We have received an exciting amount of enthusiasm for our new QNET7 Network Switch since its launch this past spring. With this enthusiasm comes a lot of curiosity and questions. So we wanted to share some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our QNET7 here!
Q: What is the QNET7
A: The QNET7 is Nordost’s high-performance Layer-2 Ethernet switch, designed to enhance digital audio quality. Unlike typical modified consumer-grade switches, it minimizes noise and jitter for a cleaner signal path and superior sound quality. It features seven specialized ports with varying speeds and functions, including one offering optical connectivity. The QNET7 Network Switch delivers improved clarity, imaging, and musical fidelity.
Q: How does the QNET7 differ from the original QNET?
A: The QNET is already considered a high-performance network switch, and the principal design concepts of both network switches are similar. However, several distinct elements in the QNET7 offer impressive sonic improvements.
It embeds the traces in its multi-layer PCB design, increasing signal speeds, eliminating crosstalk, and protecting the signal from ground noise.
It uses nine separated, completely independent, ultra-low noise linear power supplies within the device.
It features two onboard temperature-compensated, high-precision clocks.
Port 7 is a fixed 1000Mbps (1G) SFP port compatible with external 1000Base-T (IEEE 802.3ab) and 1000BASE-LX/SX [802.3z-1998 (CL38)] SFP transceivers/modules, supported by single- and multi-mode fibers.
Q: How do I know which SFP modules are compatible with the QNET7 to use in “Port 7”?
Integrate the QRT Stand Mount along with Nordost Sort Kones, which can be used to support both the QNET7 Network Switch and the QSOURCE Linear Power Supply.
Use Nordost Ethernet Cables, available in a range of specifications and price points, to upgrade your digital system.
Q: Can I use the QSOURCE Cable I use for my QPOINT or “original” QNET to power my QNET7 with my QSOURCE?
A: No. For the protection of your products, each cable connector is uniquely keyed. You will need to purchase a dedicated QNET7 QSOURCE Cable to power your QNET7 with the QSOURCE Linear Power Supply.
If you have any additional questions, or would like to arrange a demonstration of the QNET7 Network Switch, contact your local Nordost Dealer today!
When the hifi discussion turns to cables, the conversation often defaults to extremes: hyper-expensive materials and complicated designs, or skepticism that drives you to resort to spools bought at your local hardware store to patch a system together. But not everything needs to be an extreme. It’s important to recognize that, in the context of an audio system, cables are more than just wires. They’re critical components acting as the conduit for information. As a listener, you rely on cables to feed your audio gear, transferring that information into music.
That said, cable designs don’t have to be on the verge of unbelievable to deliver sonic benefits; just look at Leif 3. Nordost’s Leif 3 series is engineered to bring the kind of resolution, speed, and musical vitality that beats out much more costly, esoteric designs. While Leif 3 may be at the base of Nordost’s hierarchy of cables, it isn’t the starting point of cable design either. It is where we think high fidelity begins.
But what makes Leif 3 cables different from other options on the market? Here are the facts to help you see what Leif 3 really is.
Fact 1: Leif 3 isn’t basic, it’s foundational.
Despite its “entry-level” label, Leif 3 is anything but a beginner cable. It benefits heavily from the R&D and designs that make up Nordost’s more reference products and is where that high-end technology first becomes accessible to real-world music lovers. The technology used here represents the core, stripped-down principles upon which all our other products are built. And Leif 3 is the latest generation of this product line, which means more refined, more resolved, and more complete than ever.
Fact 2: Leif 3 offers all the cables needed to complete a system.
Will you hear the difference when you change just one cable in your system? Perhaps. But are you getting the full benefit of any cable brand when you have a mismatched cable system? Absolutely not (See Audio Cable Looms Explained).
The “loom effect” matters. That is why Leif 3 offers the opportunity to wire your entire system using cables that share the same design and sonic signature: Power cords, analog and digital interconnects, tonearm, subwoofer, USB, Ethernet, and speaker cables. When you hear the signal travel from source to speaker without having to compete with conflicting sonic characteristics, you have a more coherent and realistic reproduction of sound.
