In order to transmit the signal from a pick-up element of a turntable as cleanly as possible to the phono preamplifier, good cables are needed, such as the new one from Nordost.
The new ‘tonearm’ cables from Nordost puncture the pick-up arm of your turntable. This makes it the type of cable that is most directly connected to the pickup element. This means that these cables must be able to withstand very low and fault-sensitive voltages. Low capacity is also vitally important. And, of course, grounding is just as important. In short: this type of cable is quite a challenge. Nordost has released several new copies. The Valhalla 2 Tonearm Cable + was released at this year’s High End Munich. In the meantime Nordost has implemented the same techniques in similar cables from the series Blue Heaven, Heimdall 2, Frey 2 and Tyr 2.
Shielding
Each of the new Tonearm Cable + cables uses silver plated OCF conductors, built as a braided version. Both channels – left and right – are individually equipped with a braided shield of silver wire. This should prevent mutual influence of the channels (crosstalk). A separately shielded silver plated earthing cable has been added to the construction to further reduce the noise level. Furthermore, Nordost has thought of two disconnectable earthing cables connected to the shield of the cable. You can use these – if necessary – to prevent a ground loop. Each of the new cables is equipped with a straight or 90 degree low mass ‘MoonGlo’ 5-pin Din, RCA or XLR plug(s). The ground wires are equipped with gold-plated clamps. Each of the cables is handmade in the USA. The Blue Heaven Tonearm Cable + costs $599.99 for 1.25 meters (each additional half meter costs $90). The Heimdall 2 Tonearm Cable + costs $799.99 for 1.25 meters (each additional half meter costs $110). The Frey 2 Tonearm Cable + costs $1399.99 for 1.25 meters (each additional half meter costs $150). The Tyr 2 Tonearm Cable + finally, costs $2749.99 for 1.25 meters (each additional half meter costs $300)