Music to Help Set-Up and Understand Your HiFi System

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Nordost

Evaluating your system can be a daunting task. When relying solely on your own ears, a lot of questions may circle around your head and cloud your musical judgement: Am I using the right tracks? How do I know how these songs are intended to sound? What is this piece supposed to tell me about my system?

At Nordost, we understand your frustration, and we’re here to help! Below, we will take you through a number of 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. This music has been carefully selected to illuminate specific aspects of system performance and will hopefully prove to be an invaluable tool to further aid you during your system set-up, or to just simply enjoy!

Yanvalloux — Markus Schwartz and Lakou Brooklyn (Frantz Casseus) — Equinox

The opening bass line of this track acts as the perfect gauge of bass weight, pace, and pitch. It allows you to instantly hear the impact of changes in speaker position, and shows the balance of bass weight against texture, attack, and articulation. If you listen to the opening bars of this track as you shift the speaker forwards, backward, or sideways, you’ll quickly gain an appreciation for the significance of even the tiniest adjustments. As the track builds, the ability to hear both the shape and rhythmic complexities of the rapidly fingered bass is a sure measure of critical mid-bass clarity.

From the Soundkeeper Recordings album Equinox (SR1002) by Markus Schwartz & Lakou Brooklyn. Production, recording, and mastering by Barry Diament. Copyright Soundkeeper Recordings 2010

Leaves Me Wondering — Eleanor McEvoy — Yola

This is a beautifully recorded and deceptively simple pop song with a minimalist arrangement and a refreshing lack of studio fills. What makes it so revealing of your system’s performance is the relationship between the deep, measured bassline and the clear, focused vocal that drives the song. The key here is the balance between the expressive, emotional immediacy of the voice and the weight and attack in the bass. If the bass is too heavy, it slows the track and trips it as it reaches that upshift; too light and it robs the voice (in fact, the whole song) of presence and impact. Instead, the bassline should be present and bold, but never dominant. It should support the rhythmic shifts and phrasing of the vocal. When you get the immediacy and directness in the voice right, the bass will be just where it should be.

From the album Yola (Mosco EMCD1) Produced by Eleanor McEvoy and Brian Connor ISRC CODE ISRC-IE-ABB-01-00009 Pub. BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd. (Worldwide except Ireland) E. McEvoy IMRO/MCPS (Ireland) Copyright Blue Dandelion/MOSCO 2001

Vivaldi – Cello Concerto RV419, 3rd Movement, Allegro — Davide Amadio (Cello), Interpreti Venziani — Vivaldi in Venice

This small, baroque ensemble is recorded live in the San Vidal Church in Venice. The acoustic is open and very wide, with considerable space on either side of the band, which is placed on a riser, with a dispersive back wall close behind. The result is a clean acoustic, with plenty of air and height, a natural depth perspective that places the harpsichord behind the orchestra, and a real sense of distance between it and the solo cello. However, the real magic in this track lies in the immediacy and energy of the playing, the contrast between the bowed cello and the plucked, pizzicato passages, the range of instrumental colors and textures. Small, but perfectly formed, this is a natural recording that captures the energy, texture, and vibrant harmonics of these acoustic instruments, as well as the verve and precision of the players. The tonal separation of the instruments should be as apparent as their spacing, while the harpsichord should jangle, not grate.

From the album Vivaldi In Venice (Chasing The Dragon, VALCD008). Recorded and produced by Mike and Francoise Valentine. Copyright Chasing The Dragon 2018

Cole Porter — Too Darn Hot — Clare Teal with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra — A Tribute To Ella Fitzgerald

Here we have classic big-band action from the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, supporting Clare Teal in an arrangement of the equally classic Cole Porter number, Too Darn Hot. Double-banked, they let fly with presence, power, and dynamic range to burn. The band plays it straight, beautifully balanced against a vocal that gives just enough of a nod to Ella, without trying to beat her at her own game. Big band is always a stern test of system dynamics and headroom, and this track is a perfect example of that.

From the album A Tribute To Ella Fitzgerald (Chasing The Dragon, VALCD003). Recorded and produced by Mike and Francoise Valentine. Copyright Chasing The Dragon 2016

Your Colour — Calypso

A simply beautiful track captured in a single, unrehearsed take, featuring the fragile vocals and poised playing of the young but outrageously talented Calypso – and yes, that really is her name. The slurred diction (especially on the opening lines), emotive phrasing, and widely spaced piano notes are an acid test of speaker toe-in and rake angle. The voice should be focused and clearly defined in space, even if the words aren’t, while the placement of the piano notes should add to the song, not hold it back. Be prepared to work with both speakers until you get close, at which point tiny angular adjustments of just one speaker will lock the recording in space, giving it an achingly natural sense of pace and flow.

