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

Nordost’s 4K UHD cables are the first in the industry that allow customers to experience the high frame rates and Deep Color promised from their 4K compatible components.

The design philosophy of Nordost’s 4K UHD Cables, as well as the materials used in their construction, maximize high speed digital signaling, while eliminating incessant and damaging factors such as jitter, timing errors and crosstalk. Both the Valhalla 2 and Heimdall 2 4K use Nordost’s proprietary Micro Mono-Filament technology, increasing the velocity of propagation by 20%, allowing the current to travel along the conductor’s surface with virtually no impedance. Nordost’s 4K UHD cables are arranged in a twin-axial, shielded pair design. This design topology allows for shorter and more accurate wire lengths, which in turn reduces errors, while shielding overcomes any crosstalk issues. The Valhalla 2 4K cable even increases its gauge size, which allows it to surpass flow standards and carry Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) beyond the critical speeds necessary to achieve excellent data transfer.

Thanks to new, groundbreaking proprietary electronics, Nordost is able to guarantee the same excellent results at longer cable lengths.  The Valhalla 2 4K cable can reach up to a staggering 15 meters. All active circuitry implemented into our cabling is individually programmed and tested to ensure that 4K bandwidth requirements surpass the highest standards as defined by DPL Labs.

All Valhalla 2 and Heimdall 2 4K UHD Cables are handmade in Nordost’s Massachusetts-based factory. Nordost is the only cable manufacturer with the ability to design each function of the UHD interface, assemble, and test the performance of every 4K UHD cable produced. By keeping the production of this cable in the USA, Nordost can ensure premium quality and an adherence to specification standards that is impossible for companies that outsource their manufacturing.

Learn More:

Heimdall 2 4K

Valhalla 2 4K

Yesterday, Nordost launched its newest Supreme Reference Series Odin 2 at High End 2015. The highly anticipated Odin 2 Range is truly the most exceptional hifi audio cable range in the consumer electronics market. After years of extensive research and development, the new Odin 2 Cables integrate all of the advancements in cable technology and procedures that Nordost has learned since the introduction of the first iteration of Odin nearly a decade ago. The new Odin 2 Range consists of analog, digital, and tonearm interconnects, as well as loudspeaker, bi-wire jumper and power cables. Each cable type uses Nordost’s patented Dual Mono-Filament process, revolutionary Total Signal Control technology, and innovative, proprietary HOLO:PLUG® connectors in order to ensure a transformative effect on hifi sound systems.

The Odin 2 Power Cord is constructed with seven silver-plated, close tolerance, 14 AWG 99.999999% oxygen free copper conductors. Nordost’s patented Dual Mono-Filament technology creates a virtual air dielectric between the extruded FEP insulation and each individual conductor. Nordost’s TSC technology is then carried throughout the cable and into its purpose-built, 100% shielded, HOLO:PLUG® connector. Odin 2 Power Cords are available with HOLO:PLUG® US (Nema), EU (Schuko), AUS or UK to Odin 2 HOLO:PLUG® IEC-C15 or IEC-C19 terminations.

Odin 2 Analog Interconnects consist of ten silver-plated, 23 AWG 99.999999% OFC conductors, each utilizing proprietary Dual Mono-Filament technology and precise FEP extrusion. Odin 2 phono and balanced interconnects are also constructed using purpose built low mass, dual ring HOLO:PLUG® RCA or XLR connectors which reduce vibrations and eddy currents when mated to components.

For turntable users, Nordost has introduced a dedicated tonearm cable consisting of four silver-plated, solid core conductors wrapped in a patented Dual Mono-Filament suspension and protected by Nordost’s Total Signal Control technology. These four TSC tubes are precisely arranged around a dedicated ground wire. Odin 2 Tonearm Cables are terminated with customized, extremely low mass HOLO:PLUG® connectors, weighing less than half the mass of conventional Din connectors, including straight or 90º Din, XLR and RCA.

Odin 2 Digital Cables ensure the impedance matching necessary for S/PDIF and AES/EBU leads. The 75 Ohm cable consists of a single, co-axial, silver-plated, solid core conductor. The 110 Ohm cable is constructed with two silver-plated conductors placed in a twin-axial design. Both Odin 2 Digital Interconnects use Nordost’s patented Dual Mono-Filament and TSC technologies and are terminated with Nordost’s purpose-built XLR and BNC HOLO:PLUG® connectors, elevating these cables to a level never before achieved by digital leads. (The 75 Ohm S/PDIF digital cable is supplied with a gold plated BNC/RCA adapter)

Odin 2 Loudspeaker Cables use 26 silver-plated, solid core conductors. Each conductor takes advantage of Nordost’s Dual Mono-Filament technology and is encased in a high purity class 1.003 FEP extrusion. The conductors are carefully arranged and precisely spaced on either side of a hollow inner core in order to provide a perfect mechanical interface along the length of the cable. The Odin 2 Bi-Wire Jumper has an identical construction, making it the perfect extension to accommodate bi-wire speakers while maintaining a consistent sonic signature throughout an entire sound system.  Both Odin 2 Loudspeaker and Bi-Wire Jumper Cables are terminated with Nordost’s gold-plated HOLO:PLUG® spade and Z-plug banana connectors to ensure maximum surface contact and signal transfer.

