Nordost · QRT
From $1,400
Nordost · QRT
Four star-grounded US outlets with Nordost's Primary Earth topology and no filtering in the path: passive AC distribution for a compact system.
Price is for one distribution unit, with two spare fuses. Choose the 15 A or 20 A inlet version in the selector.
Authorized Nordost dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
Nordost's QBASE is a passive AC distribution unit, and the Mark III is its third generation. It contains no filtering and no active circuitry, because Nordost's view is that anything in line raises the impedance of the supply; what it does instead is organise the grounds. Every outlet connects to one central star-earth point, and all but one outlet, the Primary Earth position, have their ground impedance raised so that components are isolated from one another and the designated component sees a direct path to the wall. A dual-level board keeps ground traces away from line and neutral, and a resistance sink damps eddy currents.
The QB4 has four US outlets in a mechanically tuned extruded aluminum body, with an external ground post for a QKORE or other clean ground and a dedicated fuse. Reviewers have found the effect direct: Steve Dickinson of hi-fi+ noted significant benefits to timing and the resolution of fine detail, and Neil Gader of The Absolute Sound wrote that the sonic results make themselves known immediately.
Choose the 15 A version with an IEC C14 inlet or the 20 A version with an IEC C20 inlet in the selector, and match it with a Nordost power cord from the wall. The QB4 suits a source-and-integrated system. A QBASE Stand Mount is available for use with Sort Kones.
| Type | Passive AC distribution unit |
| Outlets | 4, US (NEMA 5-15/5-20) |
| Inlet | IEC C14 (15 A version) or IEC C20 (20 A version) |
| Grounding | Star-earth topology, Primary Earth outlet, external ground post |
| Filtering | None; no active circuitry |
| Internal wiring | Nordost Mono-Filament wire |
| Protection | Dedicated fuse; two replacement fuses included |
| Body | Mechanically tuned extruded aluminum |
| Dimensions | 234 × 67 × 120 mm (Nordost) |
| Weight | Not published by Nordost |
| Sold as | Single unit |
| Warranty | Five-year limited |
Nordost QBASE Mark III product page and specifications Specifications from nordost.com and the Nordost USA price list (August 2026).
Nordost QRT and Sort System products we stock, by price.
Ground the QBASE with a QKORE and feed it with a Nordost power cord from Blue Heaven 3 up.
Plan your Nordost system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized Nordost dealer. We can plan power distribution, grounding and resonance control for your system and arrange an audition in our Portland showroom. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.
The Pearl Audio experience
A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.
Hear the QBASE QB4 Mark III by appointment in one of our two purpose-designed demonstration rooms, with your own music and time to compare without pressure.
We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.
We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.
