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.
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!
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.
If you have ever read the literature about Nordost’s QRT Audio Enhancers, you are familiar with their cohesive and cumulative nature. What does that mean? Two things: QRT products all work together to accomplish their desired effect, and the more QRT products used, the better your results will be.
In this blog, we will take a moment to look at how products that make up the QRT family work together, which of Nordost’s Sort System Resonance Control products can enhance your investment in QRT, and some examples of fully optimized hifi systems, using Nordost’s QRT line.
QBASE Mark III
The QASE Mark III is a passive AC distribution unit that addresses the noise caused by conflicting signal and ground paths in a hifi system. It does this by using Star Earth Topology, a design that provides ground separation and allows stray voltages and eddy currents to be referred to one, central, ground point. In the current QRT line, the only difference between the QB4 and the QB8 (or the QB6 in the UK) is the number of outlets available to each model: 4 or 8 (or 6). So, when choosing a QBASE Mark III, simply discern the number of components you need to plug into your system, and the amperage needed to run your system, both QBASE Mark III options are available with either a C-14 or C-20 IEC (C-14 IEC = 15/10 amp, C-20 IEC = 20/16 amp), and you are good to go. For more information on the QBASE Mark III, click HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QBASE Mark III:
QRT Plug-Ins – QSINE, QWAVE, QVIBE, and QKOIL devices improve upon poor-quality AC. More information on each, individual QRT Plug-In can be found HERE.
QKORE – Grounds the primary side of the power supply through artificial, parallel grounding.
QKORE Wire/Premium QKORE Wire – Offer a connection from the binding post on the QBASE to the QKORE Ground Unit.
QLINE – In appropriate situations, this offers a connection from the binding post on the QBASE to an external ground rod or grounding box.
QRT Stand Mount – Adds stability and the ability to introduce resonance control.
Sort Kones – 4 Sort Kones of your choice to drain damaging vibrations from the chassis of the QBASE.
QBASE Reference
The QBASE Reference, like the QBASE Mark III, is a power distribution unit. However, in addition to providing 10 outlets, the QB10 is a dramatic upgrade including a Dual Primary Earth design, internal solid core Micro Mono-Filament wiring, Pre-QKORE ground design, specifically optimized and modified QPOINT technology, multiple internal QSINE and QWAVE devices, and resonance control Sort support. For more information on the QBASE Reference, click HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QBASE Reference:
QRT Plug-Ins – While two QSINE and QWAVE devices are already included within the internal design of the QBASE Reference, the modular and cumulative nature of QRT Plug-Ins means that more will always be better.
QKORE – Grounds the primary side of the power supply with an artificial, parallel grounding device.
QKORE Wire/Premium QKORE Wire – Offer a connection from the binding post on the QBASE Reference to the QKORE Ground Unit.
QLINE – In appropriate situations, this offers a connection from the binding post on the QBASE to an external ground rod or grounding box.
QKORE
QKORE parallel grounding devices provide an artificial, “clean” earth for hifi systems by using both an electrical and mechanical approach. By drawing stray high-frequency noise and voltage-generated magnetic fields to a manufactured earth point, the QKORE leaves a clean reference behind. There are models of QKORE that differ in the number of binding posts available: QKORE1 with one binding post that grounds the primary side of the power supply, QKORE3 with three binding posts that ground the secondary side of the power supply, and the QKORE6 with six binding posts which grounds both primary and secondary sides of the power supply. For more information on the QKORE, visit HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QKORE:
QKORE Wire/Premium QKORE Wire – Provides connection from components in the system to the binding posts on the QKORE Ground Unit.
Sort Kones – 3 or 4 Sort Kones of your choice to drain damaging vibrations from the chassis of the QKORE.
QPOINT
The QPOINT is a resonance synchronizer that manipulates the electromechanical resonances inside audio components within its immediate proximity so that they resonate in unison with each other. For more information on the QPOINT, visit HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QPOINT:
QSOURCE – Provides stable, clean DC power which feeds the QPOINT so that it can produce the maximum output.
