To Quantum or not to Quantum - that is the question?
One of the great opportunities that arise when moving or re-commissioning audio systems is the chance to retest previously held assumptions or prior experiences on the sonic benefit each system component offers. All too often audiophiles – myself included – simply continue to add to existing systems; more boxes, more cables etc. or upgrade a specific single component without really challenging whether the raison d'être of
everything else is still valid.
This is precisely the position I found myself in recently when a move back to our tropical home in Singapore meant the unpacking and installation of my audio system. I deliberately opted to install the simplest base system possible; a CD player and integrated amplifier leashed up to a pair of Raidho loudspeakers. The CDP and amplifier were both connected to an Ansuz Mainz D8 distributor which in turn was connected to a wall socket and dedicated powerline to the room.
For many years I’ve had Nordost Quantum units employed in my stereo system and while I did not understand how these devices worked – they nonetheless made a wonderful contribution to the perceived soundstage. Given the more recent introduction of the Ansuz Mainz D8 distributor and Ansuz Sparkz TC conditioners I wondered whether I still needed the Nordost Quantum Qx2 and Qx4 devices and I decided to give them a chance to once again fight for their place in my equipment rack.
Photo: Bottom shelf of equipment rack with Ansuz distributor and Nordost Quantums QX2 & QX4
The evaluation would compare a straight forward setup of a power cord straight to the distributor vs. a more complex set up of a power cord to a Nordost Quantum QX2 daisy chained to a Nordost Quantum QX4 which in turn is connected to the Ansuz Mainz D8 and two test tracks would be used;
Bat out of Hell from Meat Loaf’s 3 Bats Live Album and
The Last of the Privateers from Allan Taylors Leaving at Dawn Album. The first track presents something of a nightmare for most audio systems; recorded live on March 14, 2007 in London, Ontario, Canada – its complex, messy, not well recorded [transcribed from a DVD] and about as far as one can get from a typical “audiophile recording” but reproduced well it is energetic, fun, theatric and overwhelmingly live – with a massive encompassing soundstage. The second track is typical from the Stockfisch label, the standard of engineering is exemplary, SACD at its very finest, the resolution and micro detail is startling as is the depth of soundstage for some of the percussive elements.
Before sharing my results I would be interested to hear from any reader who has tried the Quantum's in their system. Please post below and let us know your observations!