Fact 3: Micro Mono-Filament makes a measurable difference.
Nordost’s patented Micro Mono-Filament technology is introduced in Leif 3 Power Cords and continues on through Nordost’s other cable ranges in increasingly advanced forms.
Most cables suffer from signal loss and slower speeds because of dielectric absorption. In other words, when a material touches the surface of a conductor, the signal gets distorted. However, Micro Mono-Filament separates the conductor from its insulation by intricately and uniformly wrapping each conductor in a single strand of FEP Mono-Filament before encasing it in an extruded layer of high-quality FEP. This highly precise process creates an air dielectric around each conductor, reducing dielectric contact by up to 85%, resulting in:
Lower capacitance
Faster signal transmission
Excellent mechanical damping
Fact 4: Leif 3 cables have no filters, no tone control, no gimmicks.
Many cable manufacturers add passive filters, damping materials, and esoteric designs that end up compressing dynamics, driving up price, and altering sonic output. Nordost avoids that completely, and Leif 3 cables are no exception.
What makes Leif 3 a success is not what Nordost adds to the sound, it’s that the Nordost cables get out of the way of the sound, leaving the listener with an impression of the music, not the cables themselves.
Fact 5: You can hear the difference Leif 3 Cables make with your own ears.
Cable construction matters, even in entry to mid-level systems. Poorly engineered cables limit even modest gear, masking what your system is capable of.
In blind tests and demos, cable upgrades reveal:
Increased textual, lifelike sound
Improved rhythm, pacing, and dynamic drive
Expanded soundstage
Greater decay time times and sustains to notes
Nordost demonstrates these differences at every audio show and event we attend around the world, with live demos. Authorized Nordost Dealers make these same demonstrations, sometimes in the comfort of your own listening room. Find a Nordost retailer near you today to hear the difference for yourself!
In many ways, Leif 3 is the most important family of cables Nordost makes. It opens the door to audio improvements based on science, with repeatable and reliable results, and offers benefits that scale across through the line, continuing to Norse, Valhalla, and Odin cables.
Whether you’re assembling your first serious sound system or refining one you already own, Leif 3 provides a foundation that helps you to get the most from the audio components you love.
At Nordost, we love working closely with our retail partners and hosting musical evenings for their clients. These events are enjoyable for everyone involved, and it’s always interesting to hear how a listener’s system evolves over the years. Learning about someone’s system helps us offer more relevant, bespoke advice on which Nordost products will be the most effective in improving system performance.
Some of these recommendations can be short-term improvements, while others might be mid- or long-term upgrades. A phrase that we often use at Nordost is “unlock the potential of the system you already love”. Someone may already own their dream amplifier or loudspeakers and simply want them to sound as good as possible. This is where Nordost can help–and in so many different ways! Often, that’s by identifying improvements to a part of the system that hasn’t been addressed yet, such as power cords, or in the case of the study below, resonance control.
I recently used a Lumin T3 streamer for a Sort Kone demonstration during an event with a Nordost retailer. Three TC Sort Kones dramatically lifted the product’s performance. The T3 retails for $5000 USD, so three TCs are an ideal upgrade, especially if the T3 is the primary source in the system.
The demo system that we used consisted of the Lumin T3, Accuphase E-700, Sonus faber Olympica Nova III and a loom of Tyr cables, all underpinned by a QBASE Mark III AC Distribution Unit. And the principal demo tracks that night were Leonard Cohen’s ‘Nevermind’ and Nick Cave’s ‘Red Right Hand’.
The benefits of the Sort Kones were immediately apparent: a more believable soundstage, greater energy and presence, better decay time, and it was easier to place individual instruments in the space. The reactions in the demo room said it all– they had expected an improvement but were blown away by the performance they heard! Most of the sonic improvements held up well when we switched to three AC Sort Kones, too. But, as expected, TC outperformed AC. That said, three ACs were still much better than none!
