Nordost Valhalla2 Holo:Plug XLR Interconnect Cable

The reference redefined - once again...

When the original Valhalla cables were introduced in 2001, they changed the perception of what was possible. The Valhalla series provided proof that cables could significantly improve the musical performance of a hi-fi system. Praised by specialist journalists around the world, Valhalla cables set a new standard. Other cables were measured against them and did not match the quality level of Valhalla cables. Valhalla became the benchmark for cable sound quality and made the importance of cables clearer than ever before.

With the introduction of the Valhalla 2 series, the bar has been raised again. Audiophiles will be amazed and delighted when they hear this groundbreaking new range of cables. Nordost is the only manufacturer with the technical resources to produce outstanding products such as these.

Committed to research….

We take sound enthusiasm seriously

Since Nordost was founded, we have amassed a wealth of unique knowledge that allows us to design and manufacture truly great cables. Nordost has been deeply committed to research and development for many years. In addition to our own research and development, we work with independent contractors. A few years ago, we undertook an extensive project with Acuity, a UK signal research facility, to measure and validate the sound improvements that music listeners describe with certain cables. The results of this research have led to new technologies such as the HOLO:PLUG™ connectors.

Holo:Plug™ Makes the connection perfect

The HOLO:PLUG™ is a patented connector designed to provide the best connection between the cable and the component. It fully preserves signal integrity throughout the entire system - this can be measured and quantified. The HOLO:PLUG™ is a marvel of electrical and mechanical integrity, designed to transmit every nuance of the music signal. Each connector type is designed to be as effective as possible for its application. The HOLO:PLUG™ gives music playback a three-dimensional, almost holographic spatial image.

Each plug has unique properties that optimize the transmission of power and music signals.

The design of the HOLO:PLUG™ differs significantly from that of a conventional RCA plug: It includes a double contact ring with a particularly low weight, which enables a ground connection similar to that of symmetrical cables.

HOLO:PLUG™ technology is available in these products:
Valhalla 2 analog signal cables with RCA and XLR termination
Valhalla 2 speaker cable with HOLO:PLUG™ fork lugs
Valhalla 2 power cable with HOLO:PLUG™ carbon fiber IEC power plug and US or SCHUKO wall plugs

The HOLO:PLUG™ male XLR connector uses solid gold-plated copper alloy pins and is mechanically optimized to minimize vibration and unwanted resonance.

The HOLO:PLUG™ female XLR connector uses gold-plated hollow copper alloy pins and its design reduces non-conductive elements between the female plug and the male receptacle on a component.

HOLO:PLUG™ Features

Pins Solid-Core copper alloy, gold plated with an 85 micron thick layer
low-mass double-ring design
Triple coating
Front ring has several redundant contact points
Minimizes vibrations
Special rear ring for better grounding
Surface with 360 degree contact area minimizes eddy currents
Made in the USA

More than just one good idea… many great ideas

The power of Nordost products is that they are not based on just one good idea, there are many great ideas behind our products. The Valhalla 2 cables contain them all.

Valhalla 2 cables use our Dual Mono Filament technology, the best method of insulation. This complex construction combines the very best FEP material available for the shield with a topology that uses air as a dielectric, achieving minimal shield-to-conductor contact and outstanding mechanical attenuation.
The solid-core conductors of the Valhalla 2 cables are made of particularly pure, oxygen-free copper and coated with an 85 micron thick layer of silver.
Nordost signal cable manufacturing technologies include the use of extruded FEP in a precisely sized and spaced tube.
Superior geometry with absolutely uniform spacing between conductors.
Hand assembled with HOLO:PLUG™ connectors in our USA manufacturing facility.
Valhalla 2 offers solutions for every conceivable application; enables technologically consistent, harmonious cable equipment for an entire system.

Dual mono filament technology

Analog signal cable

The Valhalla 2 signal cable consists of ten diameter-optimized solid-core conductors made from 99.999999% oxygen-free copper and coated with an 85 micron layer of silver. The surface is carefully polished and specially treated before a dual mono-filament jacket is applied with the utmost precision. A precisely manufactured FEP tube is then extruded over each conductor. The ten FEP tubes are then connected using a special, proprietary technique to create a tubular signal cable encased in two layers of silver shielding. The Valhalla 2 signal cable is offered assembled with HOLO:PLUG™ RCA connectors or gold-plated HOLO:PLUG™ XLR connectors.

The Valhalla 2's signal transfer speed is extremely fast, over 87% of the speed of light. It transports broadband signals at incredible speeds and with minimal phase shifts. The Valhalla 2 represents the state of the art, only surpassed by our top reference Odin. It enables extremely fast signal settling and has fantastic dynamic resolution, so no musical detail is lost. Each Valhalla 2 signal cable is hand-made in the USA.

• Shielding: extruded FEP of the highest purity class 1.1
• Conductor: 10 x 24 AWG solid core
• Material: 85 micron silver layer, extruded on 99.999999 OFC
• Capacity: 17.0pF / ft
• Dielectric constant: 1.38
• Transmission speed: 87% speed of light
• Dimensions: 9 mm (0.350”) diameter