QED Reference XT40i 

An update to 2014's classic, award-winning XT40 speaker cable, the XT40i features several technological upgrades to further enhance its performance.

The XT40i has improved on an already successful cable by designing a groundbreaking Air Gap dielectric construction, according to the company. We are told that this reduces the cable's dissipation factor and capacitance by half. The promised result is vastly improved musical timing, a wider soundstage and improved bass control over its predecessor.

QED's innovative proprietary X-Tube technology means the XT40i exhibits less distortion at high frequencies than standard speaker cables, again improving overall performance through a level of timing and imaging usually found on much more expensive cables.

Elsewhere XT40i's 4.0mm² cross-sectional area lowers loop resistance, while its 99.999% oxygen-free copper construction offers improved conductivity over standard copper. 

QED Performance Audio 40i 

The successor to the Performance Audio 40, the Performance Audio 40i has undergone a complete overhaul, including, a QED first – the introduction of Solid Core Complementary Conductors over the previous standard conductor design.

The new stereo interconnects' Solid Complementary Conductor technology reduces capacitance by a quarter compared to the original model, resulting in an enlargement of the stereo soundstage.

Another major innovation is the introduction of one Oxygen Free Copper Conductor and one Silver Plated Oxygen Free Copper Conductor to carry the same audio signal. QED describes this as being "the equivalent of having two cables in one". The new design helps provide an alternative route for high and low frequencies, reducing the "smearing" and disruption of the audio signal which would otherwise occur in a single, one material conductor configuration. The upshot is improved rhythm, enhanced clarity and tighter control according to the info pack.

Ferrite insulation technology has been retained from the Performance Audio 40 to absorb high-frequency noise and decrease timing errors and deliver a cleaner signal, while the use of QED's Anamate RCA plugs means a reduction in "eddy currents" and an improvement in high-frequency detail.

QED XT25 Bi-Wire 

This new bi-wire version of the XT25 speaker cable delivers "enhanced rhythmic accuracy and musicality" with the X-Quad geometry lowering inductance to reveal more detail. Additionally, QED's proprietary X-Tube technology "enables each frequency to pass with equal ease for a more balanced sound while improving timing and stereo imaging".

Elsewhere, a 99.999% Oxygen-free copper construction increases conductivity for a purer sound, while a low-loss, low-density Polyethylene jacket minimises electrical energy loss in the cable insulation which can adversely affect the sound compared with cheaper PVC alternatives. The XT25 Bi-Wire promises the single most impressive pound-for-pound upgrade your system you can have.

Price and availability

All the cables are available from October with a lifetime guarantee. The prices are as follows:

QED Reference XT40i speaker cable

• QED Reference XT40i £11/m
• QED Reference XT40i Pre-terminated 2M – £109.95 / $129.00
• QED Reference XT40i Pre-terminated 3M – £129.95 / $159.00
• QED Reference XT40i Pre-terminated 5M – £169.95 / $199.00

QED Performance Audio 40i interconnect

• QED Performance Audio 40i 0.6M – £39.95 / $49.00
• QED Performance Audio 40i 1M – £49.95 / $59.00
• QED Performance Audio 40i 2M – £69.95 / $85.00
• QED Performance Audio 40i 3M – £79.95 / $95.00 

QED XT25 Bi-Wire speaker cable

• QED XT25 Bi-Wire £12/m