A great deal of the electrical noise in hifi systems is
caused by imperfections in the power domain. These imperfections may be generated by airborne pollution
on the AC line that are induced, in part, by increasing
amounts of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular signals. Airborne pollution can take the form of high frequency interference, noise, and stray magnetic fields, which lead to AC line contamination. A poor, or “unclean”, ground causes more performance imperfections than most people realize. Without an effective ground point, the entire foundation of your sound system becomes jeopardized—and unfortunately, most listening rooms simply do not have access to a designated line, attached to a ground rod. In these instances, a simple, effective, and internal option is needed: Nordost’s QKORE Ground Unit.

The QKORE is a parallel grounding device, which provides an artificial, “clean” earth for hifi audio systems using both an electrical and mechanical approach. This unique product combines Nordost’s patented Mono-Filament technology with purpose-built, Low-Voltage Attractor Plates (LVAPs), constructed with a proprietary metal alloy and a passive electronic circuit, in order to draw stray high frequency noise and voltage-generated magnetic fields to a manufactured earth point, leaving a clean reference behind. This passive system is contained in a mechanically tuned housing, and outfitted with gold-plated, WBT binding posts, which easily connect each component to an artificial ground. By providing for a balanced and very “clean” ground point, by-products of electrical balance imperfections between voltage and ground are no longer added to other pollutants, dramatically increasing high quality audio circuit performances.

Nordost’s QKORE is available in three distinct models. The QKORE1 is specifically designed to serve as a parallel ground for use with Nordost’s distribution block, the QBASE. By connecting the QBASE to

the QKORE1’s singular binding post, it provides an effective, alternative ground on the primary side of the power supply. The QKORE3 is named for its three available binding posts, which can be used to ground any component in your system on the secondary side of a power supply, where the audio circuit is. For audiophiles who have monoblocks in their system, or are searching for an all-in-one unit solution, Nordost offers The QKORE6, making it possible to ground all elements of your sound system on its 6 binding posts, including one ground for your distribution block, two grounds for the left and right channels of your monoblocks, and three grounds for additional audio components.

In order to complete this comprehensive grounding system, Nordost has also designed a designated QKORE Wire, which is constructed to provide the path of least resistance to ground, for the stray, high-frequency, low-voltage potentials that can affect the performance of your sound system. The 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 16 AWG, silver-plated OFC, solid core conductor. The QKORE Wire can be terminated with the following connectors: spade, banana, male-XLR, female-XLR, BNC and RCA (further termination options available).

The QKORE grounding system is the most effective, comprehensive grounding solution in the consumer electronics market. When introduced to a hifi audio system, the results are immediate and dramatic— the noise floor drops, the increase in harmonic accuracy and clarity is unmistakable, and the overall musicality in system performance is elevated. Every aspect of Nordost’s QKORE grounding system is thoughtfully designed and manufactured in the USA to the highest standards in the industry, in order to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction. 

Nordost is historically on the cutting-edge of the hifi audio industry. With the introduction of each new product, Nordost continues to push the “sonic boundaries” in every corner of the market it occupies: power, resonance control, analog and digital cabling, etc. However, there comes a point where simply increasing gauge size or changing materials will no longer lead to the level of improvements that Nordost deems worthy of a “step up” in range. In digital cabling, the Tyr 2 USB has achieved that level of greatness. In order to improve upon this already stellar cable and meet Nordost’s lofty standard for its Reference Valhalla 2 range, a total redesign was in order.

The Valhalla 2 USB 2.0 is revolutionary in terms of USB cable design. For the first time, Nordost is introducing a flat, twin-axial geometry to its USB cables. This innovative layout allows the two signal wires to run parallel, compared to the standard twisted-pair configuration, shortening the signal path and drastically increasing transfer speeds. Another advantage to a twin-axial design is the ability to separate the power (positive) and ground (negative) legs of the cable, isolating them from signal and each other, minimizing the effects of harmful interference. The Valhalla 2 USB 2.0 then goes one step further, taking the precaution of isolating the signal conductors, by covering each power leg with a finely-braided, silver shield, as well as enclosing both signal conductors in their own braided, silver shields. Each shield is connected to the metal plated backshell, completely ridding the cable of any EMI or RFI and eliminating noise.

