How to Upgrade your Amplifier

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Nordost

As hifi enthusiasts, we shell out big money in order to purchase the components that will give us the best possible sound. A lot of deliberation goes into our purchases: design philosophy, technical specifications, build quality, ease of use, cohesion, aesthetics, budget… These pre-purchase considerations are very important in order to determine the right fit for our systems. But did you know that your consideration shouldn’t stop at the purchase?

Nordost provides several tools that ensure you maximize the potential of your new component. These include the audio cables and accessories that create the basis and foundation upon which high-end systems need to be built.

Let’s say that after doing your due diligence of researching and demoing various options, you’ve purchased an amplifier. You have lived with your amplifier in your system for a few months. You have become familiar with its characteristics and have identified the benefits it brings to your hifi system. Now it’s time to see what that component can really do when you give it the best chance to flex its muscles.

To maximize your amplifier… consider upgrading the following (all of which can be found at your local Nordost dealer 😉) :

Power Cord: It is crucial that you run your components with the best AC cables available. Nordost’s power cords are optimally designed and use proprietary technology so that current is not limited, noise is reduced, and amplifier output is cleaner and more dynamic.

Interconnects: A thoughtfully designed and meticulously built analog interconnect enhances signal transfer between your audio components with as little loss as possible. Nordost’s precision engineering and top-notch materials preserve the integrity of the audio signal, resulting in improved clarity, detail, and musicality.

Speaker Cables: Nordost’s signature flat cable design eliminates strand interaction, optimizes mechanical resonances, and decreases skin effect, making drastic improvements in system performance. Introducing this upgrade will minimize signal degradation, enhancing the overall coherence of your music.

Resonance control (aka Sort Kones!): Due to their very nature, amplifiers generate a tremendous amount of internal vibrations, which are incredibly damaging to their audible performance. Nordost’s Sort Kones are a game-changer. These remarkable mechanical diodes drain all vibrations from your device to outstanding sonic effect.

The QRT Family Explained

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Nordost

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. Since the QRT portfolio is growing, we wanted to briefly explain each QRT solution on the market, and the distinctive benefits that they bring to a system.

QBASE Mark III

The QBASE 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, by lifting the resistance of all outlets on the device except for that of the Primary Earth (which would serve the pre-amp or integrated amp of the system). The QBASE is available with either 8 or 4 outlets (or 6 outlets for the UK model) and uses either an IEC C-14 or C-20 input.

QRT Plug-Ins

The QSINE, QWAVE, QVIBE, and QKOIL are a range of complimentary, modular AC products that improve upon the AC quality that feeds your home sound system. Whether it’s by generating a field, reshaping a sine wave, or introducing harmonics onto the AC line, each of these unique solutions work to reduce EMI, lower the noise floor, and increase clarity and imagery of the musical reproduction.

QPOINT

The QPOINT is a resonance synchronizer that manipulates the electromechanical resonances inside the components within its immediate proximity so that they resonate in unison with each other. Synching these resonances eliminates internal electrical noise and enhances the coherency and timing of the components themselves. The QPOINT allows users to switch between two distinct modes, each with their own unique characteristics, to better tailor results for each individual system.

QNET

The QNET is a layer-2, five-port Ethernet switch that has been designed and constructed from the ground up to maximize audio performance. Every aspect of the QNET, including its multi-layered layout, its six dedicated power supplies, the incredibly stable oscillator for its clock, and the five, independent 8P8C ports, were chosen in order to minimize noise, crosstalk, and interference.

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. Meanwhile, a fanless construction maintains extremely low noise levels, which allows heightened articulation and dynamics to shine through digitally-run systems. The QSOURCE is the perfect upgrade to Nordost’s QNET network switch and as many as four QPOINTs, while simultaneously powering two additional digital components (specced to run at 9V, 12V, 19V, or 24V respectively).

QKORE

QKOREs are parallel grounding devices which provide an artificial, “clean” earth for hifi systems by using both an electrical and mechanical approach. Using Norodst’s Mono-Filament technology, Low-Voltage Attractor Plates, and a passive electronic circuit, QKOREs draw stray high frequency noise and voltage-generated magnetic fields to a manufactured earth point, leaving a clean reference behind.

While it’s apparent how individualized each of these audio solutions are, it’s important to highlight that the benefits gained from using them together, as a family, can be staggering. Nordost’s QRT family is a holistic approach to achieving great sound. When used in concert, each and every QRT addition to an already well-composed system brings yet another layer of improvement to the musical performance.

