Disclosure first = We are a Nordost Reference dealer and numerous other brands, not NBS. I was very reluctant to comment on this question as this could be construed the wrong way. But I felt so strongly that I will try to make this as objective as I can.
First, there is virtually no science behind NBS, it is an ex-car-salesman running the show. That should be enough said right there. So if they do get something right it is purely by happenstance. Needless to say their pricing is ridiculous.
Second, Nordost has the research and technology to back up their claims.
We have compared the various price levels of both cables in our reference systems. A couple of our staff prefer the NBS cables. The majority prefer the Nordost. The Nordost reference level cables are the most neutral sounding cables on the market - bar none! We can detect NO sonic signature and NO "house" sound from them. We see far to many situations where clients are using cables to "tune" their systems and by jumping from one cable manufacturer to another all they are really getting is one "house" sound for another.
In summary, if you want to stop the cable merry-go-round I would encourage you to consider the Nordost reference level cables and you will finally and clearly hear your Audio Research gear as it was designed to be heard and get the very most out of your entire system. Then you may change your gear with clear conscious that you ARE listening to the gear and speakers finally and decide what sound best suits your taste. The Nordost may scare you initially on hook-up. You are finally hearing your actual system, some clients are really frightened by what they hear. Don't panic you can always change gear. We strongly advise to do it one piece at a time - so you keep track of what you are hearing.
Apologies to the group for getting on my soapbox with the length of the message.
