QBASE QB4 Mark III AC Distribution Unit Instruction Manual
- October 30, 2023
- QBASE
Table of Contents
QBASE QB4 Mark III AC Distribution Unit
Product Information
The QRT AC Power Distribution Unit is a product designed to improve the sound and picture quality of your audio/video system. It is available in two models, QB4 with 4 outlets and QB8 with 8 outlets, with US, EU (Schuko) or Australian sockets, or QB6 with 6 outlets with UK sockets. QB8 and QB6 units come with either a C-14 or C-20 IEC connector input. The unit is symmetrical, allowing the IEC input to be arranged to the left or right as per the user’s convenience. The QRT AC Power Distribution Unit has a primary earth socket located at the center of the ground star for connecting line-stage or integrated amplifiers.
Product Usage Instructions
- Before installing the QRT AC Power Distribution Unit, switch off your system and connect the unit to the wall using a Nordost or other high-quality power cord. Follow the diagrams provided in the manual to connect the system’s units to the QBASE in the order shown. Connect principal sources in system order between the AC input and the Primary Earth, balanced by power amp(s) and secondary sources on the other side of this central socket. Connect the line-stage or integrated amplifier to the Primary Earth socket located at the center of the ground star. While connecting the high-quality WBT binding post to an independent clean ground is recommended, the system will function normally without this connection.
- To optimize system performance, Nordost offers an extensive line of QRT audio enhancers, including QKORE, QPOINT, QSOURCE, QNET, QVIBE, QKOIL, and QLINE. These products are designed to improve the performance of your system by alleviating the impact of poor quality AC or DC power, providing proper grounding, optimizing data transfer for audio applications, or synchronizing electromechanical resonances. The effects of these products are cumulative and best heard when used as a system. Arrange them correctly for the best results.
- After installing and connecting the QRT AC Power Distribution Unit, turn on the AC supply to the unit, followed by the system components, running from sources first to power or integrated amplifier last. Sit back and enjoy the improved sound and picture quality of your audio/video system.
Thank you for purchasing a QRT AC power distribution unit. You have just taken a very important step in improving the sound and picture quality of your audio/video system. Please read this manual carefully as the optimum wiring topology will vary with each system, according to the guidelines laid out below. It is important to follow these in order to achieve maximum sonic results.
PHILOSOPHY
The QRT QBASE AC power distribution units are specifically designed to deliver
an optimized, star-earthed, low-Impedance AC supply for any high-quality audio
or video system. They do not rely on active circuitry but instead employ
superior materials, a tuned mechanical structure and QRT’s Focussed Earth
technique to provide superior performance, not by improving the AC supply but
by avoiding the damage done by other distribution units. The simple solution
is normally the best – even if it’s not necessarily the easiest to execute.
The QBASE stands testament to the power of precision in thinking, design and
construction, with every element being carefully considered.
QBASE Mark III units are available with 4 (QB4) or 8 (QB8) outlets with US, EU
(Schuko) or Australian sockets, or 6 (QB6) outlets with UK sockets. The QB8
Mark III and QB6 Mark III units come with either a C-14 or C-20 IEC connector
input. When purchasing our UK version, only 6 outlets are available due to the
size of the UK sockets. The size of the unit cannot be expanded to fit further
sockets because the dimensions of the casework are critical to the units’
mechanical performance.
QBASE – QB4 Mark III (US, EU, or AUS)
QBASE – QB6 Mark III (UK)
QBASE – QB8 Mark III (US, EU, or AUS)
INSTALLATION
PLACEMENT
In order to deliver its full performance, the QBASE should be placed on a stable solid surface, ideally on a dedicated shelf on an audio rack or amp stand. It should be positioned to allow maximum separation between the system’s AC power cords and signal leads.
CONNECTION
- Each QBASE has an IEC input on one end. The unit is symmetrical so that this can be arranged to the left or right as circumstances dictate. In order to install your QRT unit, first switch off your system. Then connect the QBASE to the wall, using a Nordost or other high quality power cord. The system’s units should then be connected to the QBASE in the order shown by the diagrams on the next page.
- It is important to connect the linestage or integrated amplifier to the Primary Earth socket located at the center of the ground star. Principal sources should be connected in system order between the AC input and the Primary Earth, balanced by power amp(s) and secondary sources on the other side of this central socket.
- While the high-quality WBT binding-post should be connected to an independent clean ground, the system will function as normal without this connection. However, providing a clean signal ground is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to any audio or video system, as well as maximizing the benefits of the QBASE Focussed Earth technology.
- Finally, turn on the AC supply to the QBASE, followed by the system components, running from sources first to power or integrated amplifier last. Sit back and enjoy the results.
OPTIMIZING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
- Nordost’s extensive line of QRT audio enhancers includes the QKORE, QPOINT, QSOURCE, QNET, QVIBE, QKOIL, and QLINE.
- QRT products are designed to improve the performance of your system. Each product has its own unique objective, whether that be alleviating the impact of poor quality AC or DC power, providing proper grounding, optimizing data transfer for audio applications, or synchronizing electromechanical resonances.
- The effects are cumulative and best heard when QRT products are used as a system. When arranged correctly, the effects include a lower noise floor, increased image depth with tighter focus, wider soundstage, as well as improved overtones, pacing, dynamic range and musical expression.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Input Socket: C-14 IEC (15/10 Amp) or C-20 IEC (20/16 Amp) (QB8 and QB6 Only)
- Output Sockets: US, EU (Schuko), AUS, or UK
- Electrical Output: Equivalent to Input
- Internal AC/mains fuse: Yes
- Dimensions:
- QB4 (US, EU and AUS): 234 x 67 x 120mm
- QB8 (US, EU and AUS): 460 x 67 x 120mm
- QB6 (UK): 460 x 67 x 120mm
- Weights:
- QB4: 3.5lb (1.6kg)
- QB8: 5.5lb (2.5kg)
- QB6: 5.5lb (2.5kg)
WARRANTY
Nordost warrants that the product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship to the original purchaser, under normal use and service, for a
period of 5 years. This warranty is not transferable.
To qualify, please visit www.nordost.com/product-
registration.php and fill
out the form, together with proof of purchase, within 30 days of purchase
.
Please Note : There are no user serviceable parts inside the QBASE units.
Opening, tampering with, or modifying the unit in any way could be dangerous
and will VOID THE WARRANTY on these products.
See www.nordost.com/downloads.php for more
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