Reference 110-Ohm AES/EBU Balanced Precision | Available at Trimira Audio
The Nordost Valhalla 2 110-Ohm AES/EBU Digital Interconnect is a flagship balanced digital cable from Nordost's Reference Series, purpose-built for professional and high-end consumer digital systems using the 110-ohm AES/EBU interface.
Its construction combines Dual Mono-Filament technology, silver-plated solid-core OFC conductors, twin-axial geometry, comprehensive shielding, and custom HOLO:PLUG® 3-pin XLR terminations.
At Trimira Audio, we recommend the Valhalla 2 110-Ohm AES/EBU Interconnect for reference digital front ends connecting CD transports, digital interfaces, streamers, DACs, digital processors, and other equipment equipped with AES/EBU connectivity.
Key Features & Technological Innovations
Patented Dual Mono-Filament Technology
The conductors incorporate two helical FEP strands beneath the outer FEP jacket, creating a low-contact dielectric environment designed to minimize dielectric interaction and energy storage.
Two 18 AWG Solid-Core Conductors
The Valhalla 2 AES/EBU version employs 2 × 18 AWG solid-core conductors manufactured from 99.999999% high-purity OFC copper with 85 µm pure silver plating.
The solid-core construction maintains consistent conductor geometry throughout the balanced digital path.
100% Dual-Layer Shielding
A combined foil-and-braid structure provides 100% total coverage, helping protect the high-frequency digital transmission from:
- RF interference
- Electromagnetic interference
- External electrical noise
- High-frequency crosstalk
True 110-Ohm Balanced Architecture
The cable is engineered around a true 110-ohm characteristic impedance, corresponding to the AES/EBU digital standard.
Maintaining the appropriate impedance throughout the cable helps minimize electrical reflections along the digital transmission path.
Custom HOLO:PLUG® XLR Terminations
The cable is terminated with custom silver-plated HOLO:PLUG® 3-pin XLR connectors, designed for the 110-ohm balanced AES/EBU interface.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Valhalla 2 Reference 110-Ohm AES/EBU Digital Interconnect |
| Series |
Reference Series |
| Insulation |
High-Grade Extruded Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) |
| Construction |
Mechanically Tuned Spacing, Dual Mono-Filament, Twin-Axial Design |
| Conductors |
2 × 18 AWG Solid-Core |
| Conductor Material |
99.999999% Solid-Core OFC with 85 µm Pure Silver Plating |
| Capacitance |
10.5 pF/ft |
| Impedance |
True 110 Ω Balanced |
| Shielding |
100% Total Coverage Dual-Layer Braid & Foil Shielding |
| Velocity of Propagation |
89% Speed of Light |
| Terminations |
Custom Silver-Plated HOLO:PLUG® 110-Ohm 3-Pin XLR |
| Standard Lengths |
1.25 m, 2.0 m, 3.0 m + Custom Lengths |
110 Ω AES/EBU vs 75 Ω Coaxial
The 110-ohm AES/EBU version is specifically intended for balanced digital interfaces using XLR connectors.
For S/PDIF coaxial connections, the appropriate choice is the 75-ohm Valhalla 2 Digital Interconnect instead.
| Digital Interface |
Correct Valhalla 2 Version |
| AES/EBU Balanced |
110 Ω / XLR |
| S/PDIF Coaxial |
75 Ω / BNC or RCA |
Selecting the cable according to the interface's specified impedance is essential for maintaining the intended electrical transmission architecture.
Consult with the Digital Audio Specialists at Trimira Audio
The Nordost Valhalla 2 110-Ohm AES/EBU Digital Interconnect is designed for reference digital systems where impedance control, shielding, conductor geometry, and balanced connectivity are critical.
Trimira Audio can assist with:
- Confirming AES/EBU compatibility
- 110 Ω XLR configuration
- Cable length selection
- Digital transport-to-DAC matching
- Professional digital-interface integration
- Complete reference digital cable planning
- Private system auditions
For a flagship balanced digital connection, Valhalla 2 combines Dual Mono-Filament construction, 18 AWG silver-plated solid-core OFC, 100% shielding, true 110-ohm twin-axial architecture, and HOLO:PLUG® XLR termination.