The T3 also proved to be useful for demonstrating the effect of substituting a TC or AC for a BC under the power supply. As expected, this introduced a bit of top-end ’rounding off’–which might be appreciated in a system with more forward balance.
As always, the most persuasive part of the demo was the deconstruction. We removed the Sort Kones from both set ups and in both instances, the system suddenly sounded flat. It’s amazing how quickly you can get used to something! Deconstructing also gives you a more rounded demonstration–some listeners notice performance improvements more when they are added, others when they’re taken away.
The red dots in this picture illustrate the optimum placement for each Sort Kone. This is where a Google Image search can be your friend. Simply type in your source or amp model (with the lid off) to help identify ideal Kone placement. Areas you want to pay attention to are typically under toroidal transformers, densely populated circuit boards, or in the center of CD transport mechanisms. Like with speaker placement, finetuning your Sort Kone placement is key. In both instances, the improvements can be more than you might expect and all it costs you is your time!
So, where should you add Sort Kones in your system first? That depends. If a streamer or CD player is your only source, start there. If you use multiple sources, placing them under your pre-amp or integrated amp may give you improvements across the board. Though, in practice, listeners eventually place Sort Kones under most components in their system over time, since the benefits are cumulative.
Remember, audio components all contain parts that vibrate. The mission of a Sort Kone is to dissipate these unwanted vibrations by acting as a mechanical diode. So, whether you’ve spent $1,000 or $25,000 on a component, Nordost Sort Kones will help you achieve a higher level of performance from what you’ve already invested in.
There’s no shortage of opinions about audio cables in the hi-fi world. Some swear by high-end cable upgrades, while others argue that “a cable is just a cable.” At Nordost, we’ve been designing some of the most reputable hifi audio cables in the industry for decades, and we’ve heard all the misinformation out there. We’ve decided it’s time to set the record straight and speak to some of the most common myths out there, because sometimes, while the vitriol may be real, the information is not. So let’s address some of these myths and provide you with the facts that debunk them.
Myth 1: All audio cables sound the same.
This is one of the most widespread misconceptions in hifi. It is true that all cables serve the same purpose: they transmit a signal. However, how they do that, the materials used to make them, the technologies and techniques employed in their design and construction, the shielding methods, and the internal geometry of the cables can significantly affect their performance. Cables with poor shielding can introduce noise. Cables made with inconsistent or poor materials can cause signal degradation. Technologies like filters compress dynamics. When you’re working with a hifi system, even subtle differences in timing, clarity, and dynamics become noticeable. Needless to say, not all cables are built the same, and those differences in design and construction have significant effects where those audible nuances are concerned.
Myth 2: You need to “break-in” your cables for them to sound good
This one is partially true. It’s important to note that “breaking-in” a cable is different from “burning-in” a cable. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably; they should not be. Breaking-in a cable essentially means you use the cable over time. As current flows through a new cable, the insulation and conductors settle into their roles, which can result in more open and natural sound after long periods of use. While the difference might not be dramatic for every listener, it’s something many audiophiles attest to, once they know what to listen for. However, when you “burn-in” a cable using a specifically designed product, such as Nordost’s VIDAR 2, a very wide band signal of varying amplitude is sent through the cable. When this happens, higher levels of signal, at a wider frequency range, are introduced to the cable than it would typically see during its normal course of use. Without this treatment, a cable can take a tragically long time to break-in, or (especially for cables like interconnects or tonearm cables) it could never receive the benefits of a FULL break-in. In some ways, you could think of this treatment as an “accelerated break-in”, with better results due to the signals employed. The combination of frequencies that the VIDAR 2 puts through the cable allows the process to occur much quicker. The results from the VIDAR 2 will always be better than any other break-in method used, and the results are definitely audible.
Myth 3: The more expensive the cable is, the better it will sound in your system.
