In downtown Los Angeles, a unique 2-channel store awaits, promising to revolutionize your audio experience. Staffed by passionate music enthusiasts, Common Wave is a modern twist on the traditional stereo and record store, offering a one-of-a-kind journey into the world of audio.
Wesley and his team have poured their hearts into creating this space. Every detail, from the systems on display to the aesthetics of the environment, has been meticulously considered. The result is a visual and auditory feast that I had never experienced before visiting Common Wave. They are dedicated to crafting the best system for you, taking into account your needs, wants, and constraints.
At Common Wave, you’re in the hands of experts. The team, with their extensive experience in all aspects of the business, is dedicated to providing a level of service that’s hard to find elsewhere. Their Nordost Dealer Certification is a testament to their commitment to excellence, ensuring that they can meet all your cable needs.
Go see the team over at Common Wave; you will be glad you did!
At Nordost, we have embraced our slogan “Making The Connection” for decades. We do this first and foremost by offering high-end audio cables. But over the years, we’ve also become known for providing well-thought-out and expertly executed power distribution solutions. Our QBASE range of power distribution products offers a high-end foundation for virtually any setup.
From the versatile QBASE Reference, complete with its 10 outlets and various built-in, passive, sound-enhancing options, to the simpler, more streamlined QBASE Mark III, we offer a range of solutions to address all power needs. The QBASE Mark III is available as an eight outlet ‘QB8’, or a four outlet ‘QB4’. But don’t be fooled by the QB4’s minimalistic design—it’s more powerful than it looks!
At Nordost we work closely and share worldwide distribution with some of the most renowned, high-end audio manufacturers. Through those partnerships we are seeing a trend: more and more of today’s high-end components are being equipped with essential built-in options, creating the opportunity for minimalistic, yet sophisticated audio systems.
For example, beautifully crafted integrated amplifiers that offer a variety of built-in functionalities are on the rise. Take the Dan D’Agostino Momentum MxV, which can be equipped with a DAC, streamer, and phono stage, or the Gryphon Diablo 333, which offers an optional DAC and phono stage. Now, with just a turntable and speakers, you can create an incredible hi-fi system that only requires two or three power cords. Another great example is the dCS Rossini Player, a DAC, streamer, and preamp all in one, paired with something like VTL’s S200 stereo amp. The result is an extremely potent, yet streamlined system that still only requires a few power cords.
This is where we come in. Since the introduction of the QBASE Mark III, the four outlet QB4 version has been available in a high-current configuration (20A for 110V areas and 16A for 220V areas) to provide the perfect power foundation for these super high-end “all-in-one” components. These components don’t require a large power distribution block, but they do benefit immensely from a high-current, no-filtering, no-loss-of-power solution. And that’s exactly what the QB4 specializes in—compact in size but powerful in performance.
And despite its compact nature, with its four outlets, the QB4 Mark III often still has room for our complementary QRT Plug-ins, like the QSINE and/or QWAVE!
Our QBASE Reference has grabbed the attention of the press again! The most recent QB10 review comes from Jacob Heilbrunn of The Absolute Sound. After years of enjoying our QB8, Jacob was blown away by the QBASE Reference, particularly how the QB10 could achieve so much while remaining “invisible” in his system.
He noted, “With the insertion of the new QBase Reference, I heard an audible and immediate improvement in clarity, scale, bass extension, and detail.”
Beyond that, Jacob was also shocked by the extension in soundstage the QBASE Reference delivered–something that, in his opintion, no other device had come close to achieving.
You can now read Jacob’s review of the QBASE Reference in its entirety here:
We are happy to share another great review from The Absolute Sound, this time of our QSINE and QWAVE. After reviewing the QBASE Mark III, Neil Gader was introduced to our newer generation of QRT Plug-Ins and included them in an in-depth Equipment Report. From the start, he was impressed with how the QSINE and QWAVE worked together, citing “greater image stability and an increase in the clarity, detail, and pacing of musical instruments.” Neil also praised how these products enhanced the performance of the QBASE, further elevating overall listening experiences.
