Nordost · QRT
$3,800
Nordost · QRT
A five-port, layer-2 Ethernet switch designed for audio: six dedicated power supplies, an impedance-controlled board, a low-noise clock and an aluminum housing that separates the ports.
Price is for one switch with its supplied power supply. The QSOURCE linear power supply is a separate upgrade.
Authorized Nordost dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
The QNET is a layer-2, five-port Ethernet switch that Nordost designed with audio performance in mind. Ports 1 to 3 auto-negotiate at gigabit or 100 Mbps and are meant for the router and general network devices; ports 4 and 5 are fixed at 100 Mbps full duplex, which Nordost considers the quietest setting, and are meant for the streamer, server or network DAC. Each port is physically separated from the others inside the housing.
Six dedicated power supplies feed the separate parts of the switch, the board is a multi-layered, impedance-controlled layout to limit reflections and crosstalk, and the main clock is a low-noise, stable oscillator to keep jitter and phase noise down. The aluminum housing works as heat sink and shield. Nordost recommends its QSOURCE linear power supply for best results.
Jason Victor Serinus reviewed the QNET and QSOURCE for Stereophile in October 2022 and bought the review samples; Mark Gusew of StereoNET, in March 2024, found a smoother, better-balanced sound than conventional switches. In our rooms the QNET is the first thing we add to a streaming system from dCS, MOON or Aurender, with Heimdall 2 or Valhalla 2 Ethernet cable on the audio ports.
| Type | Layer-2 unmanaged Ethernet switch, five ports |
| Ports 1 to 3 | 1000BASE-T / 100BASE-TX, auto-negotiating, auto MDI/MDI-X |
| Ports 4 and 5 | 100BASE-TX, fixed, full duplex, for audio devices |
| Connectors | 8P8C (RJ45) |
| Power supplies | Six dedicated internal supplies |
| DC input | 9 V, 1.2 A; QSOURCE linear power supply recommended |
| Clock | Low-noise, stable oscillator |
| Enclosure | Machined aluminum |
| Dimensions | 165 mm deep × 34.25 mm high (6.5 × 1.35 in) |
| Weight | 880 g (31 oz) |
| Sold as | Single unit |
| Warranty | Two-year limited |
Nordost QNET Network Switch 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.
Connect it with the Heimdall 2 or Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cable.
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 QNET Network Switch 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.