Price doesn’t always equal performance. What matters more is system synergy. The right cable for your setup depends on your components, room acoustics, and personal taste. In some cases, a mid-level cable that complements your system’s tonal balance can outperform a flagship cable that doesn’t match your gear or that uses technologies that limit your components in other ways or compress sound. This is especially true if you try to mix and match cables within one system that combat or cancel each other out with competing technologies or design philosophies. In fact, we have conducted public tests where we put a comprehensive loom of our midrange products up against a mismatch of our competitors’ reference products, and our cohesive mid-range loom beats them out every time. The truth is that there are too many variables to speak to every system and situation, which is why we encourage customers to audition cables in their own systems whenever possible.
Myth 4: The value of cables in your system should equal ~15% of your total system value.
Since everyone’s hifi system is so unique, “the right” amount to spend on the cabling of a system is very subjective. Not to mention, an audiophile’s system is never stagnant. What you don’t want to do is limit the performance of your future component upgrades with hifi cables that won’t allow them to stretch their audio muscles. In other words, the limit in your system should never be the cabling. That being said, you should also recognize that going overboard on your cables without the components to support them won’t help you either. Cables should not be corrective. High quality cabling will allow you to hear your components with a clarity that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. So, if you are unhappy with the sonic characteristics of your components in general, a better cable won’t help you. Unfortunately, while most people may be looking for a cut-and-dry number, it isn’t that simple. Finding the right fit for your system is a balancing act.
Myth 5: Digital cables don’t make a difference.
It’s easy to assume that since digital signals are just 1s and 0s, the cable doesn’t matter. But that isn’t entirely true. In reality, digital signal transfer can be complicated and exacting. Timing is critical. A digital cable with poor impedance control can introduce jitter, which affects timing and degrades sound quality. Just like analog cables, digital interconnects benefit from thoughtful design and quality construction. There is A LOT more that goes into digital signal transmission than you might think, or than can be appropriately explained in a short blog, so for more information we encourage you to check out our white paper, “Digital Audio Cables: How Can They Make a Difference?“.
In honor of the recent introduction of our NEW Blue Heaven 3 Digital cables, we thought it would be helpful to share some of our most frequently asked questions around digital cables. Hopefully, these will help you demystify digital cables as a whole and give you an insight into what makes Nordost digital cables, from Leif 3 all the way up to Odin Gold, special!
Q: If a digital signal is basically just 1s and 0s, how can audiophile USB cables make an audible difference?
A: The signal that flows through a USB cable is actually analog in nature. It’s composed of high-speed square waves that represent 1s and 0s. Losses in the shape and speed of those square waves can cause equipment like DACs to misinterpret the conversion to an analog musical signal and cause distortion.
Q: Are Nordost Ethernet cables shielded?
A: Yes, because of how susceptible they are to RF interference, shielding is something we took to new levels when we designed ALL of our Ethernet cables. The twisted pairs inside our Ethernet cables have their own shielding as well as a dual braid shield over the cable assembly.
Q: Why do Nordost 75 ohm digital cables come with BNC to RCA adaptors?
A: The correct termination for true 75 ohm impedance is always a BNC connector because of the mechanical spacing of the center conductor relative to the outer insulation. If you terminate directly to an RCA connector, you can’t maintain that impedance. We’ve found that keeping the integrity of the 75 ohm cable with a BNC termination and using an RCA adaptor always provides better sonic results than a direct RCA termination. It also means the cable can be used easily as a clocking cable, which typically uses BNC connections for superior performance.
Q: What technologies differentiate Nordost USB 2.0 cables from their competitors’?
A: Nordost cables utilize high-purity FEP insulation with either Micro Mono-Filament or Dual Mono-Filament technology, which enhances the speed of transmission, as well as advanced shielding techniques that maintain the integrity of the signal. These technologies allow our cables to perform to spec, even at extended lengths, with no loss of information. Additionally, the connectors of our Blue Heaven 3 USB 2.0 Cable are constructed using ESD material, which dissipates electrostatic charges from the cable and prevents those charges from ever building up, before they can negatively impact performance.
