New Digital Cables and More Debuting at High End Munich

This weekend, at the High End show in Munich, we’re debuting a suite of new digital cables joining the Leif 3 family: the Blue Heaven 3 Digital Interconnect, Blue Heaven 3 Ethernet Cable, and Blue Heaven 3 USB 2.0 Cable.

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 Playlist – May 2025

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. Nothing Like You – Cécile McLorin Salvant – Dreams and Daggers 
  2. So Says I – The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow 
  3. Love Is Blindness – Jack White – Sixteen Saltines 
  4. Moonlight Sonata Blues – Jon Batiste – Beethoven Blues 
  5. Sympathy for the Devil – Hans Theessink – Jedermann Remixed – The Soundtrack  
  6. Heroes – Peter Gabriel – Scratch My Back 
  7. Alexandra Leaving – Leonard Cohen – Ten New Songs 
  8. Steamroller Blues – James Taylor – Sweet Baby James 
  9. Johny Says Stay Cool – Babe Rainbow – The Babe Rainbow 
  10. Ecstasy (Instrumental Edit) – Crooked Still – Shaken By A Low Sound

Nordost at AXPONA 2025 – Awards, Reviews, and Photos from the Show

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 AngleAnalog 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!


Nordost’s world-class system in Schaumburg F


Nordost Demo Room


Holm Audio


CH Precision


Watson Audio


Morel Audio


Arcam and JBL

Nordost at the Montréal Audiofest 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!


Nordost Room

MOON by SIMAUDIO Room

HIFIPRO Room

Nordost Receives 15! Editors’ Choice Awards from The Absolute Sound for 2025

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!


🏆 QBASE Reference – AC Distribution Unit

“With the insertion of the New QBASE Reference, I heard an audible and immediate improvement in clarity, scale, bass extension and detail… No device has come as close to performing invisibly in my system as the QBASE Reference.” – TAS

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.


🏆 Odin 2 Interconnect  and 🏆 Odin 2 Speaker Cable

“In my view, Nordost deserves the highest possible condemnation for building on its previously effors to produce a statement product that is remarkable for its purity and resolution, transformain and clarity…Mighty Odin, indeed.” – TAS

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  

“Valhalla 2 offers much of Odi’s performance and is, above all, eminently satisfying. It delivers the whole package: speed, detail, resolution, and musicality…Nordost has struck a fine balance here, producing a cable that will elevate the performance of just about any audio system.” – TAS

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. 


🏆 Tyr 2 Interconnect, 🏆 Tyr 2 Speaker Cable, and🏆 Tyr 2 Power Cord 

“transparency, precision, purity, depth, texture, openness, expansiveness…Nordost’s Tyr 2 loom brings all of this and more to the listening experience.” – TAS

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.


🏆 Frey 2 Interconnect and 🏆 Frey 2 Speaker Cable 

“Frey 2 has rebalanced the scales, taking the transient and micro-dynamic elements of the past and integrating them with richer mids and a brawnier , meatier bottom end… In a word, there’s more fidelity to the live events.” – TAS

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

“I can’t say it enough–Purple Flare is like a little trip to [Blue] Heaven for those of us earthbound on a budget” – TAS

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. 


🏆 QBASE Mark III – QB8 AC Distribution Unit 

“[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.” – TAS

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 Unit 

“. . . I thought I’d gone about as far as you could to eliminate noise and hash riding on the power lines. It now turns out that I was quite wrong. Nordost’s Michael Taylor visited this somewhat skeptical reviewer, and the conversion process went rather quickly.” – TAS

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 at AXPONA 2025

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.

Dealer Spotlight: Pearl Audio

By Amy Hansen

Pearl Audio: Curated Sound. Crafted Experience.

Pearl Audio in Portland, Oregon, offers a high-fidelity listening experience that is informative, exciting, and, most importantly, fun! Just as top chefs carefully select the finest ingredients to craft a memorable dish, Connor, Russ, John, and Tara at Pearl Audio apply the same meticulous approach to their sound systems. As auditory experts, they ensure that every detail in the systems they create contributes to an unforgettable sound experience.

Pearl Audio is a trusted destination for those seeking the finest audio experience. Just like those chefs who refine their technique over the years, the team at Pearl Audio has spent more than 20 years mastering the art of sound. Their deep hi-fi knowledge and attention to detail puts a focus on performance, ensuring every system they design is carefully selected and finely tuned—balanced like a beautifully plated dish. As The Absolute Sound once noted, “the expert setup of the Pearl Audio staff undoubtedly enhanced the sound.” This isn’t just about gear—it’s about delivering a genuine experience.

