Nordost Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cable

VALHALLA 2 ETHERNET CABLE Nordost’s Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cable allows music lovers to fully incorporate digital music storage and streaming into their reference audio systems, while maintaining, and even improving upon, their musical performance. In order to meet the increasing demand for high speed data and increased bandwidth, the Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cable has the advantage of eight, 23 AWG, solid core conductors wrapped in a high density polymer insulation. These annealed conductors are arranged into four twisted pairs before being triple-shielded. Each of these design aspects minimizes skin effect, eliminates crosstalk and EMI (electromagnetic interference), and ensures a high performance network cable, offering far more bandwidth than is needed for the typical data demands of today. To further distinguish the V2 Ethernet Cable from its competitors, Nordost has implemented its unique mechanical tuning process. By meticulously cutting each conductor at calculated and equal lengths, Nordost reduces internal microphony and high frequency resonance. The precise cut of each conductor, at a length which is determined by the cable’s geometry, material, and application, guarantees the uniform arrival of all signals, dramatically reducing timing errors. To complete this reference design, the Valhalla 2 Cable is terminated with a completely specialized, gold-plated 8P8C/RJ45 connector, designed to resist ESD (electrostatic discharge) and optimized for mechanical reliability. The resulting cable supports frequencies and transmission speeds that easily meet Category 8 requirements. Each cable is constructed with precision, consistency, and quality fabrication, providing a massive improvement over standard issue, mass-produced, low precision Ethernet cables. "Expectations were kept in check for this review, and yet now I have to concede that this is a network cable that’s not just a bit sonically different, it’s a palpable triumph in digital audio sound reproduction." – Andrew Harrison, Hi-Fi+ SPECIFICATIONS Insulation: High density polymer Construction: Mechanically tuned length, Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair Design (s/ftp) Conductors: 8 X 23 AWG Material: Solid core copper conductors Overall Shield Coverage: Fully Shielded Triple Braid Termination: Specialized EMI and ESD resistant gold-plated 8P8C/RJ45 connectors AVAILABLE CONNECTORS MORE INFO NORDOST VALHALLA 2 ETHERNET CABLE “…bass replay was notably tighter and better controlled, appearing as essentially smear- free against the bloom of the reference cables. Top-end detail was improved, if more subtly, but enough to make it easier to pull apart ride and crash cymbals in a cluttered rock kit. Noise floors were perceptibly lowered, allowing for a more nuanced ambience, to the point of allowing the character of older recordings’ varied tape hiss to shine through.” – Andrew Harrison, Hi-Fi+ NORDOST VALHALLA V2 ETHERNET CABLE "Nordost Valhalla V2 Ethernet offered a different, clearer, and more focused imagery, sounding less like a mechanical pulsating narrative and more like a tenacious non embellished sonic momentum." – Matej Isak, Mono and Stereo NORDOST VALHALLA 2 ETHERNET CABLE “My time with all the Valhalla 2 cables was musically intensive, instructive and, at times, mind blowing from their wonderful effect on my system. A glorious set, echoed in the marvelous Nordost Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cable. If you have a musical, revealing setup with room and system synergy in place, I dare you to hear them in your system. Very highly recommended.” – Anthony Kershaw, Audiophilia DIGITAL AUDIO CABLES: HOW CAN THEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE? “How could digital cables make a difference in a hifi system if all they do is send ones and zeros?” “How does the design of a digital cable help in the signal transfer?” This download breaks down the answers to these questions, explains the technical challenges of digital audio data transmission, and lets you know what you should listen for when evaluating the merits of a digital audio cable, so that you can upgrade your digital cables with confidence.