Introducing the QBASE Mark III – AC Distribution Unit Nordost, April 11, 2023

We are excited to introduce the new QBASE Mark III. Since first being introduced to the market in 2009, the QBASE has been a sophisticated, yet straightforward AC Distribution Unit which provides the solid foundation audio components require, in order to improve upon any high-performing, two-channel system. Now, we are further amplifying the benefits that the QBASE brings to a system’s performance with the launch of the QBASE Mark III. 

At its core, the QBASE will remain true to its historically praised design and concept with its mechanically tuned, extruded aluminum body, durable contact points, and internal MonoFilament wiring. Much like its predecessors, the QBASE Mark III addresses the noise-inducing, conflicting flows of signal and ground paths within a hifi system by using a unique method called “star-earth topology”. Star-earth topology connects all outlets from one central point (or outlet) to the input. In the QBASE, we do this while additionally lifting the impedance level on every outlet, except for the one deemed “Primary Earth”. Elevating the ground in this passive manner achieves three indispensable effects: it creates an uninterrupted, straightline AC distribution path from the wall to each individual component, isolates each component by deterring the ground flow between them, and eliminates conflicting flow between signal and ground paths all without any form of inline filtering or active circuitry.

Nordost’s QBASE Mark III is a significant upgrade compared to its previous iteration. Improvements include: 

  • Newly designed, dual PC-board configuration 
  • Increased separation of all ground connections from the line and neutral traces 
  • Further minimized interference/ crosstalk between live/neutral and ground currents 
  • Enhanced trace sizes to maximize current flow 
  • Revised resistance “sink” to add protection and effectively damp eddy currents

Nordost’s QBASE Distribution Unit has been an essential component in hifi systems ranging from modest to reference-level for well over a decade. Now, with the crucial developments implemented in the design of the new QBASE Mark III, the benefit it brings to system performance has only been amplified. The QBASE Mark III impacts every component connected to it, improving each component in unique ways. The cumulative effect it has on a system is all encompassing— enhancing the 3D imaging on the soundstage, pulling out tonal richness and sustained decay time in the music, and imparting a clear increase of power while maintaining a neutral and effortless delivery of the performance.

Available QBASE Mark III Models:

QB8 – Eight Outlet

US (NEMA), EU (Schuko), or AUS
IEC C-14 (15/10Amp) or IEC C-20 (20/16Amp)

QB4 – Four Outlet

US (NEMA), EU (Schuko), or AUS
IEC C-14 (15/10Amp)

QB6 – Six Outlet

UK
IEC C-14 (13Amp) or IEC C-20 (16Amp)

Press Release Documents

Website Address

https://www.nordost.com/
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