Nordost- Making the Connection

G'day maties, finally making the connection!

I was looking for my earlier posts referring to Nordost accessories but couldn't quite locate it... so thought I'd start a new one and keep it to all things Nordost. I'm actually wondering if it's making the connection or making the right decision, damn expensive these gadgets.

Oh boy, let's see now... what does a couple grand in AC power distribution get you? Well, it will deliver superb clarity, definition and a truck load of finesse! This is the Qbase-8 MKII (Aus 10A version) that I had ordered, and finally arrived! It took a few months because in Aus we have some weird plugs, which takes special Ops to source from the Himalayans...
Comparing both the MKI and MKII side by side, there's hardly any difference cosmetically that is. But when you actually hold the MKII in your hands, there's definitely something special about it. The build quality and finish is superb! Simply outstanding, there's nothing to fault other than further upgrade to the MK3 IF you really need to go there. That's another grand or two, so all up about 4grand.

What the MK3 does is offer 20Amp outlets along with the high grade audiophile fuse supplied by Nordost (which is also found on the MKII). The MK3 is mostly suited for high power applications. By high power, I'm referring to amperage not power in watts. If you plan on installing 20Amp circuits or a dedicated 20Amp AC line to your Audio rig, only then will the MK3 power board come to full potential.

The MKII comes supplied in two versions, either 15Amp or 10Amp. So again, unless you happen to have a dedicated 15Amp AC line, getting the higher amperage is of no use. So I simply ordered what the house grid rating is. Since I've already installed a dedicated AC line for the Audio system, which is 10Amp, that's MORE than adequate for domestic Hifi. This is not a rock concert or a live gig.

Performance can be based on three critical factors:
1. Further Quietness
2. 3D Openness and transparency
3. Limitless dynamics

These three factors were very good even on the MKI version, I had absolutely no flaws with that one. However, the MKII takes those factors to another level, which I didn't think was possible. The MK3 is supposed to be further up there but I'll draw the line with this one, and my grid is not wired for 20Amps in any case.

Overall performance: is the pricing justified?..., not sure about this, simply because the difference from the MKI version to the MKII is not 40%. I would say somewhere around the 20% mark if at all. I've discussed this with Nordost at length and their general advice has been that if after all these add-ons in accessories doesn't yield significant improvements then the system has achieved its full potential / synergy. Going further than that will see 10 - 15% marginal improvements or even less.
So, for those thinking of upgrading from the MKI version to the MKII, yes it's worthwhile only if you really must. Other than that, the MKI is good enough.

At this particular stage where my system has been developed over the years, especially now since using a full Nordost power loom and its AC power related accessories, I think I'll draw the line at this point. Even though this performance margin may not seem much, I'm still quite surprised how Nordost achieves this level yet again, and they continue to do this with every item they offer.

When the wifey saw this thing, she commented, "Oh another toy eh... what's the big deal?" Then I played a few of her regular tunes, Tracy Chapman, Lizz Wright and Sam Smith... then she said, "OK" and went to bed. That's all she wrote. Phew! So for a couple grand it wasn't the dog house after all. It's only when that spend goes overboard it's either the doggy den or ducky pond, SO this time doggy gets a bone!

Cheers to Nordost! And do enjoy those very fine tunes.
WOOF!!! RJ

Haaa, good one mate.
It use to be that way in the old days, more or less. But now, since we've been together now for over 20yrs, I find that honesty and transparency is far better than hiding... plus when you're honest you get an extra cuddle or something to that effect.

No more hiding from my side, also the pricing questions don't come up much often as they used to. I guess she really can't be bothered with this nonsense. As long as I don't sink the ship... she seems quite stable. So! For now it's full steam ahead captain!

Cheers matey, and enjoy those finest tunes.
Woofty woof'n! RJ

Based on the above post by Cohsys, yes I agree there are so many ways to further improve the system. However, I feel that once your system has reached a certain threshold, that's it! Pushing beyond this is of no point. I've also seen many people constantly spending once or twice a year on several upgrades, gear, accessories and other components... all in good faith of realistic and natural music. Yes, that's a definite good thing but I strongly feel after a while, the music takes second place, and instead they're chasing the gear.The music was already fine to begin with. After that threshold point is reached, the limitations are only on the recording, nothing else.

I've drawn a line here to this madness, in fact from Feb next year, I'm thinking of downsizing to SS gear. I'll still keep my modded CJ tube amps if I can because those were custom made. I've invested far too much in them to just sell them off, and I've had so many wonderful amplifiers in on demos but fell short on what these CJ tube monoblocks can do. Even the big ARC Ref160M's, although quite good couldn't quite deliver what's in comparison to 60w Class A all tube power, no chance.
I've reached a short list of SS contenders, and now it's becoming more challenging to decide:
1. Pass Labs XA60.8
2. Vitus SS-103
3. Burmester 032

The Dartzeel and Aries Cerat are off this list, not because of sound & performance, rather their pricing in AUD was off-putting (65grand & 80grand respectively), no thanks.

Those three listed above are way less than that, and those Pass Labs XA series are just superb! Similarly, the Vitus SS-103 and Burmester 032 performed supremely well with my CLX's. I ran home trials for over two weeks on each amp, it was fabulous! I even home trialled the mighty Pass Labs XA160.8's, that was on a different dimension but I really don't require that kind of Class A power, plus the room is not that huge. Also tried out the XA100.8's and actually preferred the simpler approach of 60w Class A on the XA60.8's. So far, these monoblocks are sitting at the top of the podium but that Burmester is slowly climbing up!

Tooob maintenance is getting costly now and the stupid Russian war is getting really out of whack! I mean really out of hand, prices have gone through the roof! In all angles, not just tooobs. So with that in mind, a simplified version of having a highend SS amp on hand is far more sensible than constantly burning tubes. That's my rationale.

So, in terns of further improvements (Nordost accessories, Odin Supreme reference cables, power boards and exotic wiring... I've drawn the line, no more). Will need to seriously consider that short list again early next year and make a decision by mid year or so.

Until such time, do enjoy those finest tunes!
Woof! RJ

Very good suggestions by Ecwl, and take your time in finding the type of custom sound that you're after. This can be done using an array of Nordost accessories, which you have. So no rush, just enjoy the ride. Each type of accessory also takes a short while to settle in... hence allow that to first happen before making changes, otherwise you'll be going in circles.

Regardless of custom sound, the main goal is to arrive at a purer uncoloured sound. One that's very transparent and neutral as possible. It will also let more of the music to flow and reproduce exactly what's on the recording or at least 99% of the recording, hence nothing's perfect. You'll also experience a very quiet background, virtually zero noise floor, which contributes to a greater level of transparency and inner detail. Sometimes it can get too squeaky clean. Nordost are exactly those type of accessories that allows your system to do this, operating at the highest level of performance.
Note: Remember one thing: once you've fiddled around with all the accessories and have tried various combinations and have arrived at an optimised level, thats it! This is your systems threshold. Sure there are other ways of further improvements, and obviously more spending... sky's the limit! There's really no point in further exhorbitant spend, it never ends and we chase perfection, which doesn't even exist!

So only when you feel whichever accessory/s have given you what you're looking for in terms of absolute musicality and you're truly enjoying the music, just leave it at that! If not, you'll find your bank account draining, along with your savings that may go into a minus balance... and you'll be over 70yrs with less hearing ability.

Cheers, and enjoy those finest tunes!
Woof! RJ