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
Human Behaviour – Björk – Debut
Jonathan – Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek – a-sides
Sailing to Philadelphia – Mark Knopfler, James Taylor – Sailing to Philadelphia
Moonlight Mile – The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers
Take Me to the River – Lorde – Take Me to the River
Ghosts – 2003 Digital Remaster – Japan – Tin Drum
Spacelab – Kraftwerk – The Man-Machine (2009 Remaster)
BLACKBIIRD – Beyoncé, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts – COWBOY CARTER
Missing – Everything But The Girl – Amplified Heart
If you have ever read the literature about Nordost’s QRT Audio Enhancers, you are familiar with their cohesive and cumulative nature. What does that mean? Two things: QRT products all 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.
QBASE Mark III
The QASE Mark III 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. In the current QRT line, the only difference between the QB4 and the QB8 (or the QB6 in the UK) is the number of outlets available to each model: 4 or 8 (or 6). So, when choosing a QBASE Mark III, simply discern the number of components you need to plug into your system, and the amperage needed to run your system, both QBASE Mark III options are available with either a C-14 or C-20 IEC (C-14 IEC = 15/10 amp, C-20 IEC = 20/16 amp), and you are good to go. For more information on the QBASE Mark III, click HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QBASE Mark III:
QRT Plug-Ins – QSINE, QWAVE, QVIBE, and QKOIL devices improve upon poor-quality AC. More information on each, individual QRT Plug-In can be found HERE.
QKORE – Grounds the primary side of the power supply through artificial, parallel grounding.
QKORE Wire/Premium QKORE Wire – Offer a connection from the binding post on the QBASE to the QKORE Ground Unit.
QLINE – In appropriate situations, this offers a connection from the binding post on the QBASE to an external ground rod or grounding box.
QRT Stand Mount – Adds stability and the ability to introduce resonance control.
Sort Kones – 4 Sort Kones of your choice to drain damaging vibrations from the chassis of the QBASE.
QBASE Reference
The QBASE Reference, like the QBASE Mark III, is a power distribution unit. However, in addition to providing 10 outlets, the QB10 is a dramatic upgrade including a Dual Primary Earth design, internal solid core Micro Mono-Filament wiring, Pre-QKORE ground design, specifically optimized and modified QPOINT technology, multiple internal QSINE and QWAVE devices, and resonance control Sort support. For more information on the QBASE Reference, click HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QBASE Reference:
QRT Plug-Ins – While two QSINE and QWAVE devices are already included within the internal design of the QBASE Reference, the modular and cumulative nature of QRT Plug-Ins means that more will always be better.
QKORE – Grounds the primary side of the power supply with an artificial, parallel grounding device.
QKORE Wire/Premium QKORE Wire – Offer a connection from the binding post on the QBASE Reference to the QKORE Ground Unit.
QLINE – In appropriate situations, this offers a connection from the binding post on the QBASE to an external ground rod or grounding box.
QKORE
QKORE parallel grounding devices provide an artificial, “clean” earth for hifi systems by using both an electrical and mechanical approach. By drawing stray high-frequency noise and voltage-generated magnetic fields to a manufactured earth point, the QKORE leaves a clean reference behind. There are models of QKORE that differ in the number of binding posts available: QKORE1 with one binding post that grounds the primary side of the power supply, QKORE3 with three binding posts that ground the secondary side of the power supply, and the QKORE6 with six binding posts which grounds both primary and secondary sides of the power supply. For more information on the QKORE, visit HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QKORE:
QKORE Wire/Premium QKORE Wire – Provides connection from components in the system to the binding posts on the QKORE Ground Unit.
Sort Kones – 3 or 4 Sort Kones of your choice to drain damaging vibrations from the chassis of the QKORE.