Joe Reynolds, President of Nordost, announces, “We are very excited about the launch of Odin 2, which is a major improvement over our flagship Odin cables. The introduction of our patented HOLO:PLUG® technology lifts this cable to a new pinnacle of performance. We have applied all of the knowledge we have acquired over many years of research and development to offer the most state-of-the-art cable solution possible.The response from our beta testers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we can’t wait to finally introduce Odin 2 into the market.”

Nordost’s newest addition to their Supreme Reference Series will unleash every facet of a live performance and allow listeners to fully immerse themselves in a complete and pure musical experience. Odin 2 doesn’t just set the standard; it blows the standards away.

When looking for the perfect installation cable to use in setting up a home sound system, three areas must be addressed: durability, discrete placement, and performance. Nordost Leifstyle installation cables are purpose-built with all three criteria in mind.

Nordost’s newest addition to the Leifstyle line, the 14-2 Speaker Cable, uses two 14 AWG, 99.9999% OFC stranded conductors, which have been extruded with premium PVC. This heavy gauged speaker cable is specifically constructed for in-wall installation. As such, Nordost’s 14-2 Speaker Cable is RoHS Compliant and has a UL rating of CL3, which is rated for up to 300 volts. The 14-2 Speaker Cable’s durability and flexibility make it the perfect solution for snaking your speaker cables through walls, giving your listening room a sleek look without compromising the sound and integrity of your sound system.

The new Leifstyle 14-2 Speaker Cable is available in an extremely wide variety of lengths in order to accommodate any job. But while your 14-2 Leifstyle cable may not be seen once installed, it will certainly be heard with clarity! The performance level of your audio system will receive a noticeable lift, increasing musical flow, dynamics and expressive range—gains that can only be achieved with the precision and detail that is put into every Nordost product. Leifstyle installation cables follow Nordost’s unique and simplistic cable philosophy: cables are connections, not filters, so that you are left with an impression of the music, not of the cabling.

• Insulation: Extruded Premium PVC
• Conductors: 41 strand 2×14 AWG
• Material: 99.9999% OFC
• Capacitance: 11.0pF/ft
• Inductance: 0.19uH/ft
• Velocity of propagation: 85% Speed of light
• Termination: Gold-plated Spade or Z-plug Banana
• Approvals: RoHS Compliant, UL: CL3

The consumer electronics market is constantly evolving thanks to the development of new technologies as well as the shifting whims of customers. In the past five years the push towards personal audio has been overwhelming. What started out as an offshoot based on convenience, has morphed into an industry that has become a preference for many people. Audiophiles have launched into headfi with a great deal of fervor. These enthusiasts take the same care in customizing their personal audio set-up as they do their listening rooms. As music enthusiasts begin to amass personal audio gear, it is important to remember that whether sound is distributed by speaker or headphone, the fundamentals remain the same—foundation is paramount.

The Heimdall 2 Headphone Cable consists of 32 AWG 7/40 conductors which have been individually insulated and twisted using Litz construction. Litz construction increases the pliability, as well as eliminates triboelectric noise within the cable and improves upon mechanical damping. In order to accommodate the added durability demanded from headphone cables, Nordost has included an Aramid fiber strength member to the construction of this cable. Integrating Aramid fibers into the cable design not only ensures its mechanical integrity, transferring the strain away from the cable’s conductors and to the fibers themselves, but the resonating properties of aramid fibers also enhance sound quality.

To take things to the next level, the Heimdall 2 Headphone Cable employs Nordost’s proprietary Micro Mono-Filament technology with extruded FEP insulation around the conductors, as well as mechanically tuned lengths, which reduce internal microphony and high-frequency impedance resonance. As a result, the Heimdall 2 Headphone Cable acts as the ideal conduit to transfer an amazingly realistic reproduction of sound from your system to your hifi headphones.

The Heimdall 2 Headphone Cable is available with a variety of termination options that are compatible with all major players in the headphone market.  (Click HERE for a list of available terminations and their corresponding headphones.) Each cable is 2M and is terminated with a 4 pin balanced XLR male connector on the source end and also includes two adapters which are comprised of identical construction and technology as the headphone cable itself, and have also been cut to specific, mechanically tuned lengths. Both adaptors are terminated with a 4 pin balanced XLR female connector on one end and either a 3.5mm stereo mini or a 1/4in stereo phono on the opposite end.

Personal audio has revolutionized the world of hifi and allowed audiophiles to appreciate music in a whole new way. The advances made by leading headphone manufacturers as well manufacturers of amps, DACs and music players have made it possible to make hifi portable—so why disparage those gains with substandard headphone cables? Nordost’s Heimdall 2 Headphone Cable now enables you to enjoy the hi-fidelity sound quality that you have been craving from the personal audio market.