Nordost is introducing an exciting new entry-level option: the Leifstyle Tonearm Cable. This cable is a unique, simplified version of a Nordost tonearm cable, offering analog enthusiasts the chance to experience Nordost’s innovative technology in their home sound system at an incredible value.
Like its more advanced counterparts, our Leifstyle Tonearm Cable is made up of two, individually shielded, twisted conductor pairs. This sophisticated and time-tested cable geometry separates the pairs of 28 AWG solid core, silver-plated conductors that make up its left and right channels, effectively minimizing inter-channel crosstalk. Additionally, this introductory Tonearm Cable includes a ground whip to eliminate any noise introduced during signal transfer.
Understanding the importance of a tonearm cable in any analog audio setup, we crafted this cable with a purpose-built, low-capacitance design, essential for achieving authentic and natural vinyl sound reproduction. With the Leifstyle Tonearm Cable, you can afford to enjoy the high-quality sound you crave.
For more information and for pricing, contact your local Authorized Nordost Dealer!
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 January.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Flor Pálida – Marc Anthony – 3.0
Almost Like Being In Love – James Taylor – American Standard
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing year we’ve had at Nordost. It’s been a year filled with exciting new products, recognition and accolades from some of the most respected names in the hi-fi industry, great music, and even better systems. Looking back, we couldn’t be more proud of all we’ve accomplished—and we’re so grateful for the continued support from our community, our dedicated team, audio partners, and loyal customers who have made it all possible.
This year, we were honored to receive a host of prestigious awards for our products, from the Editors’ Choice Award and Product of the Year from The Absolute Sound to the hi-fi + 2025 Award, and many more in between. Our entire line-up– from accessories, to audio enhancers, to introductory cables, to our Reference lines each got their moment in the spotlight. Our QNET Network Switch earned high praise for its ability to elevate soundstage and clarity, while our new Red Dawn 3 cables were hailed as game-changers for audiophiles looking to get the most out of their systems. We couldn’t be more grateful for the recognition of the products we work so hard on for the hobby we are so passionate about.
One of the most exciting moments for us this year was the launch of our newly improved, entry-level Leif 3 cables. These updated cables feature enhancements to four iconic cable ranges—White Lightning, Purple Flare, Blue Heaven, and Red Dawn—improving upon technologies and manufacturing techniques that deliver dynamic, low-loss, and lifelike performances while staying true to Nordost’s core design philosophy. The feedback from you, our community, has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to see how these cables have been transforming systems around the world and helping you uncover new layers of the music you love.
This year was also filled with unforgettable experiences as we hit the road to meet many of you in person, whether at intimate local dealer events, regional audio shows, or at international hifi expos like High End Munich and AXPONA. It was so rewarding to see the excitement and appreciation for our products firsthand. We love engaging with music lovers over small systems where we can answer your hifi questions and present personalized product demonstrations, and we love sharing world-class sound with reference-level components so that attendees can experience audio systems that earn “Best in Show” and “Best Sound” awards.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our Nordost team, and, of course, the ongoing support of our partners and customers. Your enthusiasm for our products allows us to continue doing what Nordost has always done and will continue to do until the last note rings out: give music lovers the tools to experience music in the most authentic way possible.
So here’s to 2024, here’s to even more great music, great sound, and great systems in 2025!
As 2024 draws to a close, we’re excited to reflect on another incredible year for Nordost. It’s been a year of growth, innovation, and recognition, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the continued support of our community. Over the past 12 months, we’ve been honored to receive accolades from some of the most respected publications in the hi-fi industry, with awards across categories like Best Products, Editors’ Choice, Applause and more!
At Nordost, our mission has always been to help audiophiles unlock the full potential of their systems, bringing music to life in a way that’s true to the artist’s original intent. We’re deeply proud of the cables, power products, and audio enhancers we’ve created, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged by reviewers, industry experts, and leading publications. As we celebrate this success, we invite you to join us in looking back on a remarkable year!