If you’ve already integrated a Nordost QKORE Ground Unit into your audio system, you’ve most likely experienced the remarkable improvements in pacing, soundstage, and dynamics that the QKORE system brings to your audio setup. With that comes a more detailed and lifelike listening experience, which I’m sure you’ve come to enjoy. But, what if we told you that with just two simple upgrades, you could unlock even more benefits from your previous QRT investment?
Nordost offers two upgrades to the QKORE—the Premium QKORE Wire and Sort Kones—that can elevate your setup and help you get the most out of your investment.
Premium QKORE Wire:
The Premium QKORE Wire is a performance upgrade over the standard QKORE wire. With Micro Mono-Filament technology and a 14 AWG, silver-plated OFC solid core conductor, it significantly reduces resistance and enhances signal transfer.
The result: A quieter background, more vivid soundstage, and greater detail in your music. If you want to hear every nuance, this wire is a must.
Sort Kones:
Vibrations from your audio components can distort sound. Sort Kones help manage this by isolating and reducing unwanted mechanical energy bringing a more focused, lifelike listening experience, with clearer, more dynamic sound.
Ready to Upgrade?
By upgrading your QKORE system with these two products, you’re not just adding gear to your setup—you’re unlocking the full potential of your system and ensuring that every listening session is as rich, dynamic, and immersive as possible. Why settle for good when you can have great?
Both the Premium QKORE Wire and Sort Kones are available now and ready for demonstration at your local Nordost retailer! If you’re looking to take your system to the next level, schedule a session so that you can experience these upgrades firsthand, in the comfort of your own listening environment.
At Nordost, we have embraced our slogan “Making The Connection” for decades. We do this first and foremost by offering high-end audio cables. But over the years, we’ve also become known for providing well-thought-out and expertly executed power distribution solutions. Our QBASE range of power distribution products offers a high-end foundation for virtually any setup.
From the versatile QBASE Reference, complete with its 10 outlets and various built-in, passive, sound-enhancing options, to the simpler, more streamlined QBASE Mark III, we offer a range of solutions to address all power needs. The QBASE Mark III is available as an eight outlet ‘QB8’, or a four outlet ‘QB4’. But don’t be fooled by the QB4’s minimalistic design—it’s more powerful than it looks!
At Nordost we work closely and share worldwide distribution with some of the most renowned, high-end audio manufacturers. Through those partnerships we are seeing a trend: more and more of today’s high-end components are being equipped with essential built-in options, creating the opportunity for minimalistic, yet sophisticated audio systems.
For example, beautifully crafted integrated amplifiers that offer a variety of built-in functionalities are on the rise. Take the Dan D’Agostino Momentum MxV, which can be equipped with a DAC, streamer, and phono stage, or the Gryphon Diablo 333, which offers an optional DAC and phono stage. Now, with just a turntable and speakers, you can create an incredible hi-fi system that only requires two or three power cords. Another great example is the dCS Rossini Player, a DAC, streamer, and preamp all in one, paired with something like VTL’s S200 stereo amp. The result is an extremely potent, yet streamlined system that still only requires a few power cords.
This is where we come in. Since the introduction of the QBASE Mark III, the four outlet QB4 version has been available in a high-current configuration (20A for 110V areas and 16A for 220V areas) to provide the perfect power foundation for these super high-end “all-in-one” components. These components don’t require a large power distribution block, but they do benefit immensely from a high-current, no-filtering, no-loss-of-power solution. And that’s exactly what the QB4 specializes in—compact in size but powerful in performance.
And despite its compact nature, with its four outlets, the QB4 Mark III often still has room for our complementary QRT Plug-ins, like the QSINE and/or QWAVE!
Ever wonder why your high-end system doesn’t deliver the musical experience you know it’s capable of? The answer might be right under your nose–and vibrating under your components!
