2. cables
  3. 182951-120486

Nordost Power Cords - Versions and Combinations

Hello everyone. I have been using Nordost power cords since 2014 in my three tube and solid state systems and two HT systems. I would like to know what you think. They are my favorites, but here are two things I've noticed since using them:

1) I own several models, old and new: including 5 Red Dawn, 4 Heimdall2, 4 Brahma, 6 Valhalla V1, 1 Tyr V2, 2 Valhalla V2. However, except the Valhalla V2 which is exceptional, I prefer first versions: Faster, more detailed, sharper attack and more in the music movement. I have the impression that the Heimdall2, for example, is neutral, but a bit muddy and very round in the top-end compared to the first version power cords. What do you think?

2) To take full advantage of Nordost power cords, contrary to what Nordost claims, I think they should be combined with braided copper brands, preferably at distributors / conditionners (eg. QB8 or the Denali) entries. For example: Shunyata King Cobra, Audio Sensibility Statement, Triodes Labs Obsession or Bis Audio AC 20. Because, as many complain, Nordost cables are relatively flat, except for the top-end which is still quite smooth, typical of monofilament. I assume the braided cord fills a slight gap which is located in the mid-bass area. IMO, the important thing is not to combine them too much in order to preserve the speed
provided by Nordost. Have you ever experienced the same?

vinci92

Showing 4 responses by agisthos

agisthos
457 posts
 

@vinci92 

Over a decade ago I had 1 Brahma feeding a power distributor, and 4x Vishnu for each component.

I now have 5x Heimdall v2 and find them much much better than the Vishnu loom, but there was a 5 year gap between these setups and my system changed a lot, so its possible that's the real improvement. My experience of the Hiemdall2 vs earlier cables is the exact opposite of yours. Again, system changed and system synergy.

I also have the QB8 and its mandatory for using Nordost power cables. They do not like to be feeding off power conditioners. Everything just opened up and became more lifelike when inserting the QB8. It truly surprised me as its just an empty (solid and well built) box.

I am looking at the Tyr 2 as the next power cable upgrade, skipping the Frey2. No good you think?

agisthos
457 posts
 

Also, and I have posted this on here before, I found the Nordost (Heimdall 2) to be very good, spectacular even (for my price range) on digital, such as DAC’s, streamers, sources. But when using the same cable on analog amplifiers and Pre-amp I was disappointed.

It might be the case Nordost mono filament architecture especially suits digital power. Or the Heimdall2 could simply be too thin to adequately power amplifiers. The Frey2 doubles each conductor run compared to the Heimdall2, and the Tyr2 triples it.

agisthos
457 posts
 

I don’t understand why you guys are comparing the Brahma to the Heimdall2. Its not the same range and not a fair comparison. The Vishnu was the equivalent cable on that original product line. The Heimdall replaced the Vishnu. They both have 3 x 16 AWG conductors, so they should be compared.

The Brahma was replaced by the Frey, both these cables being 5 x 16 AWG. Double the conductor run on the positive and negative.

agisthos
457 posts
 

I while back in an interview with the Nordost founder he claimed a single Odin power cable feeding Blue Heaven on components will out perform an all Valhalla system, the wall power cable being so important.

I don't know how true that is, never having had such a high level Nordost cable to experiment with.

More to discover