Introducing the Premium QKORE Wire

Nordost’s QKORE Wire is the final piece to the grounding puzzle when it comes to Nordost’s comprehensive parallel grounding system, the QKORE. Originally introduced alongside the QKORE in 2017, the complementary QKORE Wire provides the path of least resistance to ground for the stray, high-frequency, low-voltage potentials that negatively impact the performance of your sound system.

While one of the design directives of the QKORE Wire was to facilitate the transfer of extremely low voltages from electronics to the Ground Unit, another highly important (and an often overlooked) aspect that this component brings to the grounding system is mechanical benefits. In order to even further advance the already staggering enhancements that the QKORE brings to two-channel hifi systems, Nordost has decided to introduce the Premium QKORE Wire.

Nordost’s new Premium QKORE Wire is a mechanically tuned cable that utilizes Nordost’s patented Micro Mono-Filament technology, combined with extruded FEP insulation, and constructed with a 14 AWG, silver-plated OFC, solid core conductor. The augmentation made in its design allows for increased functionality of the QKORE grounding system, with an even quieter background, and therefore the ability to deliver a more full and realistic soundstage.

In order to accommodate the vast majority of components that could exist in any one hifi system, the QKORE Wire is available with the following termination options: spade, banana, male-XLR, female-XLR, BNC, RCA, USB-A, USB-B, and RJ45.

Nordost’s QKORE ground units are transformative, imparting a quietness to your system’s background that allows them to increase the transparency and detail of the music. Now, with the Premium QKORE Wire, you are not only completing the QKORE ground system, but giving it a meaningful upgrade that brings a whole new level of vivacity and veracity to every performance.


  • Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) insulation
  • Micro Mono-Filament technology
  • 14 AWG Conductor
  • Silver-plated 99.9999% solid core OFC


Introducing the Premium QSOURCE DC Cable

When Nordost first released its QSOURCE Linear Power Supply, an innovative solution designed to optimize the performance of DC-powered audio components, its complementary QSOURCE DC Cable was released simultaneously. This DC power cord makes the connection between the QSOURCE and DC-run audio components, completing the transmission chain and delivering them stable, clean power. While using the QSOURCE to power audio components such as switches, routers, servers, phono stages, DACs, and NAS drives already makes a substantial sonic improvement to sound systems, there is one final upgrade that will even further elevate the performance of DC-powered components: The Premium QSOURCE DC Cable.

Nordost has always maintained that power cords are the most important cables, and most common choke-point, in high-end audio systems. The music enjoyed from your hi-fi system is little more than the transfer of raw electricity to components which, in turn, reproduce sound. In order to incrementally improve upon this musical reproduction, Nordost offers a wide range of AC power cords. However, AC power is not the only current that demands attention.

Whether running on AC or DC power, the caliber of power cord used with components directly determines their performance level.

Nordost’s Premium DC cable uses 2 x 18 AWG, silver-plated, solid core OFC conductors, which have been arranged in a twisted pair construction. This geometry helps to eliminate noise within the cable. However, to further safeguard from RFI and EMI, the conductors are protected by a braided shield. Additionally, the Premium QSOURCE DC Cable, uses Nordost’s Micro Mono-Filament technology in order to increase signal speeds by introducing an air-dielectric to the cable design.

The Premium QSOURCE DC Cable is available with several termination options. It can be constructed with LEMO connectors on both ends, for use with the QPOINT Resonance Synchronizer. It can also be terminated from LEMO to either “5.5mm x 2.1mm” or “5.5mm x 2.5mm” DC connectors, in order to accommodate any other DC-run components in a system. The Premium QSOURCE DC Cable is the perfect upgrade to enhance DC-powered audio components, unleashing your equipment’s full potential.

 

Tonearm Cable + now available in Blue Heaven, Heimdall 2, Frey 2, and Tyr 2!

The tonearm cable is the most critical and sensitive cable in any vinyl-sourced hifi system. The delicate signals generated by pick-up cartridges in these systems demand purpose-built, low-capacitance cables, in order to protect from signal loss and image smearing. However, to truly get the most from a tonearm cable, proper attention must be paid to grounding as well. Without proper grounding, the noise that could be picked up could render a system virtually unlistenable. To combat this, Nordost’s new Tonearm Cable + redesign optimizes every aspect of tonearm cable construction, from conductor layout and shielding to grounding capability, in order to ensure the fidelity of signal transfer and reveal subtle musical nuances, while completely eliminating noise from the signal chain. Nordost’s Blue Heaven, Heimdall 2, Frey 2, and Tyr 2 Tonearm Cable + provide the best analog connection for every system, no matter the price-point.