Kote Moun Yo? — Markus Schwartz and Lakou Brooklyn (Trad. Arr, Markus Schwartz & Monvelyno Alexis) — Equinox

Complex, Haitian-inspired percussion patterns and instruments play against bass, trumpet, and guitar. From the opening conch call to the diverse percussion, the live-looped drum tracks to the sparse guitar and trumpet lines, this is a test of any system’s rhythmic and musical integrity, transparency, and focus. The dense, overlaid drum patterns and upright bass require low-frequency agility and clarity, testing the system’s ability to keep pace with the sharply drawn melodies played on the solo instruments. This track should have an infectious, toe-tapping quality. If it doesn’t, you know there’s something wrong…

From the Soundkeeper Recordings album Equinox (SR1002) by Markus Schwartz & Lakou Brooklyn. Production, recording, and mastering by Barry Diament. Copyright Soundkeeper Recordings 2010

If You Had A Heart — Eleanor McEvoy and Damon Butcher — Forgotten Dreams

Here we have Eleanor McEvoy’s familiar voice once again, but this time exposed in a pared-back recording accompanied by guitar and piano. This is a deeply emotional song and performance that, on the best systems, should have an almost reach-out-and-touch realism to it – a quality that’s even more apparent on the direct-cut LP.

Jennifer Kimball / Eleanor McEvoy / Henry Priestman pub. EMI Blackwood, From the album Forgotten Dreams (Chasing The Dragon VALCD006). Recorded and produced by Mike and Francoise Valentine. Copyright Chasing The Dragon 2018

Georges Bizet — Habanera (from Carmen) — Rosie Middleton (Mezzo Soprano), Debbie Wiseman (Cond.), National Symphony Orchestra — España

Bizet’s most popular opera, and arguably one of opera’s most popular songs— the Habanera from Carmen will be familiar to all. What this track brings is a full orchestra, captured in the large hall at Air Studios, with a well-developed sense of acoustic space. Add in mezzo-soprano Rosie Middleton, standing in the heart of the orchestra, and you have a verifiable test for sound staging and height differentiation. Middleton’s voice should be clearly placed amidst, but above, the surrounding strings, and in front of the winds.

From the album España (Chasing The Dragon VALCD004). Recorded and produced by Mike and Francoise Valentine. Copyright Chasing The Dragon 2017

You can find these tracks included in Nordost’s System Solution Set-Up and Tuning Disc Set.

To help you get the absolute most from your system set-up, this set also includes:

Essential channel and phase checks.
Multiple pink and white noise signals for speaker/room diagnostics.
Sophisticated LEDR tests to optimize speaker placement.
System maintenance tracks (De-Gauss and Burn-In)
Low-frequency tones specially designed and configured to map room modes and aid speaker placement or subwoofer positioning and integration.

The Perfect Turntable Upgrades

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Nordost

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.

1.https://www.statista.com/statistics/444378/us-retail-sales-of-turntables/#:~:text=The%20retail%20sales%20value%20of,percent%20over%20the%20previous%20year.

2. https://nedis.com/en-us/sales-turntables-through-roof

Make the Audiophile in Your Life’s Holiday Special with the Perfect Stocking Stuffers from Nordost

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Nordost

The year is coming to a close and the holidays are just around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the audiophile in your life. Audio gear can be a challenging thing to buy since the “right” hifi equipment tends to be system dependent, not to mention cost prohibitive. Luckily, Nordost has you covered with a wide selection of high-end stocking stuffers that will enhance ANY audio system. From precision audio enhancers to thoughtful tuning tools, Nordost has curated a collection of products that promises to elevate any listening experience!

Make this season truly special for your music lover by gifting tools that will unlock the full potential of their audio system. Explore Nordost’s offerings and let the joy of exceptional sound fill the air this holiday season!

Sort Kones:

These resonance control devices are a game-changer in any audiophile’s setup. Sort Kones provide a solid foundation for any audio component, enhancing the equipment that you already own! Available in various models to fit any budget, Sort Kones effectively dissipate mechanical energy and internal vibration from your devices, be they amplifiers, DACs, CD transports etc. to ensure a cleaner and more defined soundstage.

QRT Plug-Ins:

The QSINE, QWAVE, QVIBE, and QKOIL make up Nordost’s line of modular AC plug-ins, designed to optimize the quality of the power that audio systems run on, by eliminating electrical noise and interference from the line. By plugging one or all of these QRT devices into any open outlet connected to your system, your audiophile will enjoy a quieter background, improved dynamics, and enhanced musical detail. Elevate your loved-one’s listening sessions by gifting them the power of optimized AC.

