Nordost QBase QB6 Mk III AC Distribution Unit

The essence of the QBASE concept is a straight-line AC distribution path, combined with star-earthed topology for connection to a clean ground. By eliminating any form of in-line filtering or active circuitry we maintain the lowest possible AC supply impedance, while a tiny lift in the earth impedance of all but one of the output sockets routes the signal grounds directly to the centre of the star and the clean earth terminal.

Clearly identified on the casework, this Primary Earth socket is at the centre of your system’s performance, literally and metaphorically. It defines both the order in which you connect your components and also, their listening priority in your musical enjoyment, allowing you to further optimise the performance of your primary sources.

The sockets themselves are mounted on a customised frame plate and solidly constructed aluminum extrusion with machined end-caps that deliver a reassuring sense of substance. But the casework has far greater significance than that, the metal pieces and internal PCB (deliberately preferred to hard-wiring) constituting a single, mechanically tuned construction, designed specifically to enhance performance. Compare the musical performance of the QBASE-Mark III to the competition and you’ll hear just how effective this is. 

QBASE-Mark III units are available in four and eight output configurations for European sockets, while the dimensions of the UK 13A socket mean that it is only available as a six-way unit. Each unit includes a dedicated fuse, providing overcurrent protection of the source circuit to prevent overheating and system damage. A QBASE unit is the perfect starting point in the construction of a high-quality, modular AC supply for your system. Its compact dimensions mean that it can be easily outfitted with QRT Plug-Ins (QKOIL, QSINE, QVIBE, QWAVE) while its slim profile makes it ideal for tucking away behind a rack or mounting on the wall.

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 minimised 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