The QRT family truly is a FAMILY of products, and we really encourage you to think of it in that way.

Questions & Answers: QBASE Mark III

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Nordost

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. The QBASE Mark III made its debut at AXPONA this past spring, and a new version brings new questions. We decided to address some of the most asked questions we have been receiving here, so you can find your answers in one place!

Q: What’s the difference between the QBASE Mark II and Mark III?

A: Both the QBASE Mark II and Mark III are passive, distribution blocks that use Star Earth topology to address the conflicting flows of signal and ground paths which create noise. However, there have been several upgrades and changes to the QBASE Mark III which have had a massive impact on its audible performance, which are as follows:

Newly designed, dual PC-board
Increased separation of all ground connections from the line and neutral traces
Minimized interference/crosstalk between live/neutral and ground currents
Enhanced trace sizes to maximize current flow
Revised resistance sink to add protection and effectively damp eddy currents

Q: Do certain components benefit from being plugged into specific outlets on the QBASE Mark III?

A: Like with the QBASE Mark II, all outlets on the QBASE Mark III are identical, except for the outlet labeled Primary Earth. To get the best results from any QBASE, you should plug whichever component has the most connections to it into the Primary Earth outlet. In many systems, this is either the preamp or the integrated amp. However, in digitally run systems, you should plug whichever device your volume is featured on into primary earth.

Q: What sonic improvements can you expect from the QBASE Mark III?

A: The QBASE Mark III offers a big step up in performance over the QBASE Mark II. Some sonic improvements you can expect are:

A much quieter background
Improved instrument and vocal separation
Improved 3D imaging
Longer decays and extension
A pronounced sense of effortlessness and calm
More power behind the sound

Q: Can you still use the QRT Stand Mount with the QBASE Mark III?

A: Yes, the QBASE Mark III is still compatible with the QRT Stand Mount, which not only helps with the stability of the product (especially when it’s being used with heavier, reference-level audio cables), but also allows for easy support with Sort Kones. Using the QBASE with Sort Kones essentially wicks it of all internal vibrations, making a massive audible improvement.

Questions and Answers: QSINE and QWAVE

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Nordost

With the launch of our QSINE and QWAVE products at the High End show in Munich, there has been a lot of excitement, but also (and understandably so) some questions. We thought that the best thing to do was to answer some of the questions we have been hearing in one place so that we can all be a bit more informed about the newest Nordost QRT Plug-Ins.

Q: What are “QRT Plug-Ins”?

A: The term “QRT Plug-In” may be new, but our plug-in products have been a part of Nordost’s offerings for years, starting with the QVIBE (QV2), continuing with the QKOIL (QK1), and now including the new QSINE and QWAVE. While each product within our range of QRT Plug-Ins offers unique solutions, they are all modular, complimentary AC products that improve upon the poor-quality AC that negatively affects the audio/video performance of two-channel and home entertainment systems.

Q: What are the audible effects of the QSINE?

A: The audible effects of the QSINE are as follows:
• Reduced background noise
• Increased resolution, detail, and pacing
• Improved soundstage (especially depth)
• Addresses all frequencies

Q: What are the audible effects of the QWAVE?

A: The audible effects of the QWAVE are as follows:
• Lowered noise floor
• Increased imagery and dimensionality
• Improved timing and rhythm
• Focuses on upper bass and midrange

Q: Can you use the QSINE and QWAVE alongside the QKOIL and QVIBE?

A: The QSINE and QWAVE were designed to work with and complement the QKOIL and QVIBE. While they can be used individually, you are encouraged to pair the QSINE and QWAVE with each other or, for optimal use, combine them with the QKOIL and QVIBE.

For more information about the QSINE and QWAVE please visit their product page on the Nordost website, or read our product announcement blog: Introducing the QSINE and QWAVE

Audio Cable Looms Explained

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Nordost

A “loom” of audio cables is a group of cables, constructed using the same technology and produced by the same manufacturer using a cohesive design philosophy. As a result of this design philosophy, cables produced by distinct manufacturers (and sometimes even ranges within each company) have their own sonic qualities, or “sonic signatures”. The sonic signature of each brand’s cables may be classified as brassy, light, bass-heavy, neutral etc.