System Solution–Set-Up & Tuning Discs:

Fine tune any preexisting system with proper speaker positioning and tune ups. This comprehensive tool is a must-have for any serious audiophile. From system setup and calibration to tuning and testing, this 2-disc set guides users through every step of the process. With this resource in their arsenal, the music lover in your life will finally be able to experience the full depth and clarity of the system they already have!

Eco 3X:

This cable cleaner is specially formulated to remove the slow buildup of static charges that can flatten perspectives and inhibit the dynamics of an audio system. Regular use of Eco 3X on audio cables disperses existing static charges as well as inhibits future accumulation from occurring, dramatically increasing transparence and the sense of life in every performance.

Nordost Playlist – November 2023

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Nordost

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 November.

You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ

Comic Sans – Okay Kaya – Surviving Is The New Living
Didn’t I – Darondo – Let My People Go
Hiding Out In The Open – Feist – Multitudes
Roads – Live – Portishead – Roseland NYC Live
Now And Then – The Beatles – Now And Then
C’est Comme Ça (Re: Wet Leg) – Paramore, Wet Leg – C’est Comme Ça (Re: Wet Leg)
Year of the Cat – Al Stewart – Year of the Cat
Slip Away – Clarence Carter – This Is Clarence Carter
Static on the Radio – Jim White, Aimee Mann, M. Ward, Joe Henry – Drill a Hole In That Substrate and Tell Me What You See
A Forest – 2006 Remaster – The Cure – Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe Edition)

Dealer Spotlight: Top Sound in Copenhagen

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Nordost

By Dennis Bonotto

In the heart of Østerbro, arguably Copenhagen’s most relaxed and refined neighbourhood, and only a few blocks away from the city’s largest park, Michael Winther has reshaped Top Sound into a haven for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. This renowned audio dealer has been making waves in the Danish capital, offering a splendid range of audio equipment and exceptional listening experiences. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of coming back to Top Sound with Erik Hansen, our Danish distributor, who together with Michael invited listeners for an evening demo of Nordost’s recently launched QB8 MK3, QSine, QWave and QB10.

Top Sound is truly a hidden gem: once you go through the narrow entrance, the store unfolds into several spaces with plenty of gear to cater to all tastes, creating an environment that encourages customers to explore and appreciate the world of high-fidelity audio, most notably analogue/vinyl, clearly the local specialty, alongside some great, fresh coffee from their own machine.

Our demonstration went ahead with a full house in the main listening room, allowing clients and visitors to get up close and personal with our newest product, which played with Wilson Audio Sabrinas, powered by an Audio Analogue Absolute integrated amplifier. We streamed through an Auralic Altair and our own QNET, powered by the QSOURCE. The whole system was cabled with a Tyr 2 loom.

Danes are clearly passionate about music and sound, and very knowledgeable when it comes to HiFi, which made the experience much more interesting, as we showcased the full potential of the audio equipment on display, allowing the audience to lose themselves in the music, to experience every note, every detail, and every emotion.

Copenhagen is constantly ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world and it certainly helps when when you’re able to experience the combination of such a welcoming environment, a curated selection of top-tier audio equipment, and the great hospitality of Michael and his staff.

If you find yourself in Copenhagen and have an appreciation for good music and cutting-edge audio technology, a visit to Top Sound should be on your itinerary. It’s a testament to the power of sound and the joy it can bring to our lives.

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 Audio Beat reviews Nordost Blue Heaven cables

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Nordost

We are happy to share a great review of our much-loved Blue Heaven cables. In his article, Mark Blackmore explores the concept of cable looms and highlights what can be gained from using audio cables from the same manufacturer throughout a sound system. With our Blue Heaven cables in his system, Mark was inspired to lengthen his listening sessions, commenting “Blue Heaven’s clear, clean sound is a joy.”

You can now read Mark’s review here: Nordost Blue Heaven Interconnects, Speaker Cables, and Power Cords

Or, you can find it, along with other great reviews, on the Reviews Page of the Nordost website.

Nordost Playlist – October 2023

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Nordost

Here are some of the songs that we will have on rotation this October.

