Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 12 of 12
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    1,964

    Nordost - Q Kore

    QRT’s - QKore 6

    I am writing to bring awareness on how awesome an external ground helps a system and to hopefully draw attention to help others realize this.

    I know only the fundamentals about electrical grounding relative to safety and not sure how it relates to sound, other then external grounding components work to bring out a much richer and focused sound. Maybe someone on here can help enlighten the engineering behind this in layman terms, in any event, here we go...

    This past October I attended my first audio show, RMAF and like any convention there is lots to see and do, but to realize maximum value you have to engage to learn, and that’s what I hoped to do but could not fully get into the technical side of things as the sounds and the audio eye candy distracted my focus.

    Prior to RMAF and being on these forums, I have already started my Nordost cable journey but was not familiar with what the QRT products offered as I embodied skepticism, and wanted to use the RMAF platform to learn more about these various tweaks to decide how much further I would venture into nirvana in terms of time and expense.

    Quickly, I found my way to the Nordost room directed by their conveniently placed kiosk in the lobby. Smartly, Nordost took you through the different series of cables, and the improvements that offers something for everyone, and they were able to prove this with no gimmicks, tricks and related. Each testing used the same settings, gear and tracks played. As the demonstration evolved, one of the focal points was within the QRT product line; the QKore external grounding system.

    There are 3 models of the Q-Kore, each at different price points; the 1, 3 and 6. The base level, QKore 1 addresses grounding in the power distribution and also serves as a great starting point in price and quality. However, be warned that you will quickly want the second or third models in the series offered by Nordost where it allows you to address either 2 or 5 components, aside from the power distribution. Either of these choices and your still ahead, both sides gives you a sense of completeness of QKores ability. Also, Nordost recommends begin with power distribution as a starting point even before grounding and offers their QB8 and QB4 distribution outlets addressed my this, but using their distribution is not a requirement.

    I operate a PS Audio P10 and QKore6 for my own reasons. PS Audio said they do not address the grounding aspect like offered by Nordost. QKore did it’s job realizing very noticeable ground gains using the optional RJ45 jack from the P10 into the power side of QKore. So this makes QKore universal from grounding the power side between QRT devices and the P10, then with the QKore6 I get to ground 5 components as well adding layers of improvement.

    Back to where it started, so upon the presenters demonstration, the overall dimension and clarity in sound hit me between the ears and played out like the original Batman TV series using the Bam’s, POW’s and Smack’s in animated fashion…I was beyond impressed and all from a component requiring no power cable. The QKore grounding systems magical ability borders as mesmerizing, no different then when one undergoes cable, isolation and treatment upgrades aside from components and speakers.

    I instantly contacted my Nordost dealer from the show ordering the QKore 6, plus 4 grounding cables for various components.

    * Note: The Nordost Q Kore 6 has a total of 6 terminals, with 1 dedicated to ground the distribution power and the others for audio components or mono block amps (each additional cable is around $350, a fraction of the price compared to power cables and come in RCA, BNC, XLR, RJ45 and Banana)

    * Hookup was simple, the results spectacular. Upon turning on the system, the music was now more revealing in every way, much like at the show, no matter the track played. Sounds appeared clearer through their dynamic broadcast revealing music as it was intended and with an increased level in volume showing what an ungrounded system was hiding. Yes the level of volume increased, but not by adjusting the volume control, the sound became louder as the ground in QKore was removing unwanted electrical noise and interference providing clearer dynamics on a darkened detailed soundstage.

    One of the hardest parts of this hobby was getting past the notion of choosing complimenting items that greatly benefits a system. Visually it’s hard for me to spend money unless immediate visual gratification can be had with knobs, dials, lights and all the fancy billeted aluminum, but somehow I mostly restrained myself.

    I am a believer to maximize performance on many pieces of gear by various brands the foundation of the system addressing power along with controlling the sound emitted by room treatments and isolation devices are of great importance and the difference between good sound and great sound.

