Dealer Spotlight: Reference Analog

Just outside Oklahoma City, Reference Analog has been a haven for true audiophiles for over a decade. Specializing in two-channel audio systems, Reference Analog is the brainchild of Jeff Harris, a passionate audio enthusiast with decades of experience.

Operating by appointment only, Reference Analog offers a unique and personalized experience for those seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction. Jeff’s journey into the world of audio began in his childhood, dancing to records with his sister. His father’s love for music sparked a lifelong passion that led him to open Oklahoma’s premier reference-level high-end audio shop. Conveniently located near the airport and easily accessible from Dallas, Reference Analog is a must-visit for discerning audiophiles.

As the name suggests, Reference Analog is dedicated to the purity of analog sound while also offering digital components that meet their stringent standards. Their profound appreciation for analog has honed their ability to identify digital systems that deliver a similarly rich and detailed sonic experience. Their meticulous approach ensures that every client receives expert guidance and tailored solutions.

Reference Analog proudly offers a handpicked selection of products from esteemed brands like YG, Rockport, Boulder, Audio Research, MSB, REL, HRS, VPI, and Brinkmann. The store features a dedicated demo location with small, medium, and large rooms, each designed to showcase entry-level to world-class reference experiences. It’s the ideal setting to immerse yourself in the magic of these exceptional systems.

Their dedication to superior sound quality and customer service has earned Reference Analog a loyal following and a reputation for excellence. Jeff’s commitment to his customers is unparalleled. “We collaborate closely with our customers, crafting the experiences they envision,” he says. “We build strong connections with them, taking the time to ensure their experience exceeds expectations.” Their willingness to spend hours discussing the hobby with clients, even long after the sale, speaks volumes about their dedication. “Our time is given freely, which is rare in the industry,” Jeff notes. “Investing time in our customers is a core part of our approach, setting us apart.”

Reference Analog has achieved significant recognition within the industry. The company has garnered multiple awards, including the prestigious VPI Reference Award, and has earned “Best of Show” honors at major events like AXPONA. Their expertise and commitment to delivering unparalleled audio experiences has cemented their status as leaders in the field. For the Southwest Audio Fest’s inaugural event, Reference Analog had not one, but three rooms featuring different brands. Look out for more exciting initiatives on the horizon.

The Emotion in the Music

At the heart of Reference Analog’s philosophy lies a simple yet profound motto: The Emotion in the Music. Jeff explains, “This comes from our desire to bring emotion back into people’s listening experiences.” This passion fuels every aspect of the business, from the meticulous selection of brands that deliver this emotional connection, to the expert set-up skills that bring the systems to life.

Reference Analog is more than just an audio store; it’s a destination for those who seek the ultimate in audio performance. With Jeff at the helm, this Oklahoma-based company continues to set the standard for excellence in the high-end audio world. Whether you’re an analog purist or a digital enthusiast, Reference Analog offers the expertise, products, and personalized service to elevate your listening experience to new heights.

Moore, OK 73160

By Appointment Only

Phone: (405) 795-3462

Email: info@referenceanalog.com

Web: www.referenceanalog.com

Nordost Playlist – August 2024

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 August.


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


  1. Kiss of Life — Sade — The Best of Sade
  2. Just A Girl – Radio 1 Live Acoustic — No Doubt — Rock Steady (Expanded Edition)
  3. Give The Drummer Some — Nikodemus, The Real Live Show, Nappy G — Endangered Species
  4. Rise To Me — The Decemberists — The King Is Dead
  5. Hush — The Marías — CINEMA
  6. Turn Your Lights Down Low — Bob Marley, Ms. Lauren Hill — Reggae Collected 
  7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps — Santana, India Arie, Yo-Yo Ma — Guitare Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics Of All Time (Deluxe Version)
  8. Jean Pierre — Marcus Miller — Marcus
  9. Hey Laura — Gregory Porter — Liquid Spirit (Deluxe Version)
  10. Taurus – Mixed — Glass Beams — DJ-Kicks: Jayda G

Dealer Spotlight: Entertainment Technology

By Seth Snyder 

Finding an experienced advisor for your hi-fi needs can be a daunting task. The number of unique and emerging technologies in audio is ever-growing. Although it’s fun to navigate those waters, the sheer volume of information that’s available today can be overwhelming at times. That’s why it’s so important to have a trusted confidant at your side when deciding what gear is worth your investment.