You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ

Paper Thin – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas
Slippery People (LIVE) – Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense (LIVE)
Billie Jean – Vanessa Fernandez – I Want You
Modern Girl – Bleachers – Modern Girl
Tom’s Diner – Suzanne Vega – Tom’s Diner
Joyful Girl – Soulive, Dave Matthews – Next
You’re Dead – Norma Tanega – Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog
Heaven – Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
Cruisin’ (Single Edit) – Huey Lewis, Gwyneth Paltrow – Greatest Hits: Huey Lewis And The News
Alien Love Call – Turnstile, BADBADNOTGOOD, Blood Orange – New Heart Designs

Introducing the QBASE Reference

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Nordost

The performance caliber of a high-end audio system begins and ends with the AC that feeds it, making AC distribution one of the most impactful upgrades in hifi. With the new QBASE Reference, Nordost has now developed a power product that matches the caliber of their most preeminent cable ranges. The QBASE Reference is a multifaceted, reference-level AC distribution unit that operates as a filter-less alternative to power conditioners, delivering pristine power to audio components, without imparting its own sonic characteristics on systems or limiting AC current.

For years, the hifi community has been misdirected into thinking that the only way to protect sensitive electronics from power fluctuations, electrical noise, and “dirty” power is through power conditioning. But at what cost? Power conditioners are a semi-redundant solution which hinder more than enhance audio performance. The same in-line power technology that allows a power conditioner to reduce noise simultaneously limits bandwidth, compresses dynamics, and contributes to sonic confusion. These are compromises Nordost refuses to make.

Always searching for a solution, Nordost turned to its own QRT products, a family of transformative, parallel power products designed to eliminate noise, enhance dynamics, and bring cohesion to performance, while preserving an unimpeded AC path to system components. It was within those already highly acclaimed ideas that the jumping-off point for the QBASE Reference was conceived; the apex of Nordost’s already lofty accomplishments in the realm of AC power.

At its core, the QBASE Reference, like Nordost’s other QBASE units, is a passive distribution component that uses star-earth topology to address the noise-inducing, conflicting flow of signal and ground paths within a hifi system. However, that’s just the beginning of what the QBASE Reference has to offer. This 10-outlet AC distribution unit offers numerous Nordost technologies within its mechanically tuned, extruded aluminum chassis, in order to bring a new realm of power optimization and audio refinement to your reference system.

QBASE Reference features include:

Star Earth Topology provides ground separation for all of the devices it serves, allowing stray voltages and eddy currents to be referred to one, central, ground point.

Specialized PCB design offers symmetrical Live/Neutral Topology as well as separate grounding (with Voltage directionality technology).

Multiple, internal QSINE and QWAVE devices can be tailored to the listener’s preference and the system’s specific needs. The QWAVE technology manipulates the sine wave by sampling the AC signal and inserting a series of pulsed frequencies back into the AC line to tame harmonics and overtones. QSINE technology enhances the AC signal by introducing a frequency field onto the circuit path that removes noise from the sine wave through a process similar to dithering.

Specifically optimized and modified QPOINT technology impacts both the PC boards and QSINE/QWAVE technology within the QBASE Reference, imparting an increased synergy between all internal elements, which enforces audible sonic cohesion.

Dual Primary Earth design allows for an optional, additional, switch-activated Primary Earth in setup scenarios that include dual mono preamps that use dual power cord inlets, to avoid different ground potentials on both channels.

Internal, solid core Micro Mono-Filament wiring throughout the device, increases transmission speeds.

Pre-QKORE ground design provides a completely separated ground path that leads to and directly complements the LVAP technology housed inside the QKORE.

Resonance control Sort support feet are four modified Sort Füt units, which work in perfect synergy with the mechanically-tuned chassis of the QBASE Reference, draining vibrations from the electrical and mechanical aspects of the device.

The QBASE Reference is designed to conquer the imperfections and unpredictability of the AC signal, making it the ultimate solution for achieving unprecedented audio purity. Introducing it into your system will allow you to hear your music as it was intended to be experienced, without compromise.

Nordost Playlist – September 2023

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Nordost

Here are some of the songs that we will have on rotation this September.

You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ

The Returner – Allison Russell – The Returner
Crucify Your Mind – Rodriguez – Cold Fact
Loves Me Like a Rock – The Wailin’ Jennys – Fifteen
Come Monday – Jimmy Buffett – Living And Dying In ¾ Time
Sunny Came Home – Shawn Colvin – A Few Small Repairs
Amsterdam – Gregory Alan Isakov – The Weatherman
Don’t Wait Too Long – Madeleine Peyroux – Careless Love
Ahora Quien – Salsa Version – Marc Anthony – Valio La Pena
Because of You (2023) – k.d. lang – Because of You
Keep Those Teardrops from Falling – Natalie Bergman – Keep Those Teardrops from Falling