QSOURCE DC Cable/Premium QSOURCE DC Cable – Connects the QPOINT to the QSOURCE Linear Power Supply
QNET
The QNET is a layer-2, five-port Ethernet switch designed and constructed from the ground up to maximize audio performance. Placing a QNET in a digitally driven system dramatically improves the transmission and receival of high-speed audio signals, while achieving extremely low noise operation. For more information on the QNET, visit HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QNET:
QSOURCE – Provides stable, clean DC power which feeds the QNET so that it can produce the maximum output.
QSOURCE DC Cable/Premium QSOURCE DC Cable – Connects the QNET to the QSOURCE Linear Power Supply
QNET Stand– Adds stability and the ability to introduce resonance control.
Sort Kones – 3 Sort Kones of your choice to drain damaging vibrations from the chassis of the QNET.
QSOURCE
The QSOURCE is a linear power supply that provides a stable, clean output of DC Power at select voltages. Its unique design removes electrical anomalies and noise artifacts from the line and smooths out DC output. For more information on the QSOURCE, visit HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QSOURCE:
QSOURCE DC Cable/Premium QSOURCE DC Cable – Connects the QSOURCE to the QPOINT, QNET, and any other DC-run audio component that can receive power from Nordost’s linear power supply.
QRT Stand Mount – Adds stability and the ability to introduce resonance control.
Sort Kones – 4 Sort Kones of your choice to drain damaging vibrations from the chassis of the QSOURCE.
In a hifi system, every link in the chain makes a difference. In the last 20 years, digital sources have all but taken over the audio world. During this digital revolution, the network infrastructure that supports components like DACs, streamers, NAS drives, etc. has become exceedingly important. A huge part of this foundation is an audio-optimized network switch – a device that may seem inconsequential at first, put actually plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital playback…
Data Transmission Stability
Audio network switches must ensure the stable and reliable transmission of data within a hifi audio system. Uninterrupted data flow is essential for maintaining signal integrity, preventing jitter, and minimizing delays. Nordost’s QNET Network Switch is designed with a high speed, multi-layered, impedance-controlled layout, which optimizes signal routes, provides a stable environment for data transfer, and minimizes reflections, interference and crosstalk.
Noise Reduction
Audio systems are sensitive to electrical noise, so standard switches, with their inferior craftsmanship, often introduce unwanted interference. With Nordost, you don’t have to worry. Every aspect of the QNET, from part to placement, was made to perfect the transmission and receival of high-speed audio signals, while achieving extremely low noise operation. In addition to the many design features that contribute to noise reduction in the QNET, Nordost’s network switch takes it to the next level, providing five, physically separated, independently powered ports, each accommodating an 8P8C (RJ45) connector. The physical separation preserves the purity of the audio signal and enhances the listening experience.
Precision Timing
Timing accuracy is critical in audio reproduction. Network switches help synchronize data packets, reducing timing errors, and ensuring that audio signals are transmitted with precision. Nordost’s QNET utilizes an extremely low-noise, stable oscillator for the main clock which is mounted to the motherboard (unlike most switches, which opt for a sister board mount) to prioritize timing considerations which, in turn, contribute to improved audio clarity.
Enhanced Streaming Performance
As hifi systems increasingly rely on streaming services for audio content, the performance of the network switch is becoming even more crucial. A high-quality audio switch, like the QNET, helps to optimize streaming performance, reducing buffering times and enhancing streaming quality.
In the pursuit of the perfect performance, network switches play a crucial role in ensuring the stability, purity, and precision of audio data transmission. Nordost’s QNET was created to be an audio-specific solution, offering advanced features that contribute to an elevated listening experience in a digitally driven system. It is the perfect choice for music lovers seeking audio excellence.
You’ve done the research. You’ve found the equipment to match the system of your dreams. You’ve put in the hours of thoughtful, room-specific set up. You’ve even invested in the foundation of your system, paying attention to the cables and power products that make you components sing. You are SO CLOSE to perfection you can almost taste [or pointedly, hear] it. What’s missing? Support!
Nordost Sort Kones are the secret weapon in the battle against damaging vibration. These directly coupled, mechanically tuned resonance control devices effectively wick electrical components of harmful internal vibrations, correcting timing errors and distortions that may be occurring within your devices. Once engaged, Sort Kones provide a “blacker” background to your system, imparting stronger focus, more transparency, and greater dynamic range.