Ultimately, it’s up to the listener to determine their own opinion on the merits of each cable’s sound. What is undeniable, however, is that the effect of mixing cable brands and their respective sonic signatures can have mixed results.

If you are lucky, the divergent characteristics of your cable hodge-podge will balance themselves out and you will be left with a pleasant-sounding system. Unfortunately, more often than not, the sonic signatures from different cable brands clash, leaving you unable to hear the composition of your system as it was intended. When that happens, you get to deal with the fun task of finding where that clash is happening through trial and error.

Besides not being able to find the cable that may be less desirable than others, mixing cable brands also makes it harder to identify the weak spots in your electronics themselves. Remember, some cable manufacturers use devices like filters to make up for deficits that may be caused by other components in your system. When listening to your system, you may find yourself wondering if the thin sound you’re hearing should be blamed on your speakers, or your speaker cables; is the slow timing the fault of your pre-amp or interconnects? Upgrading a hifi system can become unnecessarily frustrating and time-consuming when it is not clear which upgrades need to be made!

By using a uniform loom of cables you are no longer faced with these problems. There’s no need to “balance out” a system; weaknesses are easier to assess and fix, and your components are all on a level and comparable playing field. By hearing your music’s signal flow through a loom of cables, throughout your entire system, from the source all the way to your ears, you ensure that there are no competing or conflicting sonic properties influencing or changing the signal, allowing you to achieve a more coherent and realistic reproduction of sound.

Questions and Answers: Grounding

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Nordost

Recently, the idea and means of artificial grounding has 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, so why not answer some commonly asked questions about grounding?

Q: What elements in the environment around my system have an effect on its performance.

A: Interference that impacts the power domain is all around you, constantly bombarding your system. Your AC power lines are contaminated with electrical surges, pulses, and switch-mode hash from home appliances, plug-in chargers, light dimmers, and fluorescent and LED lights. Even the air is polluted by radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), levels of which are increasing due to the prevalence of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular signals.

Q: What is signal ground and how can it negatively impact my system?

A: A signal ground is an analog or digital ground that is attached to every signal being transmitted between devices in a system. Since these devices are usually powered separately, it is inevitable that there will be small differences between their potentials, causing small currents to circulate in order to compensate. These currents add to the background noise, obscuring low-level detail in music reproduction.

Q: What does an “Artificial Ground” do?

A: An artificial ground sinks the impedance of a component lower than the house earth ground, so that high-frequency noise on the signal ground will drain away, leaving a clean reference behind.

Q: What audible improvements can I expect to hear after addressing grounding issues in my system?

A: There are several improvements you can count on by addressing the grounding issues in your system. The image separation will be greatly improved, exposing nuances in dynamics and accent markings that would otherwise have been missed. You’ll also experience a tighter, deeper, and more authoritative bass. However, the most noticeable change will be a dramatic drop in your noise floor which will provide a quieter, ‘darker’ background, resulting in a wider, more lifelike soundstage.

Q: What is Nordost’s solution to grounding problems?

A: Nordost’s grounding solutions are QKORE Ground Units. QKORE units are parallel grounding devices which provide an artificial, “clean” earth for hifi audio systems using both an electrical and mechanical approach. The QKORE1, QKORE3, and QKORE6 products combine 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

For more information on grounding and to help you better understand why it is needed, what improvements can be heard in a properly grounded system, and what artificial grounding solutions can offer, download this article: The Importance of Electrical Grounding in Audio Systems

Video: Sort Kones – Introduction and Placement Guide

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Nordost

Have you heard about Nordost Sort Kones, but want to get a better idea about how they will improve your home audio system? Or do you own a set of Kones already, but are unsure about where to place them for the best results?

Our new video, “Nordost Sort Kones – Introduction and Placement Guide” serves as a perfect introduction to these anti-vibration, resonance control devices. In viewing this video, you will learn what Sort Kones are, what they do, and how they will impact your system’s performance. This video also serves as a helpful set-up guide so that current (and soon to be) owners of Sort Kones know that they are using our product properly and can ensure that they are maximizing the performance of their sound systems.

Jitter: A HiFi Villain’s Origin Story

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Nordost

When speaking to a hifi enthusiast about digital audio, “jitter” is a four-letter word. If jitter was an audio villain, its evil powers would be inducing noise to unsuspecting recordings, obliterating the depth of field, and smearing the details out of pure, musical integrity… really dastardly stuff.

