Dealer Spotlight: AudioVisionaries

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Nordost

By Michael Taylor

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If you are looking for “wonderful” things, just head south to our partner in Puerto Rico, AudioVisionaries. Wonderful beaches, wonderful cuisine, wonderful people, and wonderful music! Harry Reynolds, the General Manager at AudioVisionairies, has been making great music for a very long time. Born in San Juan, Harry founded the well-known Precision Audio store there back in 1981 at the tender age of 16! Having been around Hifi most of his life, he definitely knows how to get the best sound out of the systems he sells.

With his latest venture, AudioVisionaries, Harry is changing the business model. With his main guru, Hector, by his side, Harry has created a more personal environment for clients to understand how to get the best sound. With products such as Nordost, Linn, NAD master series, Sonos, etc, AudioVisionaries has products for every budget and performance level. Harry knows music doesn’t live in just one room of the house, which is why in addition to 2 channel systems, AudioVisionaries addresses every aspect of lifestyle, supplying solutions for kitchens, offices, patios…literally everywhere music can be played!

So whether you are looking to take your music listening to the next level, or just want to get the best audio to better enjoy a Chicago Bears or Boston Celtics game (two of his favorites), AudioVisionaries can help. We can tell you from first-hand experience, Harry knows his stuff. A few times a year we have Nordost events at his store in order to expose friends and clients to our cables and the magic they create. The store, as well as the demonstrations, are packed! We are proud to be affiliated with Harry and Hector down at AudioVisonaries.

Nordost at AXPONA Recap

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Nordost

AXPONA impressed us again. With a massive turnout and great atmosphere, AXPONA never disappoints. This year, Nordost not only partnered with our local dealer, Holm Audio, in three of their rooms, but we were featured in several other rooms throughout the show. If you didn’t get a chance to visit us in Chicago this time around, here are some pictures of our products in action at AXPONA 2016.

Nordost’s System:

Holm Audio was responsible for several rooms, all featuring Nordost!

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Hanson AV featured our Valhalla 2 cables and QRT products:

Nola’s system was using our flagship Odin 2 cable line and even wire their speakers internally with Nordost cable:

Mr Speakers headphones on display with our Heimdall 2 Headphone Cable:

Woo Audio was using our Blue Heaven Headphone Cable to demonstrate their WA7 Fireflies:

Headphone Guru reviews the Blue Heaven Headphone Cable

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Nordost

This year Nordost has expanded its line of personal audio products to include a new, lower-cost alternative to the Heimdall 2 Headphone Cable: the Blue Heaven Headphone Cable. Upon hearing about this new addition to the after-market headphone line, Frank Iacone of HEADPHONE.GURU was excited to be one of the first reviewers to cover our newest product. Frank tried out the Blue Heaven Headphone Cable with several leaders in the headphone market, including the Sennheiser HD800, HiFiMan HE1000 and MrSpeakers Ether C, and he found the improvements to each pair of headphones transformative.

“Listening with the high quality Blue Heaven headphone cables removed the obstacles that are always present from lesser quality cables. The Blue Heaven delivers music without grain and lets each headphone perform at a higher level. The Blue Heaven offers non-compromised performance at a value price. If you want to see what your headphone is capable of producing you should check out the Blue Heaven cables. Highly Recommended.” –Frank Iacone

You can now read Frank’s full article, Nordost—Blue Heaven Headphone Cables—Terrific Value and Quality at an Affordable Price, on the review section of the Nordost website.

Nordost at HIGH END 2016 – Munich

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Nordost

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Nordost is exhibiting at the High End 2016 show in Munich, held at the MOC May 5-8. Product specialists and trainers, Bjorn Bengtsson, Alex Brady and Dennis Bonotto will be performing demonstrations and answering questions in Halle 4 Room 114 as our VP of international sales, Johann Graham, takes meetings with Nordost’s international distributors. Demonstrations will feature several new products that have been introduced throughout this past year. Nordost is eager to share these new innovations with High End 2016 attendees, and is looking forward to seeing all of our partners and friends again. High End 2016 should be a fantastic show. We hope to see you there!

