The test setup
Contents
We tested the foursome on our reference system. We tried them both between the Primare R35 and between the Sonnet Pasithea and the Pass Labs XP-12. In both cases we get similar results and differences.
Reference system
- TAD Evolution Two loudspeakers
- Pass Labs XP-12 pre-amp
- Pass Labs X150.8 power amplifier
- Primare R35 phono pre-amp
- Technics SL1200 MK2 + Le Son LS10 MC
- Sonnet Pasithea d/a converter
- AlphaPC (streaming bridge) with Jcat USB and Ethernet
- Pura Dodo power supply on Jcat cards
- Mutec MC3 USB / Mutec REF10-120
- Isotek Titan V5 filter for Pass X150.8
- YETI Reference 1000 for sources
- Yeti power-cables
- Van den Hul Nova speaker cable
- Van den Hul CNT XLR interconnect
- PSI AVAA active bass traps
Hello. I have a question about the use of “calm”/“calmness” when describing sound character- nordost cables in this case. From calm … I understand it to mean laid back. It could also mean a little polite perhaps. Is that what you mean by something sounding calm? What attracts me to nordost is its energised and lively sound. Laid back – not so much anymore esp when getting old and hearing not above 12k hertz.
I was just considering the Nordost lineup for a speaker cable upgrade this week. Do you feel there’s a noticeable difference from the Leaf to Leaf 3? I’m asking because I think the 3s came out some time ago but all I can find at my usual stores is what I imagine to be the Leaf 1 line up, at least for speaker cables.
I haven’t compared them. So I can’t say anything about it. Sorry.
Thanks Jaap!
Assume interlinks can squeeze out the last 15% of the sound quality. The brand or type you choose determines what accent or color you like to add to the sound. Can’t believe need to spend this amount yet. However I do use Nord ost clones… Valhalla 2 clone speaker cables, single end interlinks, compared to other clones tbe Nord ost clone sound best…the real deal is out of scope for now, but under 1000 euro it tickles my mind…
Clones cannot be the same… Sorry. Perhaps they sound good. But I know for a fact that clones use different materials and conductors.
Clones are the reason why I’m always afraid of buying used cables and I end up not doing it. I know there are Nordost and Audioquest clones but I bet there are a ton of other brands too.