The design for Nordost’s new line of tonearm cables comes directly from the recent Valahalla 2 tonearm cable redesign. As with the V2 Tonearm Cable +, which was released in the summer of 2019, Nordost’s new tonearm cables are constructed using four, silver-plated, solid core OFC conductors, arranged in a twisted pair design. Using a twisted pair design on its own naturally helps to minimize noise. However, Nordost now goes the extra mile, separately wrapping the left and right channels with silver, braided shielding, in order to completely eliminate inter-channel cross-talk.

One signature trait that all Nordost cables share is extremely fast signal transfer speed. We achieve this, in part, by implementing our patented Mono-Filament technology. This technology is found in our new Tonearm Cable + designs, starting with the Heimdall 2 Tonearm Cable +. This requires each conductor to be intricately and uniformly wrapped in either a single “Micro” strand or two twisted “Dual” strands of FEP Mono-Filament, before being encased in an extruded layer of high-quality FEP. By using this technology, insulation contact with the conductors is reduced by 80% or 85%, respectively.

 

The most exciting feature found in all of Nordost’s new tonearm cables comes in the form of a new, comprehensive grounding solution. This two-part design is guaranteed to provide proper and complete grounding, offering a solution for every combination of components and connections found between all the different turntables and phono stages on the market. Part one is a completely isolated, silver-plated bond wire. This bond wire is wrapped in Micro Mono-Filament before being extruded in FEP insulation and separately shielded within the cable jacket. Part two consists of two, detachable, silver-plated ground whips, complete with Micro Mono-Filament technology, which are included with each cable. When needed, these ground whips connect to the cable’s shielding, totally eliminating any noise that could be introduced during signal transfer.


Each Tonearm Cable + is available with straight or 90० low-mass MoonGlo® 5-pin Din, RCA, or XLR terminations. All ground whips and bond wires are terminated with gold-plated 5mm spades. Like all Nordost cables, the Blue Heaven, Heimdall 2, Frey 2, and Tyr 2 Tonearm Cable + are handmade in the USA, ensuring a superior level of production quality and precision– all necessary requirements when manufacturing the most crucial signal cables in a sound system.


 

BLUE HEAVEN

Insulation: Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
Conductors: 4 x 28 AWG
Construction: 2 Twisted pairs individually shielded.
Material: Silver plated 99.9999% OFC Solid Core Conductors
Bond / Grounding Whips: 24 AWG silver-plated, stranded OFC, Micro Mono-Filament.
Termination: MoonGlo® Straight or 90० low-mass 5-pin Din, RCA, or XLR connectors. Whips and bond wire terminated with gold-plated 5mm spades.

HEIMDALL 2

Insulation: Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
Conductors: 4 x 28 AWG
Construction: 2 Twisted pairs individually shielded. Mechanically tuned lay and lengths. Micro Mono-Filament.
Material: Silver plated 99.99999% OFC Solid Core Conductors
Bond / Grounding Whips: 24 AWG silver-plated, stranded OFC, Micro Mono-Filament.
Termination: MoonGlo® Straight or 90० low-mass 5-pin Din, RCA, or XLR connectors. Whips and bond wire terminated with gold-plated 5mm spades.


FREY 2

Insulation: Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
Conductors: 4 x 26 AWG
Construction: 2 Twisted pairs individually shielded. Mechanically tuned lay and lengths. Dual Mono-Filament. Twisted pairs individually shielded.
Material: Silver plated 99.99999% OFC Solid Core Conductors
Bond / Grounding Whips: 24 AWG silver-plated, stranded OFC, Micro Mono-Filament.
Termination: MoonGlo® Straight or 90० low-mass 5-pin Din, RCA, or XLR connectors. Whips and bond wire terminated with gold-plated 5mm spades.


TYR 2

Insulation: Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
Conductors: 4 x 25 AWG
Construction: 2 Twisted pairs individually shielded. Mechanically tuned lay and lengths. Dual Mono-Filament.
Material: Silver plated 99.99999% OFC Solid Core Conductors
Bond / Grounding Whips: 24 AWG silver-plated, stranded OFC, Micro Mono-Filament.
Termination: MoonGlo® Straight or 90० low-mass 5-pin Din, RCA, or XLR connectors. Whips and bond wire terminated with gold-plated 5mm spades.


QSOURCE Linear Power Supply – Available Now!

After its sneak peek at HIGH END in Munich this past spring, we are happy to announce the official launch of the highly anticipated QSOURCE Linear Power Supply, now available at Nordost dealers, worldwide.