Sort Kones are a comprehensive tool — they can be used with virtually all components. However, when developing our own components, Nordost has taken the chance to offer an extra level of customization…
Enter, Nordost’s QRT Stand Mount and QNET Stand. The QRT Stand Mount serves as a crucial foundation for optimizing the performance of the QSOURCE and QBASE, while the QNET Stand serves the same purpose for the QNET. These stands provide a stable, level, isolated platform, custom fitted for Nordost Sort Kones, that is especially needed in high-end systems that rely on cables which are heavy with the weight of technology and sonic potential!
The QRT Stand Mount and QNET Stand are integral design elements of their QRT counterparts, seamlessly pairing with Sort Kones, and completing Nordost’s vision for optimal performance with a holistic approach to audio support.
The QBASE Reference is Nordost’s most sophisticated, all-encompassing power solution to date. This multi-faceted, reference-level AC distribution unit operates as a filter-less alternative to power conditioners, delivering clean, uncompromised power without imparting its own sonic characteristics on performance or limiting AC current. When any product of this caliber enters the scene, there are questions. We wanted to address some of the most frequently asked questions here so that you can find your answers in one place!
Q: Is the QBASE REFERENCE an AC conditioner?
A: No. Unlike traditional power conditioners that may limit bandwidth and compress dynamics, the QBASE Reference uses parallel passive and active technologies to prevent distortion and reduce noise. This completely filter-less approach mitigates system noise while enhancing dynamics and maintaining bandwidth.
Q: How does the QBASE Reference differ from the QBASE Mark III?
A: Like the QBASE Mark III, the QBASE Reference is, at its core, a passive distribution component that uses star-earth topology to direct the signal and ground paths of system components to minimize the noise floor. But it’s much more than that.
In the QBASE Reference, we have added a dual primary earth design to our star earth topology, which is a first in our line. We have also upgraded the internal monofilament wiring and enhanced the board traces over those in the QB8, to allow the QBASE Reference to handle more current. Another benefit to the QBASE Reference is the addition of more outlets, power cord connector supports, and even built-in, resonance control, Sort Supports. However it is the internal enhancements that account for the extreme noise elimination accomplished by the QBASE Reference, and that is achieved through the addition of multiple internal QSINE and QWAVE devices and specifically optimized QPOINT technology.
Q: How should I position the QBASE Reference in my sound system?
A: Place the QBASE Reference on a stable, solid surface, ideally on a dedicated shelf of an audio rack or an amp stand. From there, you can easily adjust its Sort Supports to ensure that the component is level during use.
Q: What can I expect to hear when auditioning the QBASE Reference?
A: • Overall frequency response from bass to unrestricted upper frequencies
For most people, loudspeakers are one of the biggest investments they’ll make in their hifi system. When making a purchase of this size, there are many things to consider, not least of which is how they actually sound in your space! When you land on a decision, you are no doubt happy with the performance, but did you know that you can get even more out of your loudspeakers with just two simple upgrades?
Upgrading your loudspeaker cables is an easy enhancement that makes a huge impact in terms of performance quality. Nordost is renowned for its commitment to the precision and quality build of its audio cables, and its loudspeaker cable design and performance are what put it on the map.
Nordost’s unique, flat speaker cable design has the following benefits:
Minimized Strand Interaction
Optimized Mechanical Resonances
Decreased Skin Effect
Reduction in Physical Surface Contact
This is the perfect equation to yield a low capacitance, low inductance speaker cable with incredibly fast transmission speeds (aka exactly what your loudspeakers need)!
Resonance control is another simple, yet impactful upgrade that can be a total game changer for loudspeakers. Internal vibration is an unavoidable byproduct of loudspeakers; Sort Füt is the solution. Nordost’s Sort Füt is a mechanically tuned resonance control device that eliminates the unwanted internal vibrations that loudspeakers generate, by providing a direct path for extraneous energy to escape from speaker chassis.
What audible improvements can you expect using Nordost’s Sort Füt?
Reduction of Intermodulation Distortion
Increase in Tonal and Textural Details
Expanded System Dynamics
Whether you choose to enhance your loudspeakers with Nordost speaker cables, Sort Füt, or both, you will be investing in a significant upgrade that will truly impact how you interact with your music for the better. Why not get the most out of the speakers you already own and love?