Sound exists because of vibrations, yet these same vibrations can be its worst enemy. The signal you’re sending through your carefully chosen components is fighting a constant battle against unwanted resonances. While your system works to reproduce the delicate overtones of a violin or the subtle decay of a piano note, both external and internal vibrations threaten to mask these precious details, leaving you with substandard sound.
When your system suffers from these unwanted vibrations, the cost is substantial. The expansive soundstage you invested in collapses. Natural textures in vocals and instruments become smeared. Those subtle micro-details that make recorded music feel alive vanish into a veil of mechanical resonance. The three-dimensional imaging that places each performer in precise spatial locations becomes flat and uncertain.
How Can we help?
Our detailed white paper, “The Importance of Vibration Control,” offers the insights you need to unlock your system’s full potential. In it, you’ll discover…
The science behind vibration control
Professional techniques for optimal component placement
The clear distinction between coupling and decoupling strategies
Real-world solutions for both internal and external vibration management
Our product specialists receive questions on a daily basis about Nordost products, their application, and hifi in general. We thought that we would take a minute to share some of our most recent and frequently asked questions here so that everyone can get the answers they are looking for!
Q: How can I know that a Nordost cable I see for sale online is a real Nordost product? If I buy second hand, will my purchase be covered by warranty?
A: Unfortunately, there have been several attempts to counterfeit our products that have appeared online. Counterfeit cables are often easy to spot as Nordost cables use distinctive technology, precise lengths, serial numbers, and connectors. Be aware of any falsely branded Nordost cables being offered for very low prices, especially on auction sites, as they are normally counterfeits. Counterfeit cables are never covered by warranty.
Be assured that Nordost has never sold its cables through websites like Amazon, Alibaba, or AliExpress. Cables from those sites are not manufactured by us; they do not contain any of our technology, and in some instances, they are unsafe to use (especially power cords).
To make sure that you are purchasing an authentic Nordost cable, make sure you are purchasing our products from one of our authorized Nordost dealers. Find a Nordost dealer near you on the Where To Buy page of our website!
Q: I recently bought and installed some Frey 2 Loudspeaker Cables. After installing them and playing the system for an hour, I realized that, based on the directional arrows on the cables, I connected them in the wrong direction. Did I damage the cables or the system, does everything correct itself after you fixed the direction? Do I need to re-buy/replace this cable?
A: Don’t worry. Unlike with analog interconnects, speaker cable directionality is simply a memory function. The cables break in over time with use in whatever direction you installed them. Speaker cables (based on use) usually take a month or two to properly break in. Since you only used the cables in that direction for an hour so, virtually no break-in occurred. Going forward, just keep them in the position they are now, and everything will self-correct.
Q:The QSOURCE power supply that feeds my QNET Network Switch is running hot. Is that normal?
A: Yes, this is normal. The QSOURCE does run at a pretty high temperature. To keep the unit as quiet as possible, the QSOURCE is air cooled, instead of fan cooled. This means that it will act more like a class A amplifier, releasing the heat on the heatsinks (in the case of the QSOURCE the heatsink is the chassis of the device itself).
Just make sure the unit is well-ventilated, and that it has plenty of clearance, both underneath and above the unit. There is an optional Stand Mount you can purchase to help with this clearance as well.
The device is designed to have two methods of protection for overheating. If they don’t kick in, the unit is working within its heat range.
Q: Last year I began to upgrade my power cords, 2 speaker cables (R/L front and center), and interconnects to the Red Dawn LS series, and am happy with the noted improvement. I still require 2 more power cords and a pair of XLR pending any further purchase of components to complete the project. Would you recommend I stay with a “loom” of the LS or go to the Red Dawn 3?
A: You can either stick with the existing series or upgrade to the new series and still maintain a cohesive loom of cables. Leif 3 cables will have the same sonic signature as the LS series, they just introduce some better attributes. You can almost look at it like the new Blue Heaven 3 sounds like the old LS Red Dawn. You can mix and match any LS series cable with any Leif 3 model and keep all the benefits.
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.