Nordost Playlist – April 2016

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Nordost

Nordost is lucky to have a wonderful team of representatives and product trainers who travel around the world educating and demonstrating the effects of Nordost’s products. As part of these demonstrations, it is our job to find an interesting and diverse selection of music to showcase our cables, power devices, sort system and accessories. Whether at shows, visiting our dealers and distributors or even in our own listening room in our headquarters in Holliston, we are constantly getting asked what music we are playing (or if our audience is not so bold to ask, we can see their Shazams working overtime). So we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to share our favorite songs of the moment. Some may be classics, some may be brand new, some may not even be to your taste, but one thing is for sure …it’s all great music.

playlist_april_16

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

Freedom—Richie Havens—Paris Live 1969
Águas De Março—Antonio Carlos Jobim, Elis Regina—Antonio Carlos Jobim : Finest Hour
Betty Davis Eyes—Jodie Mitchel—Betty Davis Eyes
Cosmic Dancer-Remastered—T. Rex—Electric Warrior [Expanded & Remastered]
Jump—Van Halen—1984
Aux portes du matin—Richard Séguin—Séguin et le Grand Chœur
Forever Young—Rhiannon Giddens, Iron & Wine—Forever Young
Tell Mama—The Civil Wars—The Civil Wars
The Space Between-1999 Digital Remaster—Roxy Music—Avalon
Via Con Me—Paolo Conte—Best of Paolo Conte

Cable Maintenance 101

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Nordost

By Jon Baker

Occasionally all systems go through the process of being disconnected. Systems go through several transformations during their lifetime: gear is swapped or upgraded, people move from one location to another forcing system upheaval, products fail and must be returned to an authorized repair facility, or sometimes we just need to do a little cleaning. We all know that audio and video equipment are extremely effective at attracting air-born particles, and in order to keep your system in tip-top shape, one must go through the process of disconnecting an audio or video system component by component. Trust me, there’s nothing more frustrating than going through this tedious process, only to find out that a cable or component has decided not to work or even worse, break. Unfortunately, this can easily happen to cables if handled improperly.

To help mitigate this whole process, I have put together easy, step-by-step instructions on how to safely disconnect and clean your audio/video cabling. I know, you’re thinking, “This is easy, and a no-brainer, and why are you bothering me with this?” Well, you’d be surprised—even many of the professionals get this wrong! Following the basic cable disconnecting protocol detailed below will help to extend the life of your investment, achieve maximum performance and safeguard your system from potential damage. Moreover, taking the extra steps to clean the cable connections and the cable itself will produce immediate performance gains.

**Before you get started, power down all components in the system. If the component features a master switch (rocker or toggle), this switch should be turned to the off position. **

Disconnecting

Unplug your system beginning with the power cable(s) at the wall, followed by the power cords at the component. From this point, it doesn’t really matter in which sequence you unplug the system. In order to remove your power cables correctly, keep one hand on either the wall or the component, and with a firm grip on the connector, disconnect with your other hand.

Now it’s time to tackle interconnects and speaker cables. This is where organization becomes important! All Nordost cables are directional, and each cable has an arrow showing the direction of the signal flow. We recommend removing the cables from your system piece by piece, marking both ends (ex. amp end or speaker end) of each cable with tape as you’re taking out the cables from your system. By doing this, you will insure that the system is re-connected exactly the way it was disconnected.

When removing interconnects with RCA terminations, place fingers on the connector and slightly rotate clockwise as you’re pulling the connector out. For XLR cables, simply depress the lock or latch with fingers on the connectors and pull straight out.

For speaker cables with spade connectors, completely unscrew the binding post until contact is no longer made. Pull up or down from the connector depending on its orientation to remove the connector from the post. To remove banana connectors, carefully pull by gripping the connectors.