What better way to start off the new year than by giving the people what they “liked” most throughout the past year, all in one spot! This 2023 blog round-up includes our posts from last year that received the most engagement, whether that be likes, shares, comments, retweets, Instagram reactions, or however you feel like measuring nowadays. Here are your favorite blogs of 2023!
Recently, the idea and means of artificial grounding have been a hot topic in the audio industry. Effective electrical grounding in a hifi audio system can mean the difference between enjoying your music and falling in love with it. System noise is a complicated and incessant problem for so many, so why not answer all of your questions in one place?
What is a loom of cables, and why does it matter in the context of a sound system? This blog explores the idea of cable signatures, mixing cable brands, and shows you how to get the most cohesive sound from your hifi equipment.
Since their launch in May at the High End in Munich, people have been very curious about our new QRT Plug-Ins. With every new technology and new product there will be questions that need to be answered. We want to make sure that you get all your answers as easily as possible, so we have put some of our most frequently asked and answered questions together here!
The QBASE was first released to the audio world in 2009. Almost 15 years and two iterations later, the QBASE is still as sought after as when it was launched. However, over those 15 years, much has been improved. In this blog, we answer your questions about the QBASE Mark III, including how it compares to the QBASE Mark II.
The resurgence of vinyl has taken the audio market by storm. Just like any hifi lover, vinyl junkies are sure to want to make the most out of their purchases. If you’re looking for an easy upgrade to elevate your listening experience switching out your standard tonearm cable and power cord is where to start. This blog lets you know what to expect from those very upgrades.
Nordost’s QRT family consists of several impressive audio enhancers. Each of these offerings works as an individually contained solution, with unique objectives for alleviating the poor power quality that impacts audio systems. We understand that sometimes it’s hard to keep all of these QRT products straight, so in this blog, we briefly explain each QRT solution on the market and the distinctive benefits that they bring to a system.
As hifi enthusiasts, we shell out big money to purchase the components that will give us the best possible sound. A lot of deliberation goes into our purchases to determine the right fit for our systems. But did you know that your consideration shouldn’t stop there? In this blog we show you how Nordost products can ensure you maximize the potential of your amplifier.
Evaluating your system can be a daunting task. At Nordost, we understand your frustration, and we’re here to help! In this blog, we will take you through several tracks that you can use to help fine-tune your speakers, assess how your components interact, and just see if you are getting the most out of your system.
The resurgence of vinyl has taken the audio market by storm. In the past decade, turntable purchases have seen a steady increase worldwide. In the US, turntable sales have risen almost 13% in just one year.1 While the UK saw sales rise by almost 20% during Covid.2
Just like any hifi lover, vinyl junkies are sure to want to make the most out of their purchases. If you’re looking for an easy upgrade to elevate your listening experience even further, premium audio cables are the way to go.
Premium audio cables allow you to hear what your components are truly capable of. When the source of your system is a turntable, both tonearm cables and power cords make a profound difference. Never heard a cable demo before? Don’t worry, here’s what to expect when you switch out your standard tonearm cable and power cord for an audio-specific option:
Tonearm Cable
Enhanced clarity – Experience a significant improvement in clarity and transparency from your music.
Precise sound staging – A wider, more accurate soundstage makes performances sound more realistic and increases your engagement with the music.
Reduced signal degradation – Low-capacitance tonearm cables protect the delicate signals carried by a tonearm lead.
Noise reduction – Proper grounding (like Nordost’s revolutionary grounding solution) eliminates noise typically introduced during signal transfer so that you hear every last detail available on your record.
Power Cord
Decrease in background noise – Improvements in the design of connectors, solid core conductors, and shielding all reduce the electrical noise and interference that can impact audio performance, even accounting for a perceived increase in volume.
Increased dynamics – Better defined high, mid, and low frequencies, as well as an improved transient response, amplify system dynamics and make music more engaging.
Wider soundstage – Clean power leads to a more expansive and enveloping soundstage, lending to more realistic system performance.
When you’re looking for that cable upgrade, why not choose one of the most highly respected, high-end audio cable manufacturers in the audio world? Our extensive range of tonearm cables and power cords ensures that you will be able to find the perfect upgrade to your vinyl rig, no matter your budget.
