The Nordost Odin 2 is a line of supreme reference audio cables designed to elevate the performance of high-fidelity audio systems. This instruction manual provides comprehensive guidance on the proper use, maintenance, and integration of Odin 2 cables into an audio setup, ensuring users can unlock the full potential of their components.
Function Description
The Odin 2 range represents the pinnacle of hi-fi audio cables, meticulously engineered with advanced technology and elite materials. These cables are designed to deliver a vibrant dynamism to music while also revealing every subtle nuance of detail, creating a realistic listening experience akin to a live concert. Key proprietary techniques include Dual Mono-Filament technology and Total Signal Control (TSC shielding), which, when combined with Nordost's purpose-built HOLO:PLUG® connectors, aim to optimize signal transfer and minimize interference.
The Odin 2 series includes various cable types, each serving a specific function within an audio system:
- Power Cords: The Odin 2 Power Cord is considered the most critical cable in the loom, responsible for ensuring optimal transfer of AC power. It effectively shields against harmful electromagnetic interference and radio frequencies, which are crucial for the seamless operation of a sound system. These power cords are designed to fit firmly into IEC receptacles and are available with IEC C-19 input connectors for components requiring them.
- Interconnects: Odin 2 Interconnects are terminated with color-coded RCA and XLR connectors. They are designed to transmit audio signals between components, such as a CD player and an amplifier, ensuring the highest quality sound transfer. The cable geometry for RCA and XLR interconnects is specifically constructed for each termination type, meaning re-termination from one variety to another is not possible due to distinct design differences.
- Loudspeaker / Bi-Wire Jumper Cables: Odin 2 Loudspeaker Cables are terminated with Nordost's gold-plated HOLO:PLUG® spade and low-mass Z plug Banana connectors. These cables are designed to connect power amplifiers to loudspeakers, ensuring a consistent sonic signature. For systems requiring bi-wire or bi-amp connections, Odin 2 Bi-Wire Jumpers are available as an exact extension of the loudspeaker cables, maintaining sonic consistency.
- Tonearm Cable +: The Tonearm Cable + is designed for turntable setups, connecting the turntable to a phono-stage. It features DIN / RCA | XLR connectors and incorporates detachable ground wires to address potential ground loop issues and minimize noise (hum) in the system. The cable's TSC (Total Signal Control) acts as an additional ground loop prevention mechanism.
Usage Features
Proper installation and orientation are crucial for maximizing the performance of Odin 2 cables:
- Directionality: All Nordost cables are directional. To ensure the highest quality sound, directional arrows (often found on wooden blocks or breakout blocks) on the cables must point in the direction of the signal flow. For interconnects, this means pointing towards the amplifier from the source component. For loudspeaker cables, the arrows should point towards the loudspeaker. For tonearm cables, the arrows on the breakout blocks should point towards the phono-stage.
- Power Cord Installation: The IEC end of the power cord should be fitted firmly into the IEC receptacle of the component, and the power connector should then be plugged into a wall socket or a QRT power product. Users are advised to handle HOLO:PLUG® connectors carefully, as they can mark equipment or furniture if dropped.
- Interconnect Installation: The connector engraved with "HOLO:PLUG" in black should be connected to the black connection (left channel) on the component's rear, while the connector engraved in white should be connected to the red connection (right channel).
- Loudspeaker Cable Installation: The connector wrapped in black (-) should be attached to the black terminal on both the power amplifier and loudspeaker. Similarly, the connector wrapped in white (+) should be attached to the red terminal on both the power amplifier and loudspeaker. Odin 2 Loudspeaker Cables are only available in a shotgun configuration.
- Tonearm Cable Installation: Connect the DIN / RCA | XLR connectors to the outputs on the turntable and the inputs on the phono-stage. For RCA and XLR configurations, the white "HOLO:PLUG" engraving denotes the right channel, and the black engraving denotes the left channel.
- Grounding for Tonearm Cables: To address noise (hum) from ground loops in turntable setups, connect the permanently attached Bond Ground Wire (terminated with spade connectors) to the ground screws on both the turntable and the phono-stage chassis. This creates a secure, low-noise connection.
- Additional Shield Grounding (Tonearm Cable): Detachable Ground Wires can be inserted into the tonearm cable's breakout blocks to utilize the cable's TSC for additional ground loop prevention. Users are encouraged to experiment with different grounding configurations (no detachable wires, one wire at the turntable end, one wire at the phono-stage end, or both ends connected) to find the setup with the least noise for their specific system.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance, particularly burning-in, is essential for optimal cable performance:
- Burning-In Your Cables: New cables often exhibit a brittle and bright sound due to trapped gases in the insulation and high electrical charges. A minimum of 150 hours of burn-in time is required for the cables to achieve their true benefits.
- VIDAR Treatment: The most effective way to burn-in Odin 2 cables is through a VIDAR treatment at a local Nordost dealer. The VIDAR system runs current through the cables, dissipating trapped gases, and conditioning the conductors. This process neutralizes charges, improves signal flow, and ultrasonically conditions the conductor surfaces, refining the cable's performance.
- Routine Maintenance: Even after initial burn-in, cables can become stagnant if left unused for prolonged periods. Everyday use can also lead to current leakage, imparting a charge onto the cables. Regular VIDAR treatments can recondition the cables and neutralize these charges.
- System Solution Set-Up & Tuning Discs: If access to a VIDAR is not possible, Nordost's System Solution Set-Up & Tuning Discs offer burn-in and degauss tracks that allow users to condition their cables independently. These discs also provide diagnostic tracks for speaker placement, subwoofer integration, performance checks, and problem location.
Warranty and Registration
Odin 2 Supreme Reference Cables come with a lifetime warranty. To qualify, original purchasers must register their cables within 30 days of purchase by filling out and returning the supplied Warranty Card or by completing the Product Registration form on the Nordost website. Upon successful registration, a signed Nordost Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the registered address.
Importance of a Full Loom
While Odin 2 cables offer significant improvements individually, wiring an entire system with a full loom of Odin 2 cables is recommended for the ultimate audio experience. Nordost provides a framework to prioritize system upgrades if a full loom is not immediately feasible. The recommended upgrade path starts with the primary power cord (from the wall to the QB8 distribution block), followed by secondary power cords, interconnects, and finally, speaker cables.
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