We had another fantastic year at the Montréal Audiofest in 2026! It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with the passionate music lovers and familiar faces who make this event such a highlight on our calendar. Building on the energy from last year, this year’s show brought more interesting and informative product demonstrations from Nordost’s Jacob Goldwax and Amy Hansen, and of course, some great music from a serious system!
This show was such a success thanks to the invaluable support of our local partner, La Liberté. We’re especially grateful for their help manning Westmount 4 all weekend, as well as their expertise in carefully selecting components that helped us deliver a system we were incredibly proud of.
A special thanks also goes out to MOON by Simaudio who, once again, delivered an outstanding presentation in their hometown. We work with MOON whenever we get the chance. Their components never disappoint, and when paired with Nordost, the synergy is undeniable!
We were also thrilled to see Nordost represented throughout the show, including in the Bowers & Wilkins room, where our Valhalla 2 cables were used in a stunning system featuring their iconic Nautilus loudspeakers. This room was a must-visit destination, generating buzz all weekend long.
Thank you to all the manufacturers, dealers, and partners who continue to support Nordost and choose to use our products to highlight their amazing components in their systems!
Nordost products are designed to allow you to enjoy your favorite performances as they were intended to be heard. All of us here are passionate about great music, and want to share our passion with you. Each one of us has our own style… We listen to a wide variety of artists and genres but, in a way, we appreciate them all. We thought that we would share a few of the songs on our own personal playlists with you each month. Some may be classics, some may be brand new, some may not even be to your tastes, but we hope that there is something here for everyone.
Here are some of the songs that we will have on rotation this April.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Wild Is the Wind – David Bowie – Station to Station
Soft Spoken – Naia Izumi – Soft Spoken
You’re the One That I Want – Angus & Julia Stone – Big Jet Plane
Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile) – Dexys Midnight Runners, Kevin Rowland – Too Rye Ay
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da – The Police – Zenyatta Mondatta (Remastered 2003)
Instant Crush (feat. Julian Casablancas) – Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
My Friends –Red Hot Chili Peppers – One Hot Minute
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 2025 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 2025!
Most Nordost fans are familiar with our QB8, but some don’t know about the more compact option: the QB4. For those who make the mistake that half the size means half the power – Not true! This blog gives you a little more information about the QB4 and corrects some common misconceptions!
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. But, what if we told you that with just two simple upgrades, you could unlock even more benefits from your previous QRT investment? Find out how, here!
In 2025 Nordost was showered with awards from several hifi publications, including 15 Editor’s Choice Awards from the Absolute Sound. See which products were given this distinction in this blog…
When we introduced our Blue Heaven 3 Digital cables, we thought it would be helpful to share some of our most frequently asked questions around digital cables. We came up with some Q&As to help demystify digital cables as a whole and give insight into what makes Nordost digital cables, from Leif 3 all the way up to Odin Gold, special!
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. We decided to set the record straight with this blog!
A story from the field of how Sort Kones made massive improvements in a real-world setting! See how the story unfolded and the sound-quality improved here… and see how it can be implemented in your own system.
When you launch a new product, there is obviously excitement and enthusiasm, but there can also be a lot of curiosity and questions that comes with that. In this blog, we share some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our QNET7.
By now you have probably read about our Leif 3 cables, but what makes these cables different from other options on the market? Here are the facts to help you see what Leif 3 really is…
As we start 2026, we can’t help but look back at the last year with pride. It was a year full of music, momentum, and memorable moments!
Nordost spent the year on the road and in listening rooms, co-hosting 59 events, as well as performing product demos at 15 trade shows! We love any opportunity to showcase our products, and appreciate all the face time we were able to spend with each of you, talking about your individual systems and figuring out which of our products could help you make the most of the components you already own and love.
But, as far as the reviewers and the press were concerned, Red Dawn 3stole the spotlight as our most-reviewed product. We’re happy to share that, thanks to those same reviewers, we proudly took home 22 awards along the way!
Thank you all for making 2025 such a fun and successful year. We’re already looking forward to what we’ll create, listen to, accomplish, and celebrate together this new year!
Interested in seeing what else Nordost was up to this past year? Check out our full Nordost Wrapped here!