External switch-mode power supplies have become a standard within the audio industry, provided with products ranging from music servers and Network switches to DC DACs and phono stages, and everything in between. While these power supplies may be efficient and convenient, they are unquestionably lacking in terms of audio fidelity. Generic power supplies regulate output voltage through a pulse width modulation (PWM) switching process, which generates high noise output levels that inevitably find their way into the audio reproduction chain. Nordost’s new QSOURCE is the first Linear Power Supply designed specifically for hi-fi audio applications, guaranteed to enhance the audio imagery of a sound system by improving sonic articulation, heightening dynamics, and expanding the sound stage.

The QSOURCE is a fanless Linear Power Supply that provides a stable, clean output of DC power at select voltages while maintaining extremely low noise levels. The QSOURCE uses a top-of-the-line transformer with a unique circuit design to convert AC to DC power while an internal QRT module removes electrical anomalies and noise artifacts from the line and smooths out the DC output, so that audio components are running on the highest quality DC power possible. From a sonic perspective, this clean power makes all the difference, providing excellent regulation, very low ripple, and outstanding transient response, allowing your components to achieve their peak performance.

While the QSOURCE was designed to enhance and power as many as four of Nordost’s new QPOINT Resonance Synchronizers, which subtly manipulate all electromechanical resonances in order to enhance the coherency and timing of components, it was conceived with versatility in mind. In addition to the four, 5V outputs designated for QPOINTs, the QSOURCE provides two outlets that can supply 9V, 12V, or 19V and 12V, 19V, or 24V respectively, which can be chosen to match the requirements of your electronics. To complete the transmission chain, Nordost has designed purpose-built QSOURCE DC Cables to fit the QPOINT and any other DC-run components in your system.

Whether using it in conjunction with the QPOINT, or as a standalone power supply for DC-dependent audio components, Nordost’s QSOURCE Linear Power Supply will bring new dimension to your sound system, allowing you to enjoy richer and more nuanced musical performances.

Introducing the Valhalla 2 Tonearm Cable +

The most precious information being passed through a hifi system is the delicate signal carried from the phono cartridge to the phono stage input. In order to maximize the performance of an analog system, every aspect of your tonearm cable, including the conductor layout, quality of connectors, versatility in termination, and grounding capabilities, must be entirely optimized for its application. Our newly redesigned Valhalla 2 Tonearm Cable + is the only cable on the market to excel at every one of these important design aspects, exceeding the performance requirements that high-quality analog replay requires.

The Nordost Valhalla 2 Tonearm Cable + uses four, silver-plated, solid core 99.999999% OFC conductors, arranged in a twisted pair design to create a left and right channel. Both channels are then individually wrapped in a silver, braided shield, eliminating inter-channel cross-talk. In order to dramatically increase its signal speed, and expand the cable’s bandwidth capabilities, these conductors implement Nordost’s proprietary Dual Mono-Filament technology, reducing insulation contact by 85%. A separately shielded, silver-plated bond wire, wrapped in Micro Mono-Filament, is then incorporated to enhance performance and minimize the noise level.

The largest hurdle to overcome in tonearm construction is noise. Providing proper and complete grounding has historically been a challenging feat, given the overwhelming combinations of ground options available between the turntable and phono stages. In order to address this problem, we have designed the most versatile solution on the market, including two, detachable, silver-plated ground whips, complete with Micro Mono-Filament technology. When needed, these ground whips connect to the cable’s shielding, totally eliminating any noise that could be introduced during signal transfer, regardless of the unique construction of the components being used in the sound system.

As with all Valhalla 2 cables, the Tonearm Cable + is cut to mechanically tuned lengths. This technique reduces the internal microphony and high-frequency impedance resonances of the cable. The V2 Tonearm Cable + is then terminated with our proprietary HOLO:PLUG® Straight or 90० low-mass 5-pin Din, RCA, or XLR connectors, which have been specifically designed to accommodate the cable’s unique design.

The Valhalla 2 Tonearm Cable + is handmade in the USA, ensuring the highest level of production quality and precision, which is necessary when manufacturing the most crucial signal cable in a sound system. This reference level tonearm cable delivers these very delicate signals seamlessly, while eliminating noise from the signal chain.


Suggested retail price is $4,999.99 USD for a 1.25 meter length. Additional half meter increments are $625.00 USD.


 

Introducing the QPOINT Resonance Synchronizer

A complete sound system is the result of several factors working together in harmony to produce a cohesive, pleasing, and authentic representation of sound. As audiophiles, we are accustomed to examining how several factors, including components, cabling, power, vibration control, etc. work together in order to create the “best sound” possible. However, there is an element present in every system that has been chronically neglected until now: electromechanical resonance.