In addition to these advances, the Valhalla 2 USB 2.0 still uses all of the main technologies and design structures that Nordost has built its reputation upon. The V2 USB 2.0 is constructed using four, 19 AWG solid core, silver-plated copper conductors. Each conductor, both power and signal, is suspended in Nordost’s proprietary Dual Mono-Filament technology, increasing the dielectric and mechanical damping, while maintaining the overall flexibility of the cable. It also takes advantage of Nordost’s unique, mechanically tuned lengths, reducing internal microphonics and high-frequency impedance resonance.

Of course, as with all of our Valhalla 2 cables, the V2 USB is completed with a HOLO:PLUG® connector. Nordost purpose-built this fully shielded, low mass USB connector to ensure that there is no loss of signal transfer from the cable to the connectors themselves. The Valhalla 2 USB 2.0 is the only solution on the market capable of elevating digital streaming, attaining true, reference-quality results.

The Valhalla 2 USB 2.0 is now 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.

Nordost is proud to introduce the new Tyr 2 USB 2.0 Cable, further expanding the most advanced range in the Norse 2 Family. The Tyr 2 Range is truly a unique place in the Nordost line-up, taking reference quality products and making them available for an unbeatable value. Now this same principal can be applied to computer audio. Due to the increasing amounts of data and information being processed through music servers and hard-drive storage systems, as well as the rising popularity of high-resolution audio downloads, the use of hifi audio-specific USB cables is critical to the fidelity of sound reproduction. By utilizing premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and precision craftsmanship, the Tyr 2 USB delivers the ultimate level of performance, and is guaranteed to take your computer audio system to the next level.

The Tyr 2 USB 2.0 Cable is constructed using 4×20 AWG solid core, silver-plated, oxygen free copper 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 solid core conductor is then wrapped in Nordost’s proprietary Dual Mono-Filament technology before being enclosed in extruded FEP, which lowers the capacitance of the cable, both increasing signal speed and bandwidth.

The Tyr 2 USB 2.0 Cable arranges its conductors in a precise, twisted, double helix geometry in order to ensure characteristic impedance, minimize cross-talk, and reduce noise. To even further reduce noise, and protect the USB signal path from any external interference, Nordost employs a dual-layer, silver foil jacket and silver braided shield. Finally, before being terminated with gold-plated, fully shielded connectors, the Tyr 2 USB is cut to mechanically tuned lengths, which reduce internal microphonics and high-frequency impedance resonance.

As with all Nordost products, the Tyr 2 USB 2.0 Cable is handmade in the USA, ensuring a high level of production quality and the extreme precision necessary to manufacture USB cables capable of overcoming jitter and timing errors. The Tyr 2 USB 2.0 Cable is the solution you need in order to achieve the superb sound staging, wide dynamic range, and precise timing you have been looking for in computer audio.

The Tyr 2 USB 2.0 is now 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.

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1st

Nordost’s Sort Lift® is the preeminent cable support in the consumer electronics industry, and is the latest addition to our Sort System. By utilizing a patent pending floating spring design, the Sort Lift® enhances the sonic performance of loudspeaker cables, power cords, and interconnects, by minimizing the points of contact that cables make with the ground and reducing boundary effects, without negatively affecting the resonant properties of the cables themselves.

The Sort Lift® is composed of two integral components: the base and the springs. The base is a stable, anodized, aluminum disk, designed to inhibit any transference of electrical charge from the floor to the cable and eliminate static build-up on the dielectric itself. This base supports the proprietary Floating Spring System. The Floating Spring System uses a flexible, titanium alloy spring-wire, which makes up both the support wings and tension wire supports. In both elements, the alloy wire is coated in FEP, mirroring the design of Nordost cables and making the supports an extension of the cable jacket, eliminating any electrical interference, while allowing the cables to maintain their natural resonance properties.