QPOINT
The QPOINT is a resonance synchronizer that manipulates the electromechanical resonances inside audio components within its immediate proximity so that they resonate in unison with each other. For more information on the QPOINT, visit HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QPOINT:
QSOURCE – Provides stable, clean DC power which feeds the QPOINT so that it can produce the maximum output.
QSOURCE DC Cable/Premium QSOURCE DC Cable – Connects the QPOINT to the QSOURCE Linear Power Supply
QNET
The QNET is a layer-2, five-port Ethernet switch designed and constructed from the ground up to maximize audio performance. Placing a QNET in a digitally driven system dramatically improves the transmission and receival of high-speed audio signals, while achieving extremely low noise operation. For more information on the QNET, visit HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QNET:
QSOURCE – Provides stable, clean DC power which feeds the QNET so that it can produce the maximum output.
QSOURCE DC Cable/Premium QSOURCE DC Cable – Connects the QNET to the QSOURCE Linear Power Supply
QNET Stand– Adds stability and the ability to introduce resonance control.
Sort Kones – 3 Sort Kones of your choice to drain damaging vibrations from the chassis of the QNET.
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. For more information on the QSOURCE, visit HERE.
Products to complement and optimize the QSOURCE:
QSOURCE DC Cable/Premium QSOURCE DC Cable – Connects the QSOURCE to the QPOINT, QNET, and any other DC-run audio component that can receive power from Nordost’s linear power supply.
QRT Stand Mount – Adds stability and the ability to introduce resonance control.
Sort Kones – 4 Sort Kones of your choice to drain damaging vibrations from the chassis of the QSOURCE.
We are excited to share a great new review that focuses on our QBASE Mark IIIand Heimdall 2 cables, published in VuMetre and written in both English and French, by reviewer Vincent Guillemin. In it, Guillemin talks about the direct benefits that both Nordost’s power supply and cabling have had on his set-up, calling it, in a word, “impressive”.
Guillemin says it’s “as if the speakers had changed color, in addition to having modified their drivers to better color the timbres.”
Celebrating its 35th edition this year, Montreal Audiofest remains the must-attend event for audiophiles. This long-standing tradition showcases the latest advances in high-fidelity audio equipment, featuring over 300 speaker brands, innovative music streamers and high-quality headphones.
Attendees engage with sound experts and industry insiders, immersing themselves in music through some of the finest audio systems available.
This event surpasses mere product demonstrations, offering enlightening talks by renowned speakers spanning audio history to technological advancements. Whether a seasoned audiophile or a curious newcomer, the Montreal Audiofest guarantees an immersive exploration into the realm of high-quality sound, establishing itself as a must-visit for anyone passionate about experiencing music’s profound impact through superior audio technology.
The three-day experience features multiple hotel floors packed with over 200 listening rooms. The Expo Hall featuring The Record Fair, The Ear Gear Experience, and seminars. Whether you’re a serious audiophile, a newcomer to high-end audio or simply a music lover, you’ll find everything you need to immerse yourself in your favorite sounds.
The HIGH END, the internationally renowned audio exhibition, is the undisputed leader when it comes to impressively setting the tone for top-class music reproduction. It has been providing ideas and impetus for producers, sellers and consumers of high-quality consumer electronics for four decades. On the four days of the event, the entire world of audio experts and professionals gather in Munich to visit hundreds of exhibitors from more than 40 different countries as they showcase their latest innovations in the halls and atriums of the MOC event centre.
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 March.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Broken Man – St. Vincent – Broken Man
Darkness and Light (feat. Brittany Howard) –John Legend, Brittany Howard – DARKNESS AND LIGHT
wonder eye – Little Moon – wonder eye
Rebel Yell – Nouvelle Vague, Mélanie Pain– Should I Stay or Should I Go?