    While my writing tilts towards Nordost, there are other companies that include similar offerings creating options for you. I have no vested interest in Nordost whatsoever, and don’t believe there is one solution for all other then the principles of ensuring room treatment, isolation and power play a factor in reproducing the best sound possible.

    Hear where you can, read and study when you can, but overall enjoy your system! After all, who wants to spend a bunch of time and money to never fully be happy.

    I hope this helps the prospective, current and future enthusiasts in their listening journey.

    In closing, I respectfully request the forum moderators to add Nordost into the manufacturers forum.






    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    639

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    Thank you for that very interesting story

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Chicago suburbs
    Posts
    1,583

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    Thanks for sharing your honest impressions of the relatively new Nordost QKORE grounding system.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Singapore
    Posts
    1,021

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    I attended a dealer organised presentation of the Nordost QKore range in Singapore in October. Nordost’s product specialist Bjorn Bengtsson demonstrated all three products. Effectively a grounding unit the QKore – most notably the QKore 1 really improved the resolution [fine detail retrieval] and the bass definition and timing coming from the demo system. For me and for the system used the biggest sonic gains were achieved from the QKore 1.


    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Cleveland, Ohio, USA
    Posts
    530

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    The basic definition for 'ground' is common reference point.
    So if the QKORE6 has continuity between the 6 terminals, the it fulfills this function.
    And the QKORE3 for small tree component systems. But the QKORE1 not at all.

    Remember that 'ground' is a reference point and not a destination.

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Singapore
    Posts
    1,021

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    Quote Originally Posted by Speedskater View Post
    The basic definition for 'ground' is common reference point.
    So if the QKORE6 has continuity between the 6 terminals, the it fulfills this function.
    And the QKORE3 for small tree component systems. But the QKORE1 not at all.

    Remember that 'ground' is a reference point and not a destination.

    I'm not sure I understand your comment, perhaps you could clarify / expand?

    The Qkore 1 addresses the primary or AC side of the power system, connecting directly, and exclusively, to an audio system’s power distributor, ideally the Nordost QBase or similar distributor which has an external grounding socket. If the three pin power cord of each of audio component is connected to the distributor they all "see" the same artificial “clean” earth.
    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Cleveland, Ohio, USA
    Posts
    530

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    Quote Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001 View Post
    I'm not sure I understand your comment, perhaps you could clarify / expand?
    ..........If the three pin power cord of each of audio component is connected to the distributor they all "see" the same artificial “clean” earth.
    Rather they "see" the same "common reference point", which is a good thing. Because it will reduce Common Impedance Coupling noise.
    I hope that the most important Safety Ground path back to the Neutral in the main breaker box remains intact.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Chicago suburbs
    Posts
    1,583

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    Thought this review of the QKore Grounding System from TAS would be of interest here.

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Cleveland, Ohio, USA
    Posts
    530

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    It's too bad that TAS reviews contain no technical information.

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    639

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    Why not simply contact Nordost for the information you want ?
    Flemming

    Lumin X1
    Rotel Michi S5
    Focus Audio FS788

    Inter connect : Nordost Tyr 2 ( 2 Meter )
    LS cable : Yter
    Power Cables : Nordost Frey 2 ( 2 Meter )
    Nordost QB8
    Fibercable for feeding the Lumin X1
    Rack : Finite Elemente Pagode

  11. #11
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Cleveland, Ohio, USA
    Posts
    530

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    Quote Originally Posted by FDPDK View Post
    Why not simply contact Nordost for the information you want ?
    What's wrong with independent measurements?

  12. #12
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    639

    Re: Nordost - Q Kore

    Nothing of course
    Flemming

    Lumin X1
    Rotel Michi S5
    Focus Audio FS788

    Inter connect : Nordost Tyr 2 ( 2 Meter )
    LS cable : Yter
    Power Cables : Nordost Frey 2 ( 2 Meter )
    Nordost QB8
    Fibercable for feeding the Lumin X1
    Rack : Finite Elemente Pagode

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Nordost - Q Kore

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •