G'day maties, finally making the connection!
I was looking for my earlier posts referring to Nordost accessories but couldn't quite locate it... so thought I'd start a new one and keep it to all things Nordost. I'm actually wondering if it's making the connection or making the right decision, damn expensive these gadgets.
Oh boy, let's see now... what does a couple grand in AC power distribution get you? Well, it will deliver superb clarity, definition and a truck load of finesse! This is the Qbase-8 MKII (Aus 10A version) that I had ordered, and finally arrived! It took a few months because in Aus we have some weird plugs, which takes special Ops to source from the Himalayans...
Comparing both the MKI and MKII side by side, there's hardly any difference cosmetically that is. But when you actually hold the MKII in your hands, there's definitely something special about it. The build quality and finish is superb! Simply outstanding, there's nothing to fault other than further upgrade to the MK3 IF you really need to go there. That's another grand or two, so all up about 4grand.
What the MK3 does is offer 20Amp outlets along with the high grade audiophile fuse supplied by Nordost (which is also found on the MKII). The MK3 is mostly suited for high power applications. By high power, I'm referring to amperage not power in watts. If you plan on installing 20Amp circuits or a dedicated 20Amp AC line to your Audio rig, only then will the MK3 power board come to full potential.
The MKII comes supplied in two versions, either 15Amp or 10Amp. So again, unless you happen to have a dedicated 15Amp AC line, getting the higher amperage is of no use. So I simply ordered what the house grid rating is. Since I've already installed a dedicated AC line for the Audio system, which is 10Amp, that's MORE than adequate for domestic Hifi. This is not a rock concert or a live gig.
Performance can be based on three critical factors:
1. Further Quietness
2. 3D Openness and transparency
3. Limitless dynamics
These three factors were very good even on the MKI version, I had absolutely no flaws with that one. However, the MKII takes those factors to another level, which I didn't think was possible. The MK3 is supposed to be further up there but I'll draw the line with this one, and my grid is not wired for 20Amps in any case.
Overall performance: is the pricing justified?..., not sure about this, simply because the difference from the MKI version to the MKII is not 40%. I would say somewhere around the 20% mark if at all. I've discussed this with Nordost at length and their general advice has been that if after all these add-ons in accessories doesn't yield significant improvements then the system has achieved its full potential / synergy. Going further than that will see 10 - 15% marginal improvements or even less.
So, for those thinking of upgrading from the MKI version to the MKII, yes it's worthwhile only if you really must. Other than that, the MKI is good enough.
At this particular stage where my system has been developed over the years, especially now since using a full Nordost power loom and its AC power related accessories, I think I'll draw the line at this point. Even though this performance margin may not seem much, I'm still quite surprised how Nordost achieves this level yet again, and they continue to do this with every item they offer.
When the wifey saw this thing, she commented, "Oh another toy eh... what's the big deal?" Then I played a few of her regular tunes, Tracy Chapman, Lizz Wright and Sam Smith... then she said, "OK" and went to bed. That's all she wrote. Phew! So for a couple grand it wasn't the dog house after all. It's only when that spend goes overboard it's either the doggy den or ducky pond, SO this time doggy gets a bone!
Cheers to Nordost! And do enjoy those very fine tunes.
WOOF!!! RJ
I was looking for my earlier posts referring to Nordost accessories but couldn't quite locate it... so thought I'd start a new one and keep it to all things Nordost. I'm actually wondering if it's making the connection or making the right decision, damn expensive these gadgets.
Oh boy, let's see now... what does a couple grand in AC power distribution get you? Well, it will deliver superb clarity, definition and a truck load of finesse! This is the Qbase-8 MKII (Aus 10A version) that I had ordered, and finally arrived! It took a few months because in Aus we have some weird plugs, which takes special Ops to source from the Himalayans...
Comparing both the MKI and MKII side by side, there's hardly any difference cosmetically that is. But when you actually hold the MKII in your hands, there's definitely something special about it. The build quality and finish is superb! Simply outstanding, there's nothing to fault other than further upgrade to the MK3 IF you really need to go there. That's another grand or two, so all up about 4grand.
What the MK3 does is offer 20Amp outlets along with the high grade audiophile fuse supplied by Nordost (which is also found on the MKII). The MK3 is mostly suited for high power applications. By high power, I'm referring to amperage not power in watts. If you plan on installing 20Amp circuits or a dedicated 20Amp AC line to your Audio rig, only then will the MK3 power board come to full potential.
The MKII comes supplied in two versions, either 15Amp or 10Amp. So again, unless you happen to have a dedicated 15Amp AC line, getting the higher amperage is of no use. So I simply ordered what the house grid rating is. Since I've already installed a dedicated AC line for the Audio system, which is 10Amp, that's MORE than adequate for domestic Hifi. This is not a rock concert or a live gig.
Performance can be based on three critical factors:
1. Further Quietness
2. 3D Openness and transparency
3. Limitless dynamics
These three factors were very good even on the MKI version, I had absolutely no flaws with that one. However, the MKII takes those factors to another level, which I didn't think was possible. The MK3 is supposed to be further up there but I'll draw the line with this one, and my grid is not wired for 20Amps in any case.
Overall performance: is the pricing justified?..., not sure about this, simply because the difference from the MKI version to the MKII is not 40%. I would say somewhere around the 20% mark if at all. I've discussed this with Nordost at length and their general advice has been that if after all these add-ons in accessories doesn't yield significant improvements then the system has achieved its full potential / synergy. Going further than that will see 10 - 15% marginal improvements or even less.
So, for those thinking of upgrading from the MKI version to the MKII, yes it's worthwhile only if you really must. Other than that, the MKI is good enough.
At this particular stage where my system has been developed over the years, especially now since using a full Nordost power loom and its AC power related accessories, I think I'll draw the line at this point. Even though this performance margin may not seem much, I'm still quite surprised how Nordost achieves this level yet again, and they continue to do this with every item they offer.
When the wifey saw this thing, she commented, "Oh another toy eh... what's the big deal?" Then I played a few of her regular tunes, Tracy Chapman, Lizz Wright and Sam Smith... then she said, "OK" and went to bed. That's all she wrote. Phew! So for a couple grand it wasn't the dog house after all. It's only when that spend goes overboard it's either the doggy den or ducky pond, SO this time doggy gets a bone!
Cheers to Nordost! And do enjoy those very fine tunes.
WOOF!!! RJ
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