Just where does this jitter come from? When is it introduced into the signal? Is jitter an unstoppable force that we are doomed to live with, or is there a hero that can protect our fair hifi systems from this audio villain?

First, we have to ask – what is jitter?

Jitter is the deviation from true periodicity of a presumably periodic signal i.e., an error in clock timing. While the definition for all jitter remains the same, the origin of jitter is not, and this is what makes all the difference.

Two types of jitter and where they are introduced:

1) Recording Jitter

Recording jitter is when the timing errors themselves are embedded in a recording. This occurs if timing errors are captured in the original data samples. If the data sample that is stored includes jitter, then in becomes an intrinsic characteristic of the data itself. Unfortunately, if a data sample is produced with recording jitter it cannot be eliminated during playback, regardless of the quality of the equipment used.

2) Playback Jitter

Playback jitter occurs as data streams from the digital transport to the D/A converter. As timing information converts to frequency information, the musical signal can experience a frequency modulation, known as phase noise. The audible consequences of this phase noise depends on whether the jitter is correlated to the audio signal or not.

Jitter correlated to the audio signal —

Peaks in the noise spectrum
More likely audible effects

Jitter uncorrelated to the audio signal —

Broad spectrum obstruction
Shortens depth of field and reduces soundstage precision
Less intrusive audible effects

Unfortunately, there is no caped component offering one simple solution to totally eliminate jitter. Although, there are plenty of techniques to mitigate it. Depending on the manufacturer producing the equipment, the solution could be re-clocking, introducing buffering, or incorporating high-quality oscillators… However, as with most things, the solution is typically more than the sum of its parts. When purchasing equipment, make sure that the manufacturer specifically addresses anti-jitter attenuation, not as a one-part solution, but as a holistic approach, including the design or sourcing of quality parts, how those parts interact with one another, and the intentional placement and mounting of said parts.

Apart from the components within your system, another element to address is cabling. No digital cable will be able to completely vanquish jitter from whence it came. However, a poorly constructed digital cable can further exacerbate the problem, blurring the edges of the square wave signal or altering its shape to a significant degree. This makes a DAC’s receiver less capable of detecting the correct timing of transmissions (aka. jitter). An expertly designed digital cable, on the other hand, can make make some real improvements where jitter is concerned.

Nordost’s digital solutions, pay attention to several factors which reduce jitter throughout the signal transmission. By making well-considered choices in conductor type, conductor geometry, dielectric, shielding and terminations, Nordost cables can ensure that a correctly shaped and timed signal is received by the D/A converter. This results in an improvement to dynamics, tonality, and timing, removing irritants from the sound and allowing the music to play free another day…

For more information like this, to better understand the technical challenges of digital audio data transmission, and to know what to listen for when auditioning digital audio cables, read our download, Digital Audio Cables: How Can They Make a Difference?, now!

Questions and Answers: Power Cords

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Nordost

Since power cords are commonly known as the most important cables in an audio system, it’s no surprise that that we often get questions about them! We thought it would be helpful to put our “most asked” questions about power cords here so that you can find all of your answers in one place. Have any more power cord-related queries? Let us know!

Q: How do power cords affect your sound system?

A: Depending on how the specific power cords are constructed and what technologies they use, there can be several different sonic effects attributed to upgrades. However, in general, the biggest sonic differences tend to be registered as a change in dynamics (which sometimes disguises itself as a volume change), and in a distinction in imaging and soundstage.

Q: Can power cords really make a difference after the miles that electricity travels in wires to get to my house?

A: While they are not audio-grade, the cables used to transfer electricity through the grid and to your home are actually a significant gauge. The “choke point” usually occurs in your home. Not only that, but it’s very important to try to minimize the effects of artifacts, EMI, and RFI that are introduced to electricity on its journey to your home and continue to be introduced from your home appliances.

Q: Why should I upgrade the power cords supplied with components at purchase?

A: Manufacturers typically add in the power cords supplied with their components at the last minute. Oftentimes, this power cord is merely supplied as a means to an end, for as little cost as possible, so that the manufacturer can make the intended price-point of their product. As a result, little thought or effort goes into how it may affect the component. For proof of this, next time you are at a hifi show, pay attention to the cables being used in each manufacturer’s room. You will notice that when they want to make their product sound as good as possible, manufacturers opt out of using the power cords they themselves provide at point of purchase.

Q: In what order should you upgrade your power cords?