An Honest Man – Fantastic Negrito – An Honest Man
Feel – Robbie Williams – Escapology
Trouble – Ray LaMontagne – Trouble
Is This How You Feel? – The Preatures – Blue Planet Eyes
Professional Service and Selection Meets the Front Range
With over 50 years in the audio business, Soundings founder, Mr. Rod Thompson, has dedicated his career to building music systems with care and dedication. He also provides proper video entertainment solutions as well. The wealth of experience Rod has enjoyed has served him and his clients well over the years.
Soundings was started nearly 40 years ago in the Denver area and recently opened their brand new location in Greenwood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver U.S.A. Most relationships with customers are decades old and the current staff of professionals led by store manager, Jess Engleking, are certainly leading the way for a new generation. Most store personnel have over 20 years experience each in high-end audio and video design.
Top Brands
The selection of brands that the store carries is much more than just a “product of the month” club. Lines sold by Soundings undergo a stringent selection process that ensures longevity and true value in servicing their customers needs. Artisanal offerings are sought out that offer unique, reliable solutions for all clients.
Soundings has carried Nordost’s Reference Odin 2 cables for many years, along with the likes of stellar brands such as Boulder amplifiers, Rockport Technologies speakers, Linn, Acora, Kef Reference, Dr Feichert and Primare. You are assured of a competent system including ‘white glove’ delivery and set up.
The Master Set Process
Rod and crew have perfected the system of interfacing sound systems in real rooms with a scientific process that is implemented with passion and talent. This results in a widely sought after system integration that properly designs systems for the rooms they are in, while taking in to account the whole family’s needs and desires.
Soundings
9625 E Arapahoe Rd Unit L, Greenwood Village, CO 80112
In a hifi system, every link in the chain makes a difference. In the last 20 years, 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. A huge part of this foundation is an audio-optimized network switch – a device that may seem inconsequential at first, put actually plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital playback…
Data Transmission Stability
Audio network switches must ensure the stable and reliable transmission of data within a hifi audio system. Uninterrupted data flow is essential for maintaining signal integrity, preventing jitter, and minimizing delays. Nordost’s QNET Network Switch is designed with a high speed, multi-layered, impedance-controlled layout, which optimizes signal routes, provides a stable environment for data transfer, and minimizes reflections, interference and crosstalk.
Noise Reduction
Audio systems are sensitive to electrical noise, so standard switches, with their inferior craftsmanship, often introduce unwanted interference. With Nordost, you don’t have to worry. Every aspect of the QNET, from part to placement, was made to perfect the transmission and receival of high-speed audio signals, while achieving extremely low noise operation. In addition to the many design features that contribute to noise reduction in the QNET, Nordost’s network switch takes it to the next level, providing five, physically separated, independently powered ports, each accommodating an 8P8C (RJ45) connector. The physical separation preserves the purity of the audio signal and enhances the listening experience.
Precision Timing
Timing accuracy is critical in audio reproduction. Network switches help synchronize data packets, reducing timing errors, and ensuring that audio signals are transmitted with precision. Nordost’s QNET utilizes an extremely low-noise, stable oscillator for the main clock which is mounted to the motherboard (unlike most switches, which opt for a sister board mount) to prioritize timing considerations which, in turn, contribute to improved audio clarity.
Enhanced Streaming Performance
As hifi systems increasingly rely on streaming services for audio content, the performance of the network switch is becoming even more crucial. A high-quality audio switch, like the QNET, helps to optimize streaming performance, reducing buffering times and enhancing streaming quality.
In the pursuit of the perfect performance, network switches play a crucial role in ensuring the stability, purity, and precision of audio data transmission. Nordost’s QNET was created to be an audio-specific solution, offering advanced features that contribute to an elevated listening experience in a digitally driven system. It is the perfect choice for music lovers seeking audio excellence.
You’ve done the research. You’ve found the equipment to match the system of your dreams. You’ve put in the hours of thoughtful, room-specific set up. You’ve even invested in the foundation of your system, paying attention to the cables and power products that make you components sing. You are SO CLOSE to perfection you can almost taste [or pointedly, hear] it. What’s missing? Support!