Sort Lifts® are provided in packs of two. They are intended to be spaced between 0.5 and 1 meter apart in distance, so that the cable does not come in contact with the floor. The spacing may depend on the weight and flexibility of the cable being supported. While designed to be used primarily with Nordost cables, any audio cable will benefit from using the Sort Lift®. Noticeable effects include an elevated sound stage, improved dynamic range, increased detail in low frequency reproductions and more natural timbre to the sound.

•  Proprietary Floating Spring System uses titanium alloy and FEP coating

•  Anodized aluminum base

•  Reduces boundary effects and electrical interference

•  Inhibits transference of electrical charge and rids the dielectric of static build-up

•  Elevates sound stage, improves dynamic range, and increases detail in low frequency reproductions

Due to all the success that our Heimdall 2 Headphone Cable has received, Nordost is answering consumer demands by providing a lower-priced solution! The Blue Heaven Headphone Cable, is a profound improvement over the sub-standard, detachable wire provided with many headphones. Using our Micro Mono-Filament, Litz construction, FEP extrusion and an Aramid fiber strength member, the Blue Heaven Headphone Cable is the best interface for mid to high level headphones. Unlike the Heimdall 2 version, Nordost’s newest headphone cable is terminated with a 3.5mm stereo mini plug and is provided with a threaded, 3.5mm to 6.3mm (1/4in) stereo phono adapter that easily and securely screws onto the original termination. The Blue Heaven Headphone Cable is compatible with many popular headphones on the market, and is available in 1.25m and 2m lengths.

Learn More About The Blue Heaven Headphone Cable Here

Nordost is further broadening its range of digital cables by introducing the Blue Heaven and Heimdall 2 Ethernet Cables to their lineup. These cables are the solution that digitally-driven hifi enthusiasts have been waiting for, allowing Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices and music streaming to be fully integrated into a hifi system while improving its sonic performance. These are fully shielded cables, terminated with high quality 8P8C/RJ45 connectors. Nordost’s new Ethernet cables meet the demands for high-speed data and increased bandwidth, achieving speeds of up to 600 MHz for the Blue Heaven, and 1000 MHz for the Heimdall 2.

Learn more here:

Blue Heaven Ethernet Cable

Heimdall 2 Ethernet Cable

Digital signal transfer is one of the most delicate processes in hifi. Due to their fragile nature,digital signals rely on exacting impedance matching and precisely defined transmission standards (S/PDIF and AES/EBU) in order to achieve accurate data transfer. Without these strict transmission standards it would be impossible to yield a satisfactory performance level from today’s high-resolution digital audio servers. However, several supposedly dedicated digital cables deviate significantly from these exacting impedance characteristics, resulting in severe digital degradation—not Tyr 2.

Tyr 2 S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital leads are produced using cutting-edge technology, adherence to standards, and precision in workmanship. This extra attention given to our cables during the production phase guarantees the tight tolerance of characteristic impedance necessary to ensure greater musical detail, virtually unimpeded by timing errors or destructive jitter. At their base, both the 75 Ohm and 110 Ohm cables are constructed using silver-plated, solid core, conductors which are suspended in Nordost’s patented Dual Mono-Filament technology, creating a virtual air dielectric. They also both benefit from the implementation of mechanically tuned lengths, which have been meticulously calculated to reduce internal microphony and high frequency impedance resonance in the cable. The combination of these technologies yields cables with the extreme bandwith necessary to accomplish zero-loss data transfer.

The function of these two cables is dictated by their differences in design and build. Tyr 2 75 Ohm S/PDIF Digital Interconnects employ a coaxial design and are terminated with gold-plated Neutrik BNC connectors for correct impedance matching. All Tyr 2 75 Ohm Interconnects are supplied with gold-plated RCA adapters to accommodate their function. Tyr 2 110 Ohm AES/EBU Digital Interconnects use a twinaxial design and are terminated with gold-plated Neutrik XLR connectors, ensuring that they maintain constant impedance throughout the cabling, as well as across terminations.