Cleaning

While your system is completely powered down and disconnected (especially if it’s been a long time since the system has been stripped down to its basic components), take the extra step to clean your cables. For this, you will need the following items:

1) A can of electrical contact cleaner

2) Two Microfiber cleaning rags

3) Q-Tips

4) A cloth dampened with distilled water

5) A bottle of Nordost ECO 3X solution.

Now it’s time to get down to cleaning. For speaker and power cables, simply apply a scant amount of the electrical contact cleaner (both Craig Pro Gold and Deoxit work extremely well) to one of the microfiber cloths and carefully clean each connector. This will remove any small particles of dirt, dust or oxidation on the surface of the connector. With your second, dry microfiber cloth, remove any of the cleanser remaining on the connector. Repeat the process for each end of your speaker cables and the male ends of your power cables. Because of the small space within the connectors of interconnects, they must be handled a little bit differently. Apply a few drops of the connector cleaning solution to a Q-Tip and carefully insert the Q-Tip in-between the center-pin for the RCA and the collar, or the three pins and the collar on XLR cables (try your best not to get any of the fibers from the Q-Tip caught on any of the pins or internal parts within the collar). Too much solution on the Q-Tip might result in excess fluid being squeezed from the Q-Tip and create a bit of a mess, so use the cleaning solution sparingly.

Even though Nordost uses premium quality insulation exclusively, from our White Lightning range all the way through to our flagship Odin 2 range, that doesn’t make it immune to static build-up. Over time and use, cables pick up static charge. This problem gets worse depending on the time of year; static charge is further amplified from disconnecting cables and placing them on the floor (especially carpeted floors). To dissipate this charge, take your dampened cloth and wipe down the cables (for speaker cables, make sure both sides have been cleaned). Spray the second microfiber cloth with Nordost ECO 3X and wipe down the outer jacket of the cable. This will help prevent future build-up of static charge on the cable. Do not use ECO 3X on the connectors as it can leave residue that can prohibit the cable’s ability to work effectively.

Nordost is going to AXPONA 2016

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Nordost

Nordost is happy to be taking part once again in Axpona, held at the Westin O’hare in Rosemont, just outside of Chicago, Friday, April 15—Sunday, April 17. This is a great opportunity for end users to experience live demonstrations and cable comparisons covering Nordost’s extensive range of products. Nordost will be featured in several rooms throughout the show including room 316, 450 and 646. While at the show, make sure to visit our sales booth in The Marketplace to take advantage of our special show offers on select Nordost products.

Nordost Playlist – March 2016

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Nordost

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

playlist_march_16

Hello—Erykah Badu—But You Caint Use My Phone
Love The World You Find—The Flaming Lips—Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
Oh No!—Camper Van Beethoven—Telephone Free Landslide Victory
Keep The Bugs Off Your Glass And The Bears Off Your Ass—The Bad Plus—These Are The Vistas
Adagio for Strings—Samuel Barber, New York Philharmonic—Barber’s Adagio and other and other Romantic Favorites for Strings [Expanded Edition]
Just Don’t Talk About It—Rosanne Cash—10 Song Demo
April Come She Will—Simon & Garfunkel—The Graduate
Vanston Place (00 Am)—Ronny Jordan—Travelogue
September in Montreal—Anne Bisson—Blue Mind (Deluxe Edition)
Brother Hiroshi—Anthony Wonsey Trio, Richie Goods—Blues For Hiroshi

Dealer Spotlight: Filtronique

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Nordost

By Bruno de Lorimier

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1968 was the year when the Hi-Fi Boutique “Filtronique” was founded by Guy Charbonneau, whose North American reputation as a gifted and talented Sound Engineer was already well established.