Every component in a sound system has several individually resonating parts within them. When these electromechanical resonances oscillate concurrently, but not in unison, these discordant vibrations become a source of electrical noise, resulting in smeared, muddy sound. At the High End show in Munich, happening now, we are previewing an exciting new product which solves this exact problem.  The QPOINT eliminates this internal electrical noise, enhancing the coherency and timing that is typically lacking in even the most high-end audio systems.

The QPOINT is the latest development in QRT technology. The QPOINT Resonance Synchronizer emits a subtle field which manipulates all electromechanical resonances within its immediate proximity so that they resonate in unison with each other. In order to accommodate its effects to all of the various electronics in the industry, including but not limited to solid state or tube amplifiers, digital or analog source components, traditional line stages or modern digital processors, and even to tailor results to the personal preferences of the user, the QPOINT has been designed with two modes. Mode I and II each generate unique resonances, which emphasize different musical characteristics as they lower the noise floor. Users can switch from Mode I to Mode II instantaneously to evaluate which sonic properties fit the needs of each unique electronic device in their hi-fi system.

Nordost’s QPOINT Resonance Synchronizer ensures your electronics are all working in concert, in order to enhance the coherency, articulation, and musical structure of your system.

The QPOINT will be available at select Nordost dealers, worldwide, this summer.


Suggested retail price: $749.99 USD


 

Introducing the System Solution: Set-Up & Tuning Discs

After years of great success with our original System Set-Up & Tuning Disc, Nordost is excited to introduce a newly upgraded disc-set that both improves and expands upon our initial product, offering more content and features, to get your system sounding its best and to keep it that way. The Nordost System Solution is an invaluable tool for the installation, maintenance, and fine-tuning of any hifi audio system. Arranging a new system is a painstaking and exacting task for even the most seasoned audiophiles. This two-disc set, provides you with a unique mix of diagnostic tracks, calibration tools, and system conditioning aids that will help unlock the full potential of your sound system.

The System Solution Set-Up & Tuning Discs include tracks that range from the simple, such as channel checks and pink and white noise, to the more complex and unusual LEDR tracks, timed frequency sweeps, and repeat drum beats. Our sound engineers have incorporated specially designed tracks to facilitate full-range loudspeaker positioning and the integration of subwoofers, and have even included a number of useful “system service” functions.

These functions include degauss and burn-in signal tracks, both of which are essential precursors to fine-tuning your existing set-up or new components. Each of these helpful tracks is fully explained and expounded upon in a detailed instruction booklet, included with every disc set.

Nordost is proud to say that over the years our products have become integral components in preeminent recording studios around the world. This has given us the opportunity to incorporate musical selections recorded using Nordost cables as an exciting new feature on our set-up discs. These carefully curated tracks highlight specific aspects of system performance and will help you to further explore the subtleties of your newly-tuned system. This also means that Nordost users will have the ability to experience performances wired with Nordost from beginning to end!

Includes:

  • Essential channel and phase checks
  • Multiple pink and white noise signals for speaker/room diagnostics
  • Sophisticated LEDR tests to optimize speaker placement
  • System maintenance tracks (Degauss and Burn-In)
  • Low-frequency tones specially designed and configured to map room modes and aid speaker placement or subwoofer positioning and integration.
  • Specially selected music tracks with detailed listening notes to further refine system performance

 

Reintroducing the SuperFlatline Speaker Cable

superflatlineblog

The SuperFlatline Speaker Cable is a true Nordost classic. It was one of the original cable options that put Nordost on the map. Easily distinguishable by its trademark, flat design, SuperFlatline quickly became known throughout the industry as one of the most respected high end speaker cables, offering an unmatched performance level at its price point. This highly sought after product offers detail, clarity, and purity throughout the whole frequency spectrum, from subsonic lows to ultrasonic highs. Now, due to popular demand, Nordost’s SuperFlatline cable is back!

Nordost’s SuperFlatline Speaker Cable consists of 16, 23 AWG, solid core, flat, rectangular copper conductors. The flat geometry of this cable not only increases signal transfer speed, but also makes it possible to run lengths under carpets for easy and discreet installation. Additionally, SuperFlatline employs an innovative precision FEP extrusion process, which lowers the capacitance and increases the bandwidth of the cable dramatically, enhancing accuracy in signal transfer.

