G'day fellow music specialists,
I have spent the past few weeks, months or so experimenting with proper AC mains and distribution systems since the audio system has now reached a point of synergy, especially with the addition of a turn table.
I came across several configs for optimally placing the QX4 in and around the system, and I also got hold of the Qbase 8 distribution block.
Now, what I have done instead, which has yielded a major improvement in overall dynamics, addressing these traits later, is the following:
1. Unplugged the Thor power conditioner from the system entirely.
2. Plugged in the mains power cord directly to the Qbase8, and all other components into the Qb8, EXCEPT the preamp.
3. Plugged the preamp into the QX4 and then plugged the QX4 into the Qbase.
Results gained:
a) total silence in background, no hiss from the preamp, no floor noise and far better grounding. Note: the preamp must be plugged into the Qbase where it's marked "primary earth".
b) improved dynamics, increase in transients, slam and attack, with a far greater sense of effortlessness.
c) stronger vocals, with very palpable imaging.
d) probably the most striking attribute, apart from the absolute quietness, is the expansion of the soundstage, simply awesome!
Now, I've gotten rid of the Thor unit which actually was not essential since after our mains was refitted with digital meters and better power lines, done by City power. This was a problem before when analog meters were in use, they were very old with old wiring, the mains voltage used to swing from 220 to 250v. After the new meters and brand new wiring, the voltage is a constant 240v with an occasional varience from about 238 to 240. This is great!
In summary; having a dedicated circuit for the system is sometimes not adequate unless the mains wiring is also upto standard. Our house is over 40 years old and it was high time these meters and wires needed changing. Overall, with the addition of the Qbase and plugging the preamp directly into the QX4, not only added positive results in sonics but also unleashed the system's full potential.
I am truly delighted with this setup of Nordost systems, and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to achieve that extra edge of performance from their systems.
Cheers to all, RJ
I have spent the past few weeks, months or so experimenting with proper AC mains and distribution systems since the audio system has now reached a point of synergy, especially with the addition of a turn table.
I came across several configs for optimally placing the QX4 in and around the system, and I also got hold of the Qbase 8 distribution block.
Now, what I have done instead, which has yielded a major improvement in overall dynamics, addressing these traits later, is the following:
1. Unplugged the Thor power conditioner from the system entirely.
2. Plugged in the mains power cord directly to the Qbase8, and all other components into the Qb8, EXCEPT the preamp.
3. Plugged the preamp into the QX4 and then plugged the QX4 into the Qbase.
Results gained:
a) total silence in background, no hiss from the preamp, no floor noise and far better grounding. Note: the preamp must be plugged into the Qbase where it's marked "primary earth".
b) improved dynamics, increase in transients, slam and attack, with a far greater sense of effortlessness.
c) stronger vocals, with very palpable imaging.
d) probably the most striking attribute, apart from the absolute quietness, is the expansion of the soundstage, simply awesome!
Now, I've gotten rid of the Thor unit which actually was not essential since after our mains was refitted with digital meters and better power lines, done by City power. This was a problem before when analog meters were in use, they were very old with old wiring, the mains voltage used to swing from 220 to 250v. After the new meters and brand new wiring, the voltage is a constant 240v with an occasional varience from about 238 to 240. This is great!
In summary; having a dedicated circuit for the system is sometimes not adequate unless the mains wiring is also upto standard. Our house is over 40 years old and it was high time these meters and wires needed changing. Overall, with the addition of the Qbase and plugging the preamp directly into the QX4, not only added positive results in sonics but also unleashed the system's full potential.
I am truly delighted with this setup of Nordost systems, and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to achieve that extra edge of performance from their systems.
Cheers to all, RJ