Six years later, in 1974, the store was sold to André Riendeau, the owner and founder of the world renowned Pro Sound company “Solotech” (who’s most notorious artists begin with Celine Dion, the Backstreet Boys 🙂 and many, many more…). With the addition of a new partner, a second location was also added in the east end of Montreal under the name “Sonor”; Daniel Jacques at its helm, better known today as the president and owner of the impressive High-End Audio distribution companies “Plurison Canada” and “Audio Plus Services USA”.

Many clients will remember waltzing between the two stores to discover unique and prestigious products from brand names that had never been offered in Canada until then. After many years of coexistence, for financial and for logistical reasons, both stores were consolidated into the current Lajeunesse street location that customers revere and know today as “Filtronique”.

One thing has never changed at “Filtronique” throughout the years: their desire to seek out and offer the best audio products available regardless of price. Their staff of six audio experts total 182 years of combined experience!

According to the “Filtronique” Team, the addition of Nordost’s Odin 2 range of products only further validates how the company’s constant quest to reach and offer audio nirvana is important to them.

In my opinion, there are very few specialized audio stores in North America who offer a broader and more diversified range of products and have such a professional and well informed and friendly staff as “Filtronique”. The store offers five sound rooms specifically designed to give the listener an exceptional and memorable experience, which can be correlated to their own listening environment.

There couldn’t be a better opportunity for you to get to know the “Filtronique” team than this month as they’ll be hosting a special event featuring Nordost and many other products from internationally renowned prestigious brands. Each system is assembled to deliver exceptional performance, and all the nuance, emotion and musical texture intended by your favorite artists. The event will be held between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm on March 18^th and 19^th. The invitation is open to everyone, so please join the fun!

filtronique.com

9343, rue Lajeunesse, Montréal (QC) H2M 1S5

514 389-1377

C’est en 1968 que la boutique « Filtronique » fut fondée par Guy Charbonneau, déjà à l’époque reconnu comme l’un des plus talentueux preneur de son en Amérique du Nord.

La vente du commerce à André Riendeau en 1974 , alors propriétaire et fondateur de « SOLOTECH » , engendrera la création de la seconde boutique « SONOR » avec son actionnaire au commande; Daniel Jacques, président de “Plurison Canada » et « Audio Plus USA ».

Nombreux clients se souviendrons avoir valsé entre les deux boutiques et d’y découvrir des produits uniques et prestigieux jamais présenté alors au Canada. Éventuellement, pour des raisons économiques et de bon sens, les deux boutiques se sont consolidées pour devenir la Boutique «Filtronique» de la rue Lajeunesse que nos connaissons aujourd’hui.

Le désir d’offrir les meilleurs produits audio, et ce dans toute les gammes de prix, est depuis l’adage de la boutique « FILTRONIQUE ».

La qualité du service et la convivialité reflètent très bien la maitrise du métier des 6 conseillers de l’entreprise totalisant plus de 182 ans d’expérience !!! 😉

La boutique « FILTRONIQUE » est reconnue comme l’une des meilleures destinations pour l’audio haut de gamme en Amérique du Nord

L’addition récente au catalogue« FILTRONIQUE » de la série ODIN II de NORDOST et de ses nombreuses déclinaisons font acte du sérieux de la quête du nirvana musical qui est véritablement la mission corporative de l’entreprise.

D’après moi, rares sont les boutiques spécialisées offrant un éventail de produits aussi vaste et diversifié que «FILTRONIQUE», complimenté par une équipe aussi érudite et serviable. La boutique compte cinq salles d’écoute spécialement conçues pour vous offrir un environnement d’écoute hors pair et convivial.

