Nordost Frey2 vs Tyr2

My direct experience:

I had the NORDOST FREY V1 loom. my take:

- I didn’t see any clear performance improvement for an upgrade going to a TYR.
- However, a further model upgrade to VALHALLAs ..,, yep…. A different story. There is a reason why many exhibitors at audio expos choose either NORDOST VALHALLA / ODIN , or alternatively, CARDAS CLEAR / CLEAR BEYOND ..

OTHER 3rd PARTY COMMENTS

IN BRIEF

Q WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FREY V1 vs FREY V2?
A…negligible / indistinguishable to “meh?” ..with a perceived slant to the former.

- Mag Review:
https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/690-nordost-frey-2-speaker-cables-interconnects-and-power-cables

“.. Compared to the original Frey speaker cables, the Frey 2s enjoy a 12% lower capacitance of 10.3 picofarads per foot -- according to Nordost, this increases the speed of the cable’s signal transmission while lowering signal loss….”

“ ,,, Conductors of 22x22 AWG are used in the V2 speaker cablesmote conductors , as compared to the V1 original wire’s 28x24 AWG.…”

User Forum Review;
Jun 2, 2015 #4

“I have Nordost Frey 2m speaker cables. Last fall had the chance to change to the new Frey 2 that were a dealer demo for 400.00 also, 2m. I demo’d them for a few weeks and really could not tell much difference in my system, others also did not notice a difference so I kept the original Frey’s, ordered a few pizza’s, a nice bottle of scotch and some SACD’s with the 400.00. System is MSB Analog dac, Herron M1A, Verity Parsifal Encore and all the cabling except the speakers is Audience AU24 Se and power chord SE.”

alfa100. Well-Known Member Jun 6, 2015 #5
DavT New Member
“good to know newer does not necessarily translate to better”

@akg_ca Thanks. I fully understand that the Valhalla is a fantastic cable but it’s way to expensive. Twice the price of my Magnepan speakers!!!

@swede58

The Ag-over-Cu coated NORDOST FREYs were fine with my prior speakers, but when I moved to my current HARBETHs, they didn’t work like before . An irritating “brightness” and “digital edge” was now present …so . I’ve since moved up to an all-Cu CARDAS CLEAR full loom.to tame that irritating “edginess” and also added dynamics and slam.

my take :

- exercise caution on buying NORDOST blindly . . I would strongly recommend you first audition any of the HEIMDALL / FREY / TYR models ( NORSE 2 line ) first to see if you even like their bespoke sound and performance.

I’ve owned and auditioned the lower model LEIF models … I sold them and/or I passed on them ….. there are many better performing options out there at cheaper prices than these .

- Choose wisely…Ergo, stick with the NORSE2 or better VALHALLA model IMO if you are still married to NORDOST.

NOTE: I would also,strongly recommend that you change your ICs to matched NORDOST model - or better- to your proposed new NORDOST speaker cables choice …. There is a marked synergy uptick with both in the system.
In my experiences in my systems, one without the other left something lacking. FWIW ….

@akg_ca I have had the Frey2 Sc on loan for a week now but I can not hear any brightness, actually they sound a bit softer than my current AQ Argent. Very tight and articulate bass which also is a bit more powerful than the AQ’s. I will also try a pair of Shunyata Alpha. Cardas is a rare animal in my part of the world.

@swede58

Hey…. If they work for you based on a hands-on audition, then you are all good to go. At least you are not buying them blind and just hoping for a positive upgrades

That “ brightness” and “digital edge “ in digital files that needed to be tamed is a wart I highlighted that presented itself when I upgraded to new speakers and in a new listening environment room. Problem solved for me with new “warmer” sonic signature cables based on a synergy matching tip directly from CARDAS

Also , it’s a well-travelled discussion that , in general, Ag or Ag-coated cables are noticeable “brighter” than all-Cu cables , which accounts for some of the differences in sonic presentation compared to copper.

PS the “brightness” and “digital edge” is not necessarily solely an overt “sharpness “ or shrill. Rather, it includes a “cold” or “clinically harsh” sonic presentation that is  an anethema to one’s satisfaction , and it also presents itself as “fatiguing over time”,  It also may embody turning down the volume on some digital file playback. 

If you are still open to further cable auditions, I would recommend each of the following as solid contenders and no pretenders.

AUDIENCE Au24X

AUDITORIUM 23

LFD HYBRID

back to your OP: FREY2 vs TYR2?

Ignoring the main differentiator of Ag vs Cu build with differing sonic signatures, I remind you of the well-travelled and oft-ignored “80/20 Rule” in upgrading components.

IN GENERAL …If you are looking to improve your audio sonic presentation, then consider an upgrade to a new component of at least 3 times the price of the incumbent , especially within the same OEM lineup.

… In this exaggerated general homily, you generally get about 80% of the performance of the current option at 20% of the outlay cost as you move up the model line. If so, and IMO “yes” wrt FREY vs TYR…. I did not see the worthy audio performance uptick (if any) nor its its $$ value going up one model between the two choices.
Rather, there are numerous posts and reviews suggesting that the “sweet spot” actually resides in the HEIMDALL model one down from the FREY in the NORDOST $$ outlay vs audio performance matrix.

But again….the VALHALLA is a different animal entirely, in its own upgraded performances and cost outlay model class for intuitive reasons ( HINT You never see lower model NORDOST cables by OEM exhibitors at the major audiofests ..it’s VALHALLAs or ODINs)

also, consider the FREY V1 versus V2 option in the context of $$ outlay  vs audio performance uptick. There is a huge difference with added costs introduced by marketing puffery to move up to the V2 .

If you have the money the TYR2. Once you you past Nordost entry level cables the technology is the same in every cable. The only difference is quantity of conductors which increases with price.

It’s now been over 10 years since the Norse2 line was introduced. It was 2012. The Norse1 line seemed only to last half that time.

Has there been any word on if a replacement line is coming?

I think it’s overdue. I would hate to buy a cable now to only have the v3 come out soon.

Agithos even new models has no guarantee they are better. Steve Huff love the Valhalla 1 ic than the 2 on his system.