Nordost’s Tyr 2 Digital Interconnects are designed, manufactured, and terminated in the USA. Both the S/PDIF and AES/EBU versions start at one meter lengths and are available in additional half-meter increments.

75 Ohm S/PDIF:

• Coaxial Design

• 1 X18 AWG Conductor

• Dual Mono-Filament

• Mechanically Tuned

• Gold-plated True 75 Ohm Neutrik BNC Connectors

• Gold-plated BNC-RCA Adapters

• Handcrafted in the USA

110 Ohm AES/EBU:

• Twinaxial Design

• 2 X19 AWG Conductors

• Dual Mono-Filament

• Mechanically Tuned

• Gold-plated True 110 Ohm Neutrik XLR Connectors

• Handcrafted in the USA

Nordost is proud to introduce the newest addition to the QRT range of power products: the QLINE Ground Wire. Nordost’s QLINE is the most effective method to achieve a solid secondary ground for your hifi audio system. This unique and effective ground wire will not only increase the size and depth of your soundstage, but will reduce the sonic pollution being fed to your audio system, and eliminate the noise generated by the overlapping of multiple circuits or ground loops that are created within electrical circuits.

The QLINE is constructed with a 231 strand, 10 AWG, plated conductor and uses Nordost’s patented Micro Mono-Filament technology, combined with extruded FEP insulation. The QRT Ground Wire serves as the missing link needed to complete the circuit — whether grounding from device to device or connecting the QBASE ground post to a designated, external ground rod or grounding box through its unique, low resistance path.

 As is true with all of Nordost’s QRT power products, the QLINE is designed to alleviate the impact of poor quality AC power on your sensitive electronics. By limiting RFI and timing errors associated with the AC line, it brings AC power closer to the desired “distortion-less condition”. Nordost’s QLINE is best used in conjunction with the rest of the QRT range, and will result in a more discernable soundstage, greater dynamic range and a lower noise floor for your system.

 Nordost’s QRT Ground Wire is available in multiple lengths with air-tight, waterproof terminations in order to accommodate your specific needs. Installing a designated ground for your hifi system is the most efficient and direct approach to eliminate ground loops and AC hum. However, it is important to consult a local electrician to ensure that the improvements you make to your sound system remain to code.

NORDOST QLINE GROUND WIRE

Computer Audio has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Recently, audiophiles have seized the opportunity to streamline the process in which they enjoy music by integrating music servers and DACs into their hifi systems. However, in order to maintain, and even enhance, the performance of your system, it is important not to neglect any aspect of your system’s cabling. The Purple Flare USB 2.0 Data Cable is the perfect solution for hifi audio enthusiasts trying to accommodate DACs that require micro-B and mini-B connectors.

The new Purple Flare USB 2.0 Data Cable combines OFC conductors with Nordost’s innovative precision FEP extrusion technology, greatly reducing dielectric properties in order to increase signal speeds and ensure both electrical and sonic integrity. This double-shielded cable provides the detailed and dynamic results that music servers and DACs are capable of. Audiophiles will be amazed at the amazing improvements that can be achieved at this modest price point.

The fully shielded, metal jacket connectors used on the Purple Flare USB 2.0 Data Cable guarantee the utmost accuracy in signal transfer. Purpose built to serve any DAC or music server, the Purple Flare USB 2.0 Data Cable is available with standard-A to standard-B, micro-B, or mini-B terminations.

Digital cables make a difference, and USBs are no exception. The Purple Flare USB 2.0 Data cable is the most efficient and cost-effective digital cable, capable of delivering the ones and zeroes with maximum precision. With this cable in your setup, you will find a lift in your system that is simply not possible when using its stock counterparts.

• 4 x 28 AWG OFC conductors
• High performance, low dielectric FEP insulation
• Double-shielded braid
• Fully shielded, metal jacket connectors
• Handcrafted in the USA

Nordost Purple Flare USB 2.0 Cable