This high quality, versatile cable can be used in any system. When used in a shotgun configuration, the SuperFlatline is capable of carrying high currents (up to 12.5 amps at 300 volts) while its 16 conductors can easily facilitate bi-wiring or bi-amping. 

Designed and manufactured entirely in the USA, the SuperFlatline Speaker Cable guarantees the precision of craftsmanship required to produce the uncolored, unfiltered accuracy of sound that is synonymous with Nordost.

Introducing the Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable

Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable_Straight_blogNordost is happy to announce the expansion of our acclaimed Blue Heaven Range with the introduction of the Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable. The Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable makes it possible for music lovers to completely integrate subwoofers with their loudspeakers, creating a truly well-rounded experience, highlighting even the lowest frequency extensions on the spectrum.

The Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable consists of four, 22 AWG, solid core, silver-plated, 99.9999% OFC signal conductors. Its dielectric strength is improved by an innovative precision FEP extrusion process, which further increases signal speeds and accuracy in signal transfer. The conductors are then covered in a braided shield, addressing any EMI and RFI. Additionally, the Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable utilizes a unique flat, parallel construction.

In order to accommodate all its possible uses, the Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable is offered in three configurations: Straight, Y, and Y-to-Y. All three configurations are available terminated with specially designed, gold-plated MoonGlo RCA or XLR connectors.

Designed, manufactured, and hand-terminated entirely in the USA, the Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable guarantees the accurate construction required to produce integrated low level frequencies, while preserving the precision and speed necessary to enjoy well rounded, seamless, and all-encompassing sound from music, movies, and television.

The Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable is now available for purchase at select Nordost dealers, worldwide. To find the Nordost dealer nearest you, visit our “Where to Buy” page.

Blue Heaven Subwoofer Cable_Ys blog

 

Introducing the Frey 2 USB Cable and Frey 2 USB C Adapter

Nordost is proud to introduce the new Frey 2 USB Cable and Frey 2 USB C Adapter. The Frey 2 USB Cable is the first of Nordost’s USB offerings to provide both USB C and 3.0 compatibility. The Frey 2 USB C Adapter pairs with cables using Standard-A USB connectors (both 2.0 and 3.0 compatible), allowing them to be used with components that require a USB C termination. Both of these exciting products allow customers to continue to enjoy the benefits of Nordost as they upgrade their components. Nordost’s Frey 2 USB Cable and C Adapter are the perfect solutions for hifi audio enthusiasts integrating computer audio into their sound systems when using components that require USB C connectors, whether they are interested in a new, upgraded USB cable, or would rather extend the life of a previous investment.

lg-Frey 2-USB Cable

The Frey 2 USB Cable uses solid core, silver-plated 99.99999% OFC signal conductors. Implementing a solid core design is essential when working with a cable of this caliber, completely eliminating the negative effects of strand interaction and skin effect. Each conductor is precision wound to correspond accurately with USB’s unique, hybrid twisted pair/non twisted pair geometry. The new Frey 2 cable utilizes Nordost’s proprietary FEP Micro Mono-Filament technology, which lowers the capacitance of the cable, both increasing signal speed and bandwidth. The conductors are shielded with a dual layer of braid and foil shielding in order to eliminate EMI and RFI and even comply with 3.0 standards. Finally, before being terminated with C to Standard B (2.0), Standard B (3.0), or Micro B (3.0) plugs, the Frey 2 USB is cut to mechanically tuned lengths, which reduce internal microphonics and high-frequency impedance resonance.

lg-Frey 2-USB C Adapter

The Frey 2 USB C Adapter utilizes the exact same cable construction as the Frey 2 USB Cable. From conductors to Micro Mono-Filament technology, shielding to mechanically tuned lengths, the Frey 2 USB C Adapter has all the makings of a high quality, hifi USB cable, creating an extension of your existing USB cable to ensure an identical sonic signature and performance level throughout your system. Terminated with a male USB C connector on one end, and a female Standard-A connector (both 2.0 and 3.0 compatible) on the other, the Frey 2 USB C Adapter will extend the life of your current USB cables while maintaining the hi-fidelity performance of your home sound system. Designed, manufactured, and hand-terminated entirely in the USA, both the Frey 2 USB Cable and Frey 2 USB C Adapter guarantee the accurate construction required to produce the best possible performance from computer audio equipment.

The Frey 2 USB Cable is available in lengths from 0.6 Meters to 2 Meters while the Frey 2 USB C Adapter is 17cm. Both the Frey 2 USB Cable and C Adapter will be available for purchase at select Nordost dealers, worldwide. To find the Nordost dealer nearest you, visit the “Where to Buy” page on www.nordost.com.