Nordost Sort Kones are the secret weapon in the battle against damaging vibration. These directly coupled, mechanically tuned resonance control devices effectively wick electrical components of harmful internal vibrations, correcting timing errors and distortions that may be occurring within your devices. Once engaged, Sort Kones provide a “blacker” background to your system, imparting stronger focus, more transparency, and greater dynamic range.
Sort Kones are a comprehensive tool — they can be used with virtually all components. However, when developing our own components, Nordost has taken the chance to offer an extra level of customization…
Enter, Nordost’s QRT Stand Mount and QNET Stand. The QRT Stand Mount serves as a crucial foundation for optimizing the performance of the QSOURCE and QBASE, while the QNET Stand serves the same purpose for the QNET. These stands provide a stable, level, isolated platform, custom fitted for Nordost Sort Kones, that is especially needed in high-end systems that rely on cables which are heavy with the weight of technology and sonic potential!
The QRT Stand Mount and QNET Stand are integral design elements of their QRT counterparts, seamlessly pairing with Sort Kones, and completing Nordost’s vision for optimal performance with a holistic approach to audio support.
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 February.
You can now listen to our monthly playlist here: TIDAL | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ
Turn the Lights Back On – Billy Joel – Turn the Lights Back On
L’appuntamento – Ornella Vanoni – Del Mio Meglio
Shoes – Audiotree Line Version – Matt Andersen, Audiotree – Matt Andersen on Audiotree Live (Session #2)
A Love International – Khruangbin – A Love International
Let ‘Em In – 2014 Remaster – Wings – Wings At The Speed of Sound
Good Morning Little School Girl – Muddy Waters – Folk Singer (Expanded Edition)
Higher – Chris Stapleton – Higher
Go Insane – Live 1997; 2002 Remaster – Fleetwood Mac – The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac
Gdzieś We Śnie – Skaivi – Gdzieś We Śnie
Good People – Mumford & Sons, Pharrell Williams – Good People
The QBASE Reference is Nordost’s most sophisticated, all-encompassing power solution to date. This multi-faceted, reference-level AC distribution unit operates as a filter-less alternative to power conditioners, delivering clean, uncompromised power without imparting its own sonic characteristics on performance or limiting AC current. When any product of this caliber enters the scene, there are questions. We wanted to address some of the most frequently asked questions here so that you can find your answers in one place!
Q: Is the QBASE REFERENCE an AC conditioner?
A: No. Unlike traditional power conditioners that may limit bandwidth and compress dynamics, the QBASE Reference uses parallel passive and active technologies to prevent distortion and reduce noise. This completely filter-less approach mitigates system noise while enhancing dynamics and maintaining bandwidth.
Q: How does the QBASE Reference differ from the QBASE Mark III?
A: Like the QBASE Mark III, the QBASE Reference is, at its core, a passive distribution component that uses star-earth topology to direct the signal and ground paths of system components to minimize the noise floor. But it’s much more than that.
In the QBASE Reference, we have added a dual primary earth design to our star earth topology, which is a first in our line. We have also upgraded the internal monofilament wiring and enhanced the board traces over those in the QB8, to allow the QBASE Reference to handle more current. Another benefit to the QBASE Reference is the addition of more outlets, power cord connector supports, and even built-in, resonance control, Sort Supports. However it is the internal enhancements that account for the extreme noise elimination accomplished by the QBASE Reference, and that is achieved through the addition of multiple internal QSINE and QWAVE devices and specifically optimized QPOINT technology.
Q: How should I position the QBASE Reference in my sound system?
A: Place the QBASE Reference on a stable, solid surface, ideally on a dedicated shelf of an audio rack or an amp stand. From there, you can easily adjust its Sort Supports to ensure that the component is level during use.
Q: What can I expect to hear when auditioning the QBASE Reference?
A: • Overall frequency response from bass to unrestricted upper frequencies
