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QED’s refreshed Performance range is a 13-model cable line for hi-fi and home cinema connections, including speaker, bi-wire, USB audio, analogue, optical and Ethernet options. The announcement outlines specifications and example prices, but does not establish that the cables produce audible improvements in independent testing.
What cables are in QED’s refreshed Performance range?
StereoNET reported on 1 October 2026 that the range covers connections for turntables, CD players, televisions and high-resolution streaming sources. It identifies speaker cable, bi-wire links, USB audio cables, analogue interconnects, optical cable and Ethernet cable. The announcement calls this a 13-model range but does not provide a complete model-by-model catalogue, so the full lineup cannot be itemized from that report. Source: StereoNET, 1 October 2026.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
QED GAXT Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 3m Pair | $386.57 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
QED Golden Anniversary XT Pre-Term Speaker Cable 5 m | $370.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
QED GAXT Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 2m Pair | $319.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
QED SAXT Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 2m Pair | $132.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
QED XT40i Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 3m Pair | $229.00 | Buy on Amazon |
QED specifies 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductors and 24K gold-plated contacts across the range, with nickel-plated connectors on the USB models instead. These are reported manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements.
What are the named models’ specifications and prices?
The prices below were reported by StereoNET on 1 October 2026. They are examples for the stated lengths, not a complete price list or a guarantee of current retail pricing.
#1 Best Overall
- NEW X-Tube Plus combines X-Tube and Aircore for consistent frequency performance
- Hybrid ultra-pure copper conductor for improved signal retention
- Low Loss Ultra-Uniform Dielectric insulation reduces signal loss
- Airloc Forté banana plugs for improved conductivity and reliability
- Award-winning cable design recognized by multiple audio publications
| Model | Reported specification | Example price reported 1 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Speaker Cable, 2 m | 2.5 mm² conductor area, X-Tube Plus geometry, factory-fitted Airloc gold-plated plugs or spades; LDPE jacket | £119 | €159 | US$209 |
| Performance Audio interconnect, 0.75 m | Solid Complementary Conductor Technology, advanced shielding and Ferrite Insulation Technology | £49 | €69 | US$89 |
| Performance Optical, 0.75 m | Further model-specific construction details not stated in the StereoNET report | £49 | €65 | US$79 |
| Performance Ethernet, 0.75 m | Further model-specific construction details not stated in the StereoNET report | £29 | €39 | US$49 |
QED says the Speaker Cable’s geometry is intended to reduce resistance and maintain signal accuracy across the audio band. That is the manufacturer’s design claim; the announcement does not report independent listening tests or measurements confirming an audible benefit. The Audio interconnect’s named construction features are likewise specifications rather than proof of a listening outcome. StereoNET’s announcement.
What should you check before choosing a cable?
- Connection type: Match the cable to the device and connection you need, such as speaker terminals, USB audio, optical digital audio, Ethernet or analogue interconnect.
- Length: The cited prices apply to the specific lengths shown above. Check the required run and confirm the price for that length with a retailer.
- Termination and fit: For speaker cable, check whether your equipment accepts plugs or spades and whether the factory-fitted termination is suitable. Confirm connector type for every other model as well.
- System compatibility: Verify that source and receiving equipment support the connection format; a cable category alone does not establish compatibility or performance.
- USB certification: StereoNET reports independent USB-IF compliance certification for QED’s USB cables. This concerns USB compliance, not a guarantee of a particular sound quality.
Across the line, the report says most models use flexible TPE jackets, while the Speaker Cable uses LDPE. It also reports RoHS and REACH compliance and packaging that reduces plastic in favour of recyclable paper-based materials where possible. These details are attributed to the announcement. StereoNET, