Author Archives: Nordost

Nordost at AXPONA 2025

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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

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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

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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 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

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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

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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

Nordost Playlist – March 2025

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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 March.

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

  1. Green & Gold – Lianne La Havas – Blood
  2. The Joke – Brandi Carlile – By the Way, I Forgive You
  3. This Is A Life – Son Lux, Mitski, David Byrne – Everything Everywhere All at Once (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  4. Magic Bus – Live – The Who – Live At Leeds (Expanded Edition)
  5. Vandalist – Noga Erez – The Vandalist
  6. Bless the Telephone – Labi Siffre – The Singer & The Song
  7. I Want You Yesterday – Wallice – The Jester
  8. Flowers – Nathaniel Rateliff, Gregory Alan Isakov – Flowers
  9. Mubo Sugar – Arc De Soleil – Libertalia
  10. Nausicaä (Love Will Be Revealed) – Cameron Winter – Heavy Metal

Upcoming Events (Spring 2025)

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SOUTHWEST AUDIO FEST

March 21 – March 23

Southwest Audio Fest

Hilton Anatole 2201 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas

“The first year was a great show!

For 2025, we have over 60  rooms, making SWAF one of the largest high-end international audio shows in North America.

Dozens of amazing audio showrooms, thousands of vinyl records, as well as seminars, music and more.

Come on down and join the fun.”

Friday 10am-6pm​

Saturday 10am-6pm​

Sunday 10am-3pm

AUDIO VIDEO SHOW – PRAHA

March 28 – March 29

Audio Video Show – Praha

The Diplomat Hotel Evropská 15, 160 41, Prague

MONTRÉAL AUDIOFEST

March 28 – March 30

Montréal AudioFest

Hotel Bonaventure 900 Rue de la Gauchetière O, Montréal

“An audio enthusiast’s paradise!“

“Celebrating its 36th edition this year, Montreal Audiofest remains the must-attend event for audiophiles. This long-standing tradition showcases the latest advances in high-fidelity audio equipment, featuring over 300 speaker brands, innovative music streamers and high-quality headphones.“

Friday · 11h to 20h
Saturday · 10h to 18h
Sunday · 10h to 17h

AXPONA

April 11 – April 13

AXPONA

Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center

“Join audiophiles and music lovers from around the globe at the ultimate audio expo! Over three days, explore 200+ high-fidelity listening rooms, thousands of products in the Expo Hall and Ear Gear Experience, live performances, educational seminars, and cutting-edge audio demos.

Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a curious newcomer, AXPONA is the place to be. Secure your tickets today and immerse yourself in the world of high-fidelity sound and music!”

SHOW HOURS:
Friday, April 11, 2025: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, April 12, 2025: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, April 13, 2025: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

HIGH END – MUNICH

May 15 – May 18

HIGH END Munich 2025

MOC Lilienthalallee 40, München

“The HIGH END, the internationally renowned audio exhibition, is the undisputed leader when it comes to impressively setting the tone for top-class music reproduction. It has been providing ideas and impetus for producers, sellers and consumers of high-quality audio technology for more than four decades. On the four days of the event, the entire world of audio experts and professionals gather in Munich to visit hundreds of exhibitors from more than 40 different countries as they showcase their latest innovations in the halls and atriums of the MOC event centre.

Every year in May, the HIGH END sets the trend for the international audio industry with technical innovations, current trends and numerous world firsts. “Diversity in Audio” stands for the variety of high-quality sound reproduction, underlining the unique range that is presented at the leading audio show year after year.

We look forward to seeing you at the HIGH END!”

OPENING HOURS

Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Friday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am to 4:00pm

How to Upgrade your QKORE Ground Unit

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If you’ve already integrated a Nordost QKORE Ground Unit into your audio system, you’ve most likely experienced the remarkable improvements in pacing, soundstage, and dynamics that the QKORE system brings to your audio setup. With that comes a more detailed and lifelike listening experience, which I’m sure you’ve come to enjoy. But, what if we told you that with just two simple upgrades, you could unlock even more benefits from your previous QRT investment?


Nordost offers two upgrades to the QKORE—the Premium QKORE Wire and Sort Kones—that can elevate your setup and help you get the most out of your investment.

Premium QKORE Wire:

The Premium QKORE Wire is a performance upgrade over the standard QKORE wire. With Micro Mono-Filament technology and a 14 AWG, silver-plated OFC solid core conductor, it significantly reduces resistance and enhances signal transfer.

The result: A quieter background, more vivid soundstage, and greater detail in your music. If you want to hear every nuance, this wire is a must.

Sort Kones:

Vibrations from your audio components can distort sound. Sort Kones help manage this by isolating and reducing unwanted mechanical energy bringing a more focused, lifelike listening experience, with clearer, more dynamic sound.

Ready to Upgrade?

By upgrading your QKORE system with these two products, you’re not just adding gear to your setup—you’re unlocking the full potential of your system and ensuring that every listening session is as rich, dynamic, and immersive as possible. Why settle for good when you can have great?

Both the Premium QKORE Wire and Sort Kones are available now and ready for demonstration at your local Nordost retailer! If you’re looking to take your system to the next level, schedule a session so that you can experience these upgrades firsthand, in the comfort of your own listening environment.

Find the Nordost retailer in your area HERE.

Nordost Playlist – February 2025

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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 February.

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

  1. Work – Charlotte Day Wilson – CDW
  2. Messy – Lola Young – Messy 
  3. Sailing Ships – 2009 Remaster – Whitesnake – Slip of the Tongue (20th Anniversary Edition) 
  4. Endless Highway – Allan Taylor, Ian Melrose, Barnaby Taylor, Lea Morris, Hans-Joerg Maucksch – All Is One 
  5. SUNRISE – MICHELLE – SUNRISE
  6. I Can’t Make You Love Me – SOAK – I Can’t Make You Love Me / Immigrant Song
  7. Canopée – Polo & Pan – Caravelle 
  8. Sylvia – Julien Baker, TORRES – Sylvia 
  9. A Song For While I’m Away – Thin Lizzy – Vagabonds Of The Western World 
  10. Overture (Bus) – Daniel Blumberg – The Brutalist (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Dealer Spotlight: Common Wave

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By Jake Goldwax

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!