Nordost is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Hansen as the new Vice President of North American Sales, effective October 1, 2025.
Amy has been a vital part of the Nordost team for over 13 years and is uniquely qualified for a position of this scope. Throughout her tenure at Nordost, she has held a range of key positions within the company—from Order Entry Administrator to Purchasing Coordinator, Product Deviation Manager for global sales, and most recently, Regional Sales Manager. This progression has given her a comprehensive understanding of all facets of our operation, deep market insights, and a steadfast commitment to both retailer success and our long-term partnerships.
This leadership transition brings additional benefits. Our outgoing VP of North American Sales, Michael Taylor, will remain with Nordost in a new strategic position as OEM Sales Director. With 19 years at the company, Michael has played a central role in shaping Nordost’s sales strategy, growing a team of dedicated and informed sales representatives, and cultivating trusted relationships with our partners across North America. His experience will be an invaluable asset to Amy in the coming months.
“Passing the baton to Amy while staying onboard at Nordost is pretty amazing,” Michael said. “Unlike most companies that hire for this position externally, Nordost is taking a more thoughtful approach that ultimately benefits our dealer partners. Her experience in so many key departments gives her an unmatched perspective and the tools she needs to support our dealers’ continued success.”
In her new role, Amy will oversee Nordost’s North American Regional Sales Managers, implement and develop sales strategies, expand relationships within our exceptional dealer network, and manage sales programs tailored specifically to the North American market, all while upholding Nordost’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer success.
“Amy Hansen’s appointment as Vice President of North American Sales is a proud moment for Nordost and for me personally,” Nordost President, Paula Rotondo shared. “I have witnessed her journey through our company over the years. It’s clear that her deep understanding of our business, combined with her warmth and leadership acumen, will translate into success in this new role, and I’m excited to work with her in this new capacity.”
We are confident that Amy’s leadership will bring strong momentum to our sales efforts in North America. As she starts this new chapter, Amy shared her enthusiasm for what lies ahead:
“I am honored to step into this role at a company that has been my home since 2012. I’m excited to apply the experience I’ve gained here to drive continued growth in the North American market. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep growing alongside such a dedicated team and am especially grateful to continue to work closely with our valued dealers and offer the exceptional support they’ve come to expect from my predecessor and friend, Michael.”
Please join us in congratulating Amy on this well-earned promotion.
Nordost products are designed to allow you to enjoy your favorite performances as they were intended to be heard. All of us here are passionate about great music, and want to share our passion with you. Each one of us has our own style… We listen to a wide variety of artists and genres but, in a way, we appreciate them all. We thought that we would share a few of the songs on our own personal playlists with you each month. Some may be classics, some may be brand new, some may not even be to your tastes, but we hope that there is something here for everyone.
Here are some of the songs that we will have on rotation this June.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Wuthering Heights – Cécile McLorin Salvant – Ghost Song
Karaköy – Brazilian Girls – Let’s Make Love
Volver, volver – Buika – Niña de fuego
Carmensita – Devendra Banhart – Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
Nothing Else Matters – Miley Cyrus, WATT, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujillo, Chad Smith – Nothing Else Matters
Appalachia Borealis – Phil Cook – Appalachia Borealis
Hey Hey, My My – Battleme – Songs of Anarchy: Music from Sons of Anarchy Seasons 1-4
The 4 Seasons: Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297, ‘L’inverno’ (Winter) : I. Allegro non molto – Takako Nishizaki – Vivaldi, A.:The 4 Seasons/Concerto Alla Rustica
Nordost is introducing an exciting new entry-level option: the Leifstyle Tonearm Cable. This cable is a unique, simplified version of a Nordost tonearm cable, offering analog enthusiasts the chance to experience Nordost’s innovative technology in their home sound system at an incredible value.
Like its more advanced counterparts, our Leifstyle Tonearm Cable is made up of two, individually shielded, twisted conductor pairs. This sophisticated and time-tested cable geometry separates the pairs of 28 AWG solid core, silver-plated conductors that make up its left and right channels, effectively minimizing inter-channel crosstalk. Additionally, this introductory Tonearm Cable includes a ground whip to eliminate any noise introduced during signal transfer.