L’occasion ne pourrait être plus à propos pour vous faire connaitre la boutique«FILTRONIQUE» car aura lieu le 18 et 19 mars prochain un « ÉVÉNEMENT AUDIO DE PRESTIGE » mettant en vedette les câbles Nordost ainsi que plusieurs des meilleurs systèmes audio actuels en mesure de révéler de façon exceptionnelle, toutes les textures des instruments, ainsi que les émotions et les intentions de vos artistes préférés. L’entrée est libre et ouvert à tous! Vous n’avez qu’à vous présenter à la boutique entre 10h et 22h.

filtronique.com

9343, rue Lajeunesse, Montréal (QC) H2M 1S5

514 389-1377

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An Audiophile’s Tool Kit

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Nordost

By Anthony Chiarella

It never ceases to amaze: enter the sound room of any passionate music lover and you’ll find a rack full of costly HiFi gear—a wealth of cherished recordings lining the walls—but search for a few basic tools to tune things up and you’re met with blank stares. Or worse, you find a broken-handled screwdriver that looks as if it had been used to chisel stone.

Fact is, audiophiles happily spend princely sums on hardware and software yet bristle at the prospect of shelling out $100 for a few basic tools. And that’s a shame, because fine stereo (and Home Theater) systems require a little TLC to perform at their best, and that means you’ll need some basic tools and simple techniques for using them. For less than the cost of a single out-of-print LP, you can acquire everything you need to keep your High End rig running right! Here’s everything you need to know:

Screwdrivers: At a minimum, you’ll need three Philips drivers (#0, #1 and #2) and an assortment of flat-blade drivers. A couple of fine-blade Jeweler’s screwdrivers are essential for turntable setup and maintenance. German-made Wiha are the best we’ve found but Snap-On and Klein—made right here in the USA—are also excellent. These are the items you’ll use the most, so don’t cheap-out! (Tip: always use the largest blade that will properly fit the fastener’s head, as this will minimize the risk of damage.)

Allen (Hex) and Torx Drivers: Simply put, you can’t adjust a tone arm or remove the top cover from most electronic components without a set of Allen wrenches, though Torx drivers have become commonplace in the past few years. Compared to traditional screwdrivers, Allen and Torx allow greater tightening force with less chance of stripping the fastener. Fortunately, even the best of these are dirt-cheap. Look for “Bondhus” brand. (Tip: with Allen drivers, choose models with one “Ball-end,” as these work better in tight spaces. You’ll need both Metric and English sizes.)

Machinist’s Level: For leveling your equipment rack, Turntable, CD Player and speakers. Actually, you don’t need one: you need two, placed at right angles atop whatever surface you want leveled. (Tip: a longer level will always provide a more accurate measurement that a shorter level of equal quality, so use the longest level that will work on a given surface.)

Needle-Nose Pliers: essential for cartridge installation and useful for any sort of fine wire work, not to mention fishing small screws out of tight spaces. You’re best off with two: 1” and 2-3” jaw. Best brands are Snap-on, Channellock and Diamond.

Adjustable “Crescent” Wrench: An open-end wrench with adjustable jaws. In this case, smaller is better. A 4” or 6” wrench should master just about any task. (Snap-On and Channellock are top brands here.)

Utility knife: (Box-cutters) These are among the most useful and versatile items you can own. Need proof? How did you open your equipment boxes, anyway? (Tip: a dull blade is much more dangerous than a sharp one. Blades are cheap, so change them often!)

Tape Measure: HiFi setup is all about geometry…try that without a Tape Measure! (Tip: choose a tape at least 20’ long, with a locking feature, that is highly legible.)

High quality flashlight and Magnifying glass: Over 40? These are self-explanatory. An LED Flashlight with multiple brightness settings is worth a king’s ransom. These will come in handy when looking behind your system, adjusting phono cartridge alignment, and in infinite other instances.

Protractor and Stylus Force Gauge: For Analog Lovers Only! Brinkmann makes a gorgeous and easy-to use Protractor based upon the old Dennesen Soundtractor. As for Stylus Force Gauges, high precision digital units are available on ebay for $10.

Toolbox: Cheap insurance and guaranteed organization! (Tip: a plastic box with internal compartments offers the best protection and keeps everything at the ready.)

Parting shot: When it comes to tightening screws, bolts and other fasteners, audiophiles seem to think that “If a little is good, more is better!” Avoid the temptation and DON’T Overtighten!!!