Our product specialists receive questions on a daily basis about Nordost products, their application, and hifi in general. We thought that we would take a minute to share some of our most recent and frequently asked questions here so that everyone can get the answers they are looking for!
Q: Can I plug my mono amps, their preamp, and a separate integrated amp into one QB8? In other words, there would be two different systems connected to the same QB8 strip. If yes, where should I plug in the monos vs the integrated?
A: Theoretically, yes, you could have components from two different configurations plugged into one QB8. However, the QB8 was designed for a single system in terms of ground flow manipulation. If at all possible, you should try to find an alternative solution. Remember, there are current limitations in terms of what the electronics draw so you don’t blow the fuse. Although pre-amps and source components have low current draw, the amps pull more. If you have three amplifiers plugged into a 15 amp QB8, and each pulls 5 amps, you can’t plug anything else into it.
Q: I have a Nordost Heimdall 2 digital RCA to RCA cable. Can I use it as an analog interconnect if I add one more of the same cable? Will this combination sonically be equal to a pair of Heimdall 2 Analog Interconnects?
A: If you need to, yes, a digital cable will pass an analog signal (although an analog cable will not pass a digital signal!). While the performance level would be close, in this application, an actual analog cable will sound better.
Q: Does Nordost offer a 3.0 USB cable? I noticed that the whole USB line is configured for USB 2.0.
A: Yes, our Frey 2 USB Cable is 3.0 compatible, and can be ordered with 3.0 terminations.
Q: What is the difference between the original Frey and the Frey 2 Analog Interconnect?
A: There are quite a lot of differences between Frey 1 and Frey 2. The conductor gauge went from 26 to 24, which by itself gives more “weight” or “body” to the sound. The Frey 2 cables also went from using Mono-Filament to Dual Mono-filament technology which surrounds the conductor with even more air. The connectors went from WBT to Neutrik MoonGlo, which has far better emphasis on grounding. Lastly, we changed the conductors to an asymmetrical configuration.
If I run my HiFi equipment rack on the side of my stereo setup with only the monoblock amps between the speakers, is it best to have the QX4 with the rack of equipment on the side or in the middle of the speakers for the field it generates?
Question 2:
My power cables consist of;
Odin 1 from wall to QB8, Frey 2 from QB8 to PreAmp, Valhalla 2 from QB8 to DAC.
For now, i want a lower end Nordost Power cable for adding the QX4 into the system,
Would I be better running a Bluehaven / RedDawn Power Cable from the wall to the QX4 then Odin to the QB8?
Or run the Valhalla 2 from the wall to the QX4 then Odin to the QB8 & have the cheaper power cable connected to the DAC?
1) The Qx4 is best positioned on a shelf in between components. The field is generated in a vertical pattern so the equipment above it and below it are the most influenced. As
2) You would be better moving the V2 to the wall and the O1 between the QX4 and Qb8. I would keep the Frey 2 on the pre-amp and put the less expensive power cords on the amp or the DAC. You can experiment easily on those two units to see what sounds the best.
If you have any additional questions, please send them to info@nordost.com