Nordost VIDAR Cable Conditioning

At FRC we are always looking for something to improve the sound of our systems. We have found something that does just that, and the improvements are astonishing! FRC has just purchased a Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in system. It is an expensive piece of precision gear that is revolutionary in its effects - making an amazing difference in the sound of cables and therefore systems.

The Nordost VIDAR is a professional grade tool designed to condition audio and video cables for optimum performance. New cables often have very high levels of electrical charge caused by the production process, which can often result in new cables sounding brittle, bright, and lacking in detail. The concept of cable burn-in is well known, as cables sound better when used in a system for a period of time.

 How does it work?

The VIDAR performs three different functions all in one operation:

• It neutralizes charges that build up around the cables and the insulation.
• It provides a very wide band and deep conditioning into the conductor core, which produces changes in the way signals pass through the metal.
• It ultrasonically conditions the surface of the conductors.

The VIDAR is constructed using the highest quality parts. A bridge mode amplifier - utilizing a total of 44 amplifiers in its circuitry - feeds each conductor. Each amplifier is held at a very precise voltage, and the circuit is designed so that there is no difference in voltages between any of the amplifiers.

The VIDAR uses a proprietary combination of composite and complex signals to condition the cables. Parts of the signal oscillate at ultra-low frequencies, while other parts are in ultra-high ranges which extend beyond the range of video frequencies. The signal bounces in aping-ping ball-like fashion from one end of the cable to the other. During the burn-in process, ultra-low frequencies penetrate deep into the core of the cable while ultra-high frequencies zip along the surface.

This method of signal transmission sets up beat harmonics, or heterodynes, between the two complex waveforms. In the digital domain, this would be referred to as aliasing products. These beat frequencies penetrate all layers of the cable.

The design of the circuitry also has a unique feature driving electrons above the conductor into the dielectric (or insulation) area. The VIDAR not only sends ping pong signals along the cable, it also sends a similar signal from the center core to the outer shield in the case of interconnect cables. This function neutralizes the electrical charges discussed above.

Front Row Center will burn-in - at no charge - any Nordost cables purchased from us. We will also be happy to re-condition any Nordost cable after the sale. It is recommended to have this done every 6 months to 1 year, or 150 hours of use, to maintain proper sound and video quality in high performance systems.

FRC also provides this conditioning service for any cable with XLR, RCA, BNC connector, speaker cable, and tonearm cable. We cannot condition power cords.

Please Contact Front Row Center for service rates and to set up your appointment.