Ray Benza has been making music “work” since the 1970’s. His current shop, Entertainment Technology, has been serving the greater NYC area for the past 25 years. As the world of audio evolves, so does the portfolio of brands at ‘ET’. Wilson, McIntosh, Dan D’Agostino, Sonus Faber, and dCS are all available to audition at his shop in Mount Kisco, New York. With four separate listening areas and a full theater, it’s easy for an audiophile to lose track of time. Make sure to spend some time with their new Mcintosh 75th anniversary system. The system includes Wilson Audio Alexia V’s driven by the flagship MC2.1KW mono-amps from Mcintosh, wired top-to-bottom with Valhalla 2 cabling and QBase AC distributors from Nordost. We are thrilled that with all his experience over the years, Ray and his team have recognized that Nordost make these products perform at their best, and recommends our cables and AC distributors to his clients.

One of the wonderful things about New York City is the availability of absolutely anything you could possibly imagine. The city, and it’s surrounding area, prides itself on providing the unrivaled best of everything. Be it fashion, fine-dining, or the arts, it’s all here. Ray and Entertainment Technology are no exception. If you find yourself in the New York, Tri-State area looking for the best in hifi, Entertainment Technology is worth your time and attention.

Make an appointment today!

Entertainment Technology (914) 242-8881

309 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549

Nordost Playlist – July 2024

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


  1. Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe! 
  2. Lose Control – Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy 
  3. Behind the Wall – Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman 
  4. Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please 
  5. Vocab – Fugees – Original Album Classics 
  6. Only You – Chie Ayado – Live ! The Best
  7. Riverside – Agnes Obel – Philharmonics
  8. Pretty Face – Sóley – We Sink 
  9. Too Good At Goodbyes – Sam Smith – The Thrill Of It All (Special Edition) 
  10. Queens Highway – Menahan Street Band – The Exciting Sounds of Menahan Street Band

How to Upgrade your DAC

Just because you aren’t satisfied with an audio component doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. Before committing to a full replacement, see if there are ways to elevate the product that you already have and give your gear an upgrade! Let’s take your DAC, for example. By making just a few adjustments, you could reduce signal interference, improve the sound quality, increase dynamics, and much more. “But what can you do to upgrade a DAC?”, you might ask. That’s where the fun starts! 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: 


Power Cord: 

The foundation of any audio system starts with clean and consistent power delivery. Nordost’s power cords are meticulously engineered to minimize electrical interference and maximize power transfer, resulting in improved clarity, dynamics, and overall sound quality.  


Analog Interconnects: 

If your aim is a faithful reproduction of your music, Nordost’s Analog Interconnects are essential. These interconnects ensure that every nuance of your music is preserved, allowing you to experience your favorite albums with unmatched clarity and realism.  


Digital Interconnect: 

If you use the digital function of your transport, Nordost’s Digital Interconnects are designed to minimize signal loss and distortion. Unlike other digital interconnects on the market, Nordost’s SPDIF and AES/EBU cables faithfully meet all the specs necessary so that you get the resolution, detail, and depth you need.  


USB Cable: 

Nordost’s USB cables ensure that digital audio data is transmitted accurately from your source to your DAC. By reducing jitter and other forms of interference, these cables can result in a cleaner, more dynamic sound with improved resolution and depth.  


Ethernet Cable: 

If you’re using a NAS device, or streaming music online, the quality of our Ethernet cable becomes crucial. Nordost’s Ethernet cables are engineered to deliver high-speed, low-latency data transmission for smoother streaming, faster load times, and a more natural sound.  


Sort Kones: 

To further optimize your listening environment, Nordost’s Sort Kones are the key, isolating and supporting your components as they need. By reducing vibrations and resonance, Sort Kones will allow your DAC to give you more focused, immersive listening sessions. 

The Unsung Hero of Sound Systems: The Importance of High-Quality Audio Cables in Your Sound System

Picture a passionate music-lover discussing their prized setup. They’ll effusively praise their speakers, amplifier, preamplifier, and source— and rightfully so, every box is an important element of a sound system. But there is a critical component that rarely gets the recognition it deserves. A silent hero: the audio cable.


Before you dismiss the notion of cables as inconsequential, consider the impact of subpar cables: diminished signal integrity, muddled sound, and a collapsed soundstage. In contrast, put high-quality cables in your system and you will be rewarded with enhanced clarity, spatial imaging, and tonal balance. 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.


Choosing the right cable involves understanding key design elements like impedance, capacitance, and signal speed. It’s about finding a balance between neutrality and sonic enhancement!


In the pursuit of audio perfection, every element matters. Just as a symphony orchestra requires each instrument to harmonize flawlessly, a sound system relies on meticulously chosen components—including, yes, the humble audio cable—to achieve symphonic brilliance. So, the next time you’re fine-tuning your setup, remember the silent hero that brings it all together: the audio cable.


Still not convinced about the importance of the mighty hifi cable? Get more information HERE

Questions and Answers (June 2024)

Our product specialists receive questions on a daily basis about Nordost products, their applications, and hifi in general.  We decided to take a minute to share some of those questions here so that everyone can get the answers they are looking for!


