best product of its type that I’ve heard by a large margin”. So it’s no surprise that following his review, the QNET was awarded the StereoNET Applause Award!
“With Nordost’s new QNET in place, everything sounds smoother and more fluid; it’s better balanced with less harshness…giving the system greater dynamic expression.” – Mark Gusew, StereoNET
We are thrilled to share our first, official QBASE Reference review. As an auspicious bonus, this review can be found in the highly valued 25th Anniversary issue of hi-fi+!
Unsurprisingly for all who have heard the QBASE Reference in their own systems since its launch, editor and reviewer, Alan Sircom was enthusiastically positive about our QBASE Reference, saying that the Audio Gods smiled favorably on Nordost with a device that “helps the system get out of the way of the music”. Alan has always been an advocate of our products, especially those that help with the all-important foundation of one’s system, and the QBASE Reference is a “cornerstone” of that concept.
“For those already in audio’s First-Class lounge… this could be your first upgrade. Nordost’s QBASE Reference is that important to the sound of your system.” – Alan Sircom, hi-fi+
Have you had the chance to explore the new Hanson AV showroom in Dayton? If not, it’s a must-visit when you’re in town. Hanson has recently unveiled its new showroom, a true marvel in Dayton, Ohio. Whether you’re in the market for a complete smart home setup or a top-of-the-line Hi-Fi System, Hanson has it all. What’s more, their meticulously designed displays and demos are sure to leave you in awe.
But it’s not just about the impressive aesthetics. Hanson boasts a team of exceptional, knowledgeable staff who are true experts in their field. This, combined with their top-notch installation pros, strategic brand partnerships, and world-class displays, creates an unparalleled experience. Each showroom follows a comprehensive approach, ensuring that no matter what your dream system is, Hanson is ready to make it a reality.
Hanson has been servicing the southern Ohio region since 1999 and has become a high-end audio and integration staple. They combine the best qualities of your local Hi-Fi shop and the shock and awe of the latest Luxury Integration technology. You get a sense of the Hanson team’s passion for their profession every time you meet them.
“Hanson’s primary objective is to help you select the optimum solution for Home Theater, Hi-Fi Audio, and Smart Home Automation in your home or business.” – Hanson
The Hanson team talks the talk; you better believe they back it up at every step, every time.
If you find yourself in Dayton or Cincinnati, I cannot recommend stopping by for an audition enough.
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
Guess Who I Saw Today – Samara Joy – Linger Awhile
St James Infirmary (Gambler’s Blues) – Louis Armstrong – Satchmo Plays King Oliver
Lester’s Methadone Clinic – Sonia Dada – A Day At the Beach
Any Place – Bahamas – Earthtones
It’s Not That Easy – Lady Blackbird – Black Acid Soul
We Belong Together – Rickie Lee Jones – Pirates
Glory Box – John Martyn – The Church With One Bell
Marseille (feat. Abd Al Malik) – Ahmad Jamal, Abd Al Malik – Marseille
Life Goes On: Life Goes On – Carla Bley, Andy Sheppard, Steve Swallow – Life Goes On
Everything – Gotts Street Park, Rosie Lowe – Everything
Nordost’s Leif Series has been the benchmark in entry-level audio cables since its introduction to the hifi industry over three decades ago. The longevity of this influential line is due both to Nordost’s comprehensive approach to cable construction, as well as our ability to improve upon celebrated products as technology develops, while remaining true to a core design philosophy.
Leif 3 cables embody the culmination of years of technological breakthroughs and advancements in craftsmanship, meticulously refined to meet the modern demands of mid-fi and hi-fi sound systems. Leif 3 cables leverage optimal materials, unique geometry, and filter-less technology to unlock dynamic, low-loss, and lifelike performances from any audio system.
With its four, iconic ranges – White Lightning, Purple Flare, Blue Heaven, and Red Dawn– Nordost invites music enthusiasts of all levels to bring NEW LEIF to their sound systems.
Power Cords
The Basis of Elevated Sound
To maximize the potential of your audio system, a sturdy foundation is essential. The power cords employed in hi-fi and mid-fi setups play a pivotal role in this foundation, directly impacting the performance capabilities of audio components. Nordost’s Leif 3 Power Cords are engineered to unlock newfound potential, even in modest systems, offering a gateway to elevated audio experiences.