“A system using Nordost Odin 2 reproduces music with speed, honesty, and integrity, capturing the recording’s emotion and ‘feel’. Almost 10 years after its launch, Nordost’s Odin 2 remains one of the best cable systems available, setting the highest possible standards for accuracy and detail retrieval.
“Soundstage size, depth and definition are areas where the QNET never failed to impress, yielding greater focus as the layers of haze were removed.” – StereoNET
“[Red Dawn Lief 3 cables are a] long term investment for those demanding the best for their hifi to ensure they’re hearing it as it should sound. Try if you dare, as you may not want to go back after hearing the Leif range in full flight.” – Audiograde
“We commend Nordost for their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sonic excellence. We eagerly anticipate their future creations and extend our gratitude for enriching the lives of music enthusiasts like us.” – Audio LAB
But it doesn’t stop there… Nordost AWARDS for 2025!
“Nordost has always been about correctly establishing a system’s foundations, and the QBASE Reference is a cornerstone in that regard. This is your next upgrade for those already in audio’s First-Class lounge…Nordost’s QBASE Reference is that important to the sound of your system.” – hi-fi+
“[The QBASE Mark III] is restorative, bringing to light low-level details and mirco-dynamic shifts that have been obscured. The sonic results make themselves known immediately and consistently.” – The Absolute Sound
We are thrilled to share another fantastic, in-depth review of our QBASE Reference!
Roy Gregory, a longstanding audio reviewer in the hifi industry, has appreciated and championed Nordost’s foundational approach to audio. Throughout his article, Roy recognizes the QB10 as the pinnacle of our QRT products, saying that it may be “the single biggest step”, and praises the way we’ve combined and refined our modular approach into a single, meticulously engineered unit.
In his review, Roy highlights the remarkable improvements that the QBASE Reference delivers over the QB8 Mark III, specifically in dynamics, rhythmic coherence, and musical focus. He describes how the QB10 brings new life to your favorite music, offering, “a lower noise floor, which offered a far greater sense of the placement of notes and the spaces between them.”
You can read Roy’s entire QBASE Reference review HERE!
What better way to close out the year than by revisiting the content that resonated the most with you over the last 12 months? In this 2024 blog round-up, we’re bringing together the posts that generated the most buzz, from likes and shares to comments and reactions across every platform. Here’s a look back at your favorite Nordost blogs from the past year!
Every component is an important element of a sound system. But one component rarely gets the recognition it deserves: the audio cable. Introducing reputable, well-engineered cables, like Nordost’s, can truly unveil the full potential of your equipment and transform your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary…
Just because you aren’t satisfied with an audio component doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. There are several ways that you can upgrade your DAC’s performance… and who doesn’t love a good option? Here are six simple enhancements that you can make to your DAC setup to achieve serious musical gains…
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+! Learn more about what Alan Sircom has to say in this blog…
For most people, loudspeakers are one of the biggest investments they’ll make in their hifi system, but did you know that you can get even more out of your loudspeakers with just two simple upgrades? See how loudspeaker cables and Resonance Control can transform the loudspeakers you already own…
When you are SO CLOSE to audio perfection, sometimes you only need small but transformative tweaks to get you to your musical goals. This blog tells you about Nordost’s secret weapons to get your system sounding its best…
Digital sources have all but taken over the audio world. During this digital revolution, the network infrastructure that supports components like DACs, streamers, NAS drives, etc. has become exceedingly important. An audio-optimized network switch plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital playback…
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. 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. Learn more in this blog…
QRT products work together to accomplish their desired effect, and the more QRT products used, the better your results will be. In this blog, we will take a moment to look at how products that make up the QRT family work together, which of Nordost’s Sort System Resonance Control products can enhance your investment in QRT, and some examples of fully optimized hifi systems, using Nordost’s QRT line…
Ever wonder why your high-end system doesn’t deliver the musical experience you know it’s capable of? The answer might be right under your nose–and vibrating under your components! This blog shows you how Nordost Sort Systems rid your system of damaging vibrations…
