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 July.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Interview with Mark Jones – Aficionado, Rebel, Audio Expert
We’re excited to feature Mark Jones of Audio by Mark Jones. With decades of experience and a reputation for authenticity, Mark has created a space where great music, serious gear, and genuine service come together. Nordost’s Atma Maraj sat down with Mark to get to know more about him, his business, and his passion for hifi!
Atma: Can you tell us how you got started in the audio industry?
Mark: I began my part-time audio career in 1987 while studying engineering. Instead of securing a conventional job, I remained dedicated to this industry, which I love.
Atma: What is your shop’s mission or philosophy?
Mark: To be the most relaxed high-end audio shop in the land!
Atma: What are your goals for the company?
Mark: My objectives are modest. I appreciate the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere of my shop. As long as I continue to provide exceptional service, get to listen to the best gear, and earn a modest living, my goals are fulfilled.
Atma: How would you describe your shop’s success so far?
Mark: I opened my latest location at the commencement of 2022, coinciding with the economic downturn. While this may have appeared to be an inopportune moment, I am immensely gratified that I made this decision. It generated significant excitement and has undoubtedly been a resounding success—not only in terms of sales figures but also in the level of satisfaction experienced by our clients during their visits to the new shop.
Atma: What sets Audio by Mark Jones apart from other dealers?
Mark: Selling ultra-high-end products can sometimes foster an elitist attitude within this industry. At AMJ, we treat all clients with equal respect and dignity. A Nordost White Lightning enthusiast receives the same treatment as an individual inquiring about Valhalla 2. I believe this approach contributes to AMJ’s reputation as a comfortable and welcoming establishment.
Atma: What’s your approach to building referrals?
Mark: Servicing the hell out of my clients🤘
Atma: How do you engage with your local community?
Mark: Many years ago, when my shop primarily focused on high-value products and encompassed a diverse range of items such as video and portable audio, the majority of our clientele resided locally. Consequently, we were highly involved in the community. We sponsored sports teams and provided weekly audio/video consultations on a local radio station. In recent years, I have volunteered as the DJ for the local Junior A Lacrosse team, which has been a delightful experience.
Atma: What kind of music do you prefer to use for personal listening and demonstrations?
Mark: I cannot definitively identify a favorite genre. Nevertheless, I tend to gravitate toward music that deviates from the conventional offerings found in retail establishments and audio shows. By playing what we call “real music,” we move the listeners emotionally. The plan is to leave a lasting impression.
Atma: Do you prefer listening to live music or recordings?
Mark: Live concerts are unparalleled in their experience. My recent attendance included performances by Simple Minds and Kraftwerk. However, I hold a deep appreciation for recorded music, which occupies a more significant role in my life due to its accessibility and daily enjoyment.
Atma: What’s your favorite part of working in high-end audio?
Mark: The most rewarding aspect of hifi audio for me is the positive feedback from satisfied clients, whether it pertains to their recently purchased products or their overall experience at our establishment.
Atma: How do you see the hifi industry evolving in the future?
Mark: Regrettably, I believe the industry is headed in the wrong direction. The escalating pricing has alienated a substantial number of individuals from embracing this enjoyable hobby.
Atma: What do you think the next big innovation in hifi audio will be?
Mark: In my opinion, the next great advancement in hifi audio equipment will be simplicity—not necessarily in terms of technological sophistication, but rather in terms of versatility. For instance, a pair of fully digital active loudspeakers that eliminate the need for multiple expensive components would be an ideal solution. This approach would enable high-end audio to become more accessible to a broader audience while maintaining its exceptional performance.
Atma: What components would make up your dream audio system?
Mark: My ideal system is undoubtedly of a high caliber, but I do not aspire to possess one of the exorbitant systems that cost upwards of one million dollars. Instead, I envision a well-specified Linn turntable, a Grimm digital player, Luxman amplification, and a pair of Marten loudspeakers. Naturally, Nordost Valhalla 2 would be my obvious choice to pull it all together.
Thank you to Mark for taking the time to meet up with us and giving some background on what makes his location so unique. Learn more about Audio by Mark Jones at audiobymarkjones.ca, and stop by to see Mark’s amazing new showroom when you’re in the Ontario Area!
We’re excited to share a new review of our Red Dawn 3 Analog Interconnects, written by Mark Gusew of StereoNET. Mark is no stranger to Nordost products and came into his review with a solid understanding of the performance upgrades that come with each new generation of our cables. As he explains to his readers: “With each generational upgrade, Nordost continues to push the boundaries of sonic performance, with clear incremental steps throughout the range to suit customers’ needs and budgets.”
To put the Red Dawn 3 in context, Mark compared it directly with both the Blue Heaven 3 and Purple Flare 3 cables, giving him a comprehensive view of how these products fit within the Leif 3 Series.
While he was particularly struck by the transient speed of the Red Dawn 3—calling it a “well-designed, full-range cable that delivers high performance in no uncertain terms… the result is fast and fun music-making with superb levels of transparency”—Mark was equally impressed by the Leif 3 family as a whole.
“I couldn’t resist comparing the other Nordost cables from the Leif 3 range – Blue Heaven and Purple Flare – and the family resemblance is uncanny. They all have the same blistering speed and pristine clarity…”
You can now read Mark’s full review of the Red Dawn 3 Analog Interconnects here:
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!