Each brand offered at Pearl Audio is considered and handpicked. Their lineup includes the most respected names in high-fidelity audio, including McIntosh, Bowers & Wilkins, Sonus faber, dCS, Burmester, Linn, and, of course, Nordost! Each brand represents a carefully selected element of the perfect listening experience, where every detail matters.

Pearl Audio has a well-earned reputation for expert turntable setup and repair. As one longtime customer commented, “This is my go-to place for record player repair! They did a great job; they took the time and care to fine-tune my turntable, ensuring maximum performance and sonics.”

Music isn’t just something you hear; it’s something you experience. The right system doesn’t just play music; it pulls you in and makes every note matter. They understand this better than anyone. Every system they build, and every component they recommend is chosen with one goal: to bring you closer to your music.

They put it best themselves: “Music is our passion. High-end audio is our profession. Let us bring the music to life for you.”

Pearl Audio

1038 NW Johnson St, Portland, OR 97209

Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

www.pearlaudiovideo.com

Nordost Playlist – April 2025

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 April.


You can now listen to our monthly playlist here:  TIDAL  | SPOTIFY  |  QOBUZ


  1. Touch – Daft Punk & Paul Williams – Random Access Memories
  2. One Nite Alone… – Prince – One Nite Alone… (Solo Piano and Voice by Prince) 
  3. My Dreams of You – The Box – All the Time, All the Time, All the Time
  4. Eyes Don’t Lie – Tones And I – Eyes Don’t Lie   
  5. Drown – Zabo – Drown  
  6. Walk with the Dreamers – Ambala, Laid Back – Volume 1 
  7. Torn Screen Door – David Francey – Torn Screen Door  
  8. Samb-Adagio – Safri Duo – Episode II 
  9. The Future is Our Way Out – Brigitte Calls Me Baby – The Future is Our Way Out
  10. Wristwatch – MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks

Dealer Spotlight: Creative Audio of Tennessee

By Seth Snyder 

Creative Audio of Tennessee is one of Nordost’s newest dealers and the passion project of Lee Stromatt, a true audiophile dedicated to delivering the best sound possible. Specializing in high-end hi-fi systems and immersive home theater audio, Lee carefully curates his product selection, choosing brands he genuinely believes in, rather than chasing industry trends. His discerning ear means gimmicks don’t fool him, which is why he didn’t hesitate to jump in headfirst with us, becoming a Supreme Reference dealer from day one.

Lee is also a bit of a road warrior, regularly making house calls to demonstrate products in his clients’ homes. I’ve had the privilege of joining him on a few visits, and I can confidently say his customers are just as discerning about audio as he is. They trust his expertise and genuinely appreciate the Nordost products we’ve showcased in their systems.

If you’re in the greater Nashville area and considering any of the brands in Lee’s portfolio, give him a call at 615-435-3377. In one room, he can show you what’s possible in both stereo and immersive audio—and trust me, his systems are truly impressive.

Address:188 Front Street
Suite 116-72
Franklin, TN  37064
Phone:615-435-3377
Email:lees@chatenn.com
Web:www.creativeaudiotn.com

Introducing the White Lightning 3 Power Cord

Expanding the “Power” of Leif 3

The White Lightning 3 Power Cord is an essential, high-performance component for any audio system requiring a Figure-8 connection. Nordost’s new, introductory power cord delivers sturdy, reliable AC power while minimizing the harmful effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequencies (RF). This ensures a clean, stable current for optimal audio performance.

The White Lightning 3 Power Cord features Micro Mono-Filament construction, 18 AWG OFC conductors, and FEP insulation, all of which immediately enhance the clarity, depth, and dynamics of your music.

What sets the White Lighting 3 Power Cord apart is its sleek Figure-8 connector, specially designed by Nordost. This termination is the perfect match for systems that use Figure-8 connections, allowing music lovers to bring the “power” of Leif 3 to popular lifestyle brands.

Whether fine-tuning a casual setup or creating a more immersive listening experience, The White Lightning 3 Power Cord provides the essential foundation for superior sound quality. It allows your audio gear to perform at its best. The White Lightning 3 Power Cord is the first step in transforming the sound of your home system—bringing music to life like never before.


SPECIFICATIONS

Insulation: Low dielectric Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) 

Construction: Proprietary Micro Mono-Filament Design 

Conductors: 2 x 18 AWG 

Material: 65 Strand 99.9999% OFC

Capacitance: 10.0pF/ft

DC Resistance: 6.6 Ohms per 1000ft

Termination: US (Nema), EU (Schuko), UK or AUS to Figure 8 IEC-C7 connector