A: The most important power cord in your system is the power cord feeding your distribution bar. This should be the first power cord you upgrade. Beyond that, while no two systems are the same (and there may be many variations), we suggest upgrading the rest of your system in the following order: pre-amp, power amp, DAC, phono stage, transports (based on usage).

Q: I’d like to upgrade my cables. Ideally, I would like to stick to the same series of power cords throughout my entire system, but for budget reasons the upgrade will be a slow process. Can I wire my system with power cords from different ranges within the Nordost range?

A: We completely understand why it might be hard to stick with your “ideal” cable throughout the system, so prioritizing does make sense. One of the reasons why we design our cables the way we do is so that they can easily be upgraded and mixed throughout your system without any drawbacks. All Nordost cables have the same design philosophy, so while products improve due to added conductors, gauges, and technologies as they progress up the lines, they all have the same sonic signature. This allows you to choose your cables according to your own personal needs and budget, and upgrade piece by piece as needed and when able.

Q: What is the minimum recommended length for power cords?

A: The minimum recommended length is 2 meters.

Q: Is it worth upgrading the power cord that feeds a streamer in your home entertainment system?

A: When we aren’t enjoying our music, many of us are spending a lot of our time streaming television and movies. For those of you that use an Apple TV media streamer, or any other streaming device powered by a figure 8 power cord, there is an easy, inexpensive upgrade that is sure to take your streaming to the next level! Nordost’s entry level Purple Flare Figure 8 Power Cord is the perfect solution for your Apple TV. The Purple Flare Power Cord is a high-speed, low-loss power cord that will allow your streamer to produce a picture worthy of your home entertainment system.

For more information on upgrading your streamer with the Purple Flare Power Cord, read this review.

Q: Is it worth upgrading the power cord that feeds your subwoofer?

A: If the amplifier in your subwoofer isn’t as good as the amplifiers in your primary loudspeakers, it’s imperative to optimize its situation, in order to allow your subwoofer to succeed. This can easily be done by upgrading the power cord feeding the subwoofer. A really good power cord is essential to ensure that the built-in amplifier performs at its absolute best. With quality AC feeding your subwoofer, you will finally be able to enjoy those powerful, low frequency notes in your music, and not be stuck experiencing them as just a rumble.

Questions and Answers: QNET

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Nordost

Since the launch of the QNET Network Switch, the response and interest has been overwhelmingly exciting. However, with interest, comes questions! We thought that we would take a minute to share some of the most frequently asked QNET questions here, so that everyone can get the answers they are looking for!

Q: The QNET is advertised as being a “layer-2 Ethernet switch”… what does the phrase “layer-2” refer to?

A: “Layer-2” refers to the OSI model around which numerous interfaces/protocols are designed. Ethernet is just one of those protocols.

Even though there are hybrid devices out there, a switch is (theoretically) a layer-2 device, meaning that it establishes links between two directly connected nodes (i.e. operates on MAC addresses), which is the hardcoded physical address that every internet port (including wireless) has. A layer-2 device is capable of routing packets within a given local area network (LAN), but not outside of it.

Routers, on the other hand, are layer-3 devices and operate on IP addresses, through which devices on different networks (WANs or any combination of different LANs) can communicate amongst themselves.

Q: Why do the ports on the QNET offer different speeds?

A: The QNET was conceived to be an “audio” network switch for both internet audio streaming and local network NAS audio streaming. For these purposes, 100 Mbps is more than enough speed.

At 100 Mbps it’s also possible to contain noise propagation to a minimum, compared to higher speeds, and that’s why the QNET offers 2 x 100 Mbps ports.

For devices requiring higher bandwidth, the QNET offers 3 ports at 1 Gbps.

Q: Do you need to buy the QSOURCE Linear Power Supply in order to use the QNET?

A: No, the QNET is provided with its own switch-mode power supply so that you can use it without any additional purchases. However, just like with any DC-powered device, the performance of the QNET will be much improved by introducing a high-quality linear power supply, like Nordost’s QSOURCE.

Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple network switches including the QNET?

A: While it is possible to daisy-chain multiple network switches, you shouldn’t. Daisy-chaining multiple network devices adds delay, noise, and traffic. Therefore, it should be avoided. For best performance, the QNET should always be physically connected to the main router in your network via an S/FTP Ethernet cable, preferably a Nordost Ethernet cable of your choice.

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