Q: Do Leif 3 Cables sound good alongside their predecessors? 

A: Nordost’s Leif 3 Cables share the same basic design philosophy as all of our cables, and therefore have a cohesive sonic signature. This ensures Nordost customers that they can use their Leif 3 cables alongside any of Nordost’s previous or current lines of cables and continue to upgrade their cables as needed without drawbacks. 


Q: Are there any sonic differences between the QBASE 15/10amp and a QBASE 20/16amp models? 

A: Yes, because of the difference in construction between the two models, there are slight audible differences. The QBASE 20/16amp version, which uses an IEC C-20 option has both larger traces as well as heavier gauge internal wiring, in order to support higher current. Similar to a power cord, when you use heavier gauge conductors, there will typically be better sonic performance.  


Q: Why do cable companies recommend a minimum power cord length of 2 meters? I have seen this said at Nordost and elsewhere, but I have never understood why. 

A: A huge consideration in cable construction is how the conductor resonates. There are several factors in that equation, but one of them is the conductor length. The resonant properties of materials change, in part, due to the length of the materials. A 2m cable (where the conductors are cut to a 2m length) will resonate in more of a broad-banded fashion and sound a bit smoother than a 1m. 


Q: Because of space constraints on my audio rack, I am thinking about stacking some components. Can I place a QX4 unit on top of a QKORE that is supported by Sort Kones? 

A: Technically you can stack units that are on Sort Kones, as long as the weight of the combined units is under the recommended weight (each Sort Kone can support 100lbs). However, it isn’t recommended. You should try to avoid stacking components on top of one another while using Sort Kones, because it will minimize the effect of the Sort Kones.

The Absolute Sound Reviews the QBASE Mark III

Neil Gader has been a long-time supporter of our cables, so he was very interested in delving into the world of QRT with one of our new AC power distributors. In the most recent issue of The Absolute Sound, Neil Gader focused his attention on the QBASE Mark III. Throughout his listening sessions, he found the sonic results of the QBASE to be “immediate and consistent” when it comes to its revealing and resolving nature and was especially impressed by the timbral details and low-level information the QBASE provided.  

Neil dubbed the QBASE Mark III an easy recommendation, calling it “restorative, bringing to light low-level details and micro-dynamic shifts that have been obscured”. 

You can now see Neil’s QNET Review on the Reviews Page of the Nordost website or read it in its entirety here: Nordost QBASE Mark III AC Distribution Unit: The Incrementalist

Upcoming Dealer Events (Summer 2024)


MSB Cascade DAC Event at Audio Video Integration

AVi proudly introduces the brand new MSB Cascade DAC to the United States for one week only.

From Monday June 10th through Saturday June 15th.

Special event with Nordost: Thursday June 13th

Reservations strongly recommended:  RSVP HERE

10am – 5pm

Audio Video Integration

647 Francisco Blvd E

San Rafael, CA

94901


Entertainment Technology Open House 

6/20/24

6pm-10pm

Invite Only

Reach out to store for invite: (914) 242-8881

Entertainment Technology

309 N Bedford Rd.

Mt Kisko, NY 10549

www.etaudiovideo.com


Nuts About Hi-Fi Event

June 21, 2024

3:00pm – 7:00pm

9960 Silverdale Way #3
Silverdale, WA 98383

www.nutsabouthifi.com


Audio Vision San Francisco – 25th Anniversary Event

Oct 25 – 27th

7:00pm – 11:00pm

Audio Vision San Francisco

1628 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

www.audiovisionsf.com

Nordost at High End 2024 in Munich – Recap

A month out from High End in Munich, and we are still beaming from the results of the show! This year Nordost surprised show-goers with the exciting introduction of our Leif 3 series – the next evolution of our entry-level product lines. Consumers were thrilled to see a refresh of our White Lightning, Purple Flare, Blue Heaven, and Red Dawn power cords, analog interconnects, and speaker cables, which have been a benchmark in the hifi industry for over 3 decades! 


Nordost was ever-present as always, this year at High End. Our cables were featured in over a dozen amazing systems, with partners such as Raidho, VTL, dCS, Hegel, Moon by Simaudio, Stenheim, and our incredible German distributor, Audio Reference. And, as always, we were included in some of the rooms deemed ‘best-of show’ by well-respected industry reviewers. It’s always an honor to be selected to exhibit alongside these giants of the hifi industry, who have their pick of cable brands, and we are thrilled to have made fantastic sound with them all, once again. 


For those of you who were unable to visit High End this year, we have put together some of our favorite pictures for you to enjoy, right here! 


Nordost Room


Audio Reference Room


dCS Room


VTL Room


Raidho Room


Scansonic Room


Moon Room


Hegel Booth


Stenheim Room