Understanding the importance of a tonearm cable in any analog audio setup, we crafted this cable with a purpose-built, low-capacitance design, essential for achieving authentic and natural vinyl sound reproduction. With the Leifstyle Tonearm Cable, you can afford to enjoy the high-quality sound you crave.
For more information and for pricing, contact your local Authorized Nordost Dealer!
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing year we’ve had at Nordost. It’s been a year filled with exciting new products, recognition and accolades from some of the most respected names in the hi-fi industry, great music, and even better systems. Looking back, we couldn’t be more proud of all we’ve accomplished—and we’re so grateful for the continued support from our community, our dedicated team, audio partners, and loyal customers who have made it all possible.
This year, we were honored to receive a host of prestigious awards for our products, from the Editors’ Choice Award and Product of the Year from The Absolute Sound to the hi-fi + 2025 Award, and many more in between. Our entire line-up– from accessories, to audio enhancers, to introductory cables, to our Reference lines each got their moment in the spotlight. Our QNET Network Switch earned high praise for its ability to elevate soundstage and clarity, while our new Red Dawn 3 cables were hailed as game-changers for audiophiles looking to get the most out of their systems. We couldn’t be more grateful for the recognition of the products we work so hard on for the hobby we are so passionate about.
One of the most exciting moments for us this year was the launch of our newly improved, entry-level Leif 3 cables. These updated cables feature enhancements to four iconic cable ranges—White Lightning, Purple Flare, Blue Heaven, and Red Dawn—improving upon technologies and manufacturing techniques that deliver dynamic, low-loss, and lifelike performances while staying true to Nordost’s core design philosophy. The feedback from you, our community, has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to see how these cables have been transforming systems around the world and helping you uncover new layers of the music you love.
This year was also filled with unforgettable experiences as we hit the road to meet many of you in person, whether at intimate local dealer events, regional audio shows, or at international hifi expos like High End Munich and AXPONA. It was so rewarding to see the excitement and appreciation for our products firsthand. We love engaging with music lovers over small systems where we can answer your hifi questions and present personalized product demonstrations, and we love sharing world-class sound with reference-level components so that attendees can experience audio systems that earn “Best in Show” and “Best Sound” awards.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our Nordost team, and, of course, the ongoing support of our partners and customers. Your enthusiasm for our products allows us to continue doing what Nordost has always done and will continue to do until the last note rings out: give music lovers the tools to experience music in the most authentic way possible.
So here’s to 2024, here’s to even more great music, great sound, and great systems in 2025!
What better way to close out the year than by revisiting the content that resonated the most with you over the last 12 months? In this 2024 blog round-up, we’re bringing together the posts that generated the most buzz, from likes and shares to comments and reactions across every platform. Here’s a look back at your favorite Nordost blogs from the past year!
Every component is an important element of a sound system. But one component rarely gets the recognition it deserves: the audio cable. 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…
Just because you aren’t satisfied with an audio component doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. 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…
We are thrilled to share our first, official QBASE Reference review. As an auspicious bonus, this review can be found in the highly valued 25th Anniversary issue of hi-fi+! Learn more about what Alan Sircom has to say in this blog…
For most people, loudspeakers are one of the biggest investments they’ll make in their hifi system, but did you know that you can get even more out of your loudspeakers with just two simple upgrades? See how loudspeaker cables and Resonance Control can transform the loudspeakers you already own…
When you are SO CLOSE to audio perfection, sometimes you only need small but transformative tweaks to get you to your musical goals. This blog tells you about Nordost’s secret weapons to get your system sounding its best…
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. An audio-optimized network switch plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital playback…
With its four, iconic ranges – White Lightning, Purple Flare, Blue Heaven, and Red Dawn– Nordost invites music enthusiasts of all levels to bring NEW LEIF to their sound systems. Leif 3 cables embody the culmination of years of technological breakthroughs and advancements in craftsmanship, meticulously refined to meet the modern demands of mid-fi and hi-fi sound systems. Learn more in this blog…
QRT products 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…
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! This blog shows you how Nordost Sort Systems rid your system of damaging vibrations…
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.