Derived from years of research and development, Leif 3 Power Cords inherit the design principles of Nordost’s esteemed reference-level products, Valhalla 2 and Odin 2. Utilizing FEP extrusion and Nordost’s proprietary Micro Mono-Filament technology, each heavy-gauge conductor is meticulously wrapped with an FEP filament to create a virtual air gap within its own, individual FEP tube. This ensures the uninterrupted flow of AC power, allowing your system to effortlessly deliver dynamic nuances in music.
Leif 3 Power cords are distinguished for ultra-fast, low-loss design, preserving the low source impedance of the AC supply for optimal performance. Introducing Purple Flare 3, Blue Heaven 3, or Red Dawn 3 power cords into your system promises to enrich the dynamics, color, and texture of sonic reproduction, heightening the realism of your system and allowing you to immerse yourself in the performance itself.
Loudspeaker Cables
Radically-Thin Profile, Full-Bodied Sound
One of most distinctive features Nordost products possess is the unique, flat design of the loudspeaker cables. This design isn’t just about standing out; it’s a performance-driven solution. Flat cables sound better.
By adopting a flat geometry, Nordost decreases capacitance, strand interaction, and skin effect within speaker cables, resulting in cleaner, more accurate signal transmission. Why is this design unique to Nordost? Simply put, only Nordost has the technology to successfully produce ultra-thin, air-tight, durable cables, with the precision necessary to create a high quality, flat audio cable.
Nordost’s Leif 3 Loudspeaker Cables are constructed using silver-plated, solid core OFC conductors which have undergone an intricate FEP extrusion process to elevate the dielectric properties of the cables. They are then finished using a specialized termination method with gold-plated z-plug banana or spade connectors. Leif 3 Loudspeaker cables increase the drive and dynamic realism of sonic reproduction, gaining a new level of musicality in your sound system.
Analog Interconnects
Connect to Your Music
In the pursuit of sonic purity, a successful interconnect should seamlessly transmit audio signal without introducing any distortion or alteration. Nordost’s Leif 3 Interconnects achieve this goal through a filter-less approach, offering a neutral conduit that faithfully reproduces music.
Nordost’s Leif 3 Interconnects are constructed using silver-plated, solid core OFC conductors arranged into twisted pairs in order to reduce noise interference from the signals they carry. Each pair is then individually shielded before being bundled and secured in a second, braided shield, providing 97% coverage.
Terminated with gold-plated Neutrik XLR or Profi Neutrik RCA connectors, Leif 3 Interconnects serve as the ideal interface for mid-fi and hi-fi components alike. They maximize signal transmission while preserving the integrity of the source material, allowing enhanced textural aspects of music reproduction to shine through.
After last year’s showing at Axpona 2023, we knew it would be nearly impossible to outdo ourselves in 2024. However, the results from the press and showgoers alike are in, and we are ecstatic with the results. With three Best in Show: Best Sound commendations from The Absolute Sound alone (Robert Harley, Andre Jennings, and Jonathan Valin), a Best of Axpona 2024 Blue Note Award from enjoythemusic.com, as well as fantastic write-ups from Stereophile, hifi+, and several more publications, we have made the impossible happen and surpassed even our own expectations!
The Nordost room in Schaumburg F boasted a world class, reference-level system featuring Stenheim loudspeakers, components from VTL, dCS, and VPI, and, of course, audio cables, power components, and audio enhancers by Nordost. As the editor of the hi-fi+, Alan Sircom put it, this system was nothing short of “beguiling”.
Beyond the dream-worthy system waiting for them in Schaumburg F, visitors of the Nordost room were met with unique auditory experiences. On Saturday night, we hosted an after-hours listening session of Pink Flyod’s The Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here, in honor of ‘Dark Side’s 50th Anniversary. Then, on Sunday, we hosted three noteworthy events: a special listening of a test lacquer for an upcoming piano recording and talk-back with VDM Sound Group, a live saxophone performance with Jerome Sabbagh accompanied by his own recording, and a curated listening session with Qobuz!
And that’s only what happened in Schaumburg F! Nordost was also featured in over seven more, amazing systems, including our own demonstration room, Vinnie Rossi (with two more Best-of-Shows to its name!), Morel, Sonner Audio, Lumin, Holm Audio’s rooms, Antal Audio, and Music Direct!
Here are some of our favorite snapshots from AXPONA 2024!
