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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QRT

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We recommend a QB8 QBASE power distribution unit to give your system a proper foundation.

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Yes, the THOR can be used in conjunction with QX2 and QX4 power purifiers as well as QV2 AC line harmonizers.

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Yes, in fact, the more units that are used, the greater the sonic benefits.

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Each product has a different focus. The QX2 should be used to focus the soundstage. The QX4 should be used to increase the dynamic range, improve the cross talk and lower the noise floor in the system.

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Yes. However, for best results, we would recommend a full complement of QRT products with Nordost power cords. Since the philosophy of QRT is very different from that of other companies, we cannot guarantee the same sonic results.

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No, the QRT products do not use surge protection. However, the QSOURCE and all QBASE Mark II models include a fuse that acts as short circuit protection.

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No, it is not necessary to connect the external grounds for either the QBASE or QSOURCE to work effectively. However, both products can be improved by grounding them to a QKORE Ground Unit (or running the QKORE Ground Wire to an external ground rod). Please note: If your QSOURCE is being run through a QBASE that is ALREADY being grounded, it is NOT advised to provide additional grounding to the QSOURCE.

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Please contact Nordost technical support at info@nordost.com for detailed information.

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Yes, you can use two or more QB8 units in your system.

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Connect the first QB8 unit to the wall using the best possible power cord. Then connect the second unit directly into the outlet labeled “Primary Earth”. Once these steps are completed, you can connect the components as you normally would.

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The QV2 should be plugged into any unused outlets in the QBASE power distribution unit or other power strip.

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It is best to use the QV2 units in pairs. While adding just one will improve the sound, each pair increment will have greater impact. The more pairs of QV2s in the system, the greater the increase in sound quality. Many users choose to install 6 or 8 pieces in their system, in addition to the QX2 and QX4 units.

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If you are using a QKORE3 or a QKORE6, you have the option of connecting up to two components to each “GROUND” or “MONOGROUND” binding post, by using both a QKORE Wire terminated with a banana connector, and a QKORE Wire terminated with a spade connector on each binding post. If you have a QKORE1 or a QKORE6, you may also connect multiple QBASE distribution blocks to the binding post labeled “QBASE GROUND”. However, connecting more than one component or QBASE to a single binding post will compromise the performance of the unit. Please note: You should NOT connect both a distribution block and a component onto the same binding post at the same time.

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The QKORE Wire is an integral part of the QKORE design. QKORE units have been designed and developed with Nordost’s proprietary Mono-Filament technology and solid core conductors found in the QKORE Wire. Other cable brands can be used, but the performance will not be the same, nor will the result be as predictable or as profound, as it is when the QKORE Wire is used as intended.

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You should not. The “GROUND” position on both the QKORE1 and QKORE6 is only intended to be used with a QBASE (or comparable power distribution bar/power conditioner with dedicated grounding posts). This position is designed to address problems on the primary side, grounding the AC side of your electronics. All other positions are designed to address problems on the DC, secondary side, ground.
You should never connect an audio component’s DC, secondary side, ground to the same post as where the AC, primary side, ground is connected.

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Unfortunately, if there are no open outlets on the back of your component, you will not be able to connect it to your QKORE Unit.

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Yes. To use Sort Kones with your QKORE Unit, unscrew the rubber, stabilizing feet and remove the washers to reveal Sort Kone depressions. Sort Kones can be arranged in the depressions found beneath the stabilizing feet (tip-side up). You can use either three or four Sort Kones.

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No. Nordost QKOREs are passive units, so they do not require any power cords.

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The MONOGROUND binding posts on the QKORE6 are designed specifically for use with monoblocks; however, if your system does not include monoblocks, and you need to connect other audio components that address secondary ground, it's better to use the MONOGROUND binding posts than to connect multiple QKORE Wires on the same (non-MONOGROUND) position.

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No. Do NOT connect your loudspeakers to a QKORE unit. This could result in a short circuit to your amplifier.

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Yes, but in this case, for optimal performance, you should leave the third binding post empty.

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In most circumstances, the QPOINT should be placed under the component that you are trying to affect, with the black dispersion plate pointed up, towards the component (your component may need to be supported using Sort Kones). However, the best placement is determined on a component-by-component basis. For example: If you are pairing a QPOINT with a component that is constructed using a thick, metal chassis, and a comparatively thin top covering, you will get better results placing the QPOINT on top of the component, with the black dispersion plate facing down, towards the component. Just like with the Sort Kones, the position of the QPOINT under the component can also be optimized. A good starting point would be the “busiest” part of the device – internal images of all electronic equipment can be easily found online – but moving and rotating the QPOINT under the device will have a slight effect on its performance.

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We suggest that you start by placing the QPOINT under or on top of your preamplifier (or integrated amplifier if applicable), followed by your digital components, then your analog source, and finally your power amplifier(s). However, the results can be system dependent. You should experiment with the placement of your QPOINT to determine what is most beneficial in your unique system.

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The QPOINT was designed with two modes, which can be differentiated by colored LED lights: Mode I (Blue) and Mode II (Green). These modes cause the QPOINT to emit fields at two slightly different patterns (or bpms). To determine which mode serves you and your components best, you should experiment between the two, trying out both modes with different components, as results vary according to components and personal preferences.

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Yes, feel free to use multiple QPOINTs per component. However, never stack your QPOINTs on top of one another. When the dispersion plate is obstructed, it limits the effectiveness of the device.

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No, the QPOINT is supplied with its own DC power cord which is attached to a switch mode power supply. However, if you would like to significantly upgrade the performance of your QPOINT, Nordost offers a QSOURCE Linear Power Supply that requires a separate QSOURCE DC Cable.

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No, the QSOURCE is only designed to replace power supplies that are used with components that run on DC power.

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The QSOURCE can be positioned anywhere on or around your audio rack in a well-ventilated space. Make sure that the vents both on the top and bottom of the unit are unobstructed at all times.

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The QSOURCE will benefit from being grounded. The QSOURCE can be grounded through the QKORE, using a binding post designated for the primary side of the power supply (marked “QBASE GROUND”). However, if the QKORE is being powered through a QBASE that is already being grounded, do not additionally ground the QSOURCE directly to the QKORE.

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While the QSOURCE serves as an upgraded power supply for Nordost’s QPOINT Resonance Synchronizers, it was also designed as a replacement for the noise-inducing, inconsistent switch mode power supplies that feed music servers, network switches, routers, NAS drives, DC phono stages, DC DACs etc.

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Yes, the QSOURCE requires a power cord in order to connect it to either a wall socket (with earthing connections) or a power distribution block. For best results, we recommend using a Nordost power cord in combination with a QBASE.

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QSOURCE DC Cables are available with three terminations: LEMO to LEMO, LEMO to 5mm x 2.1mm barrel connector, and LEMO to 5mm x 2.5mm barrel connector. The LEMO to LEMO connectors are intended for use with Nordost’s QPOINT Resonance Synchronizers. When connecting any other device to the QSOURCE, verify the required termination for your device from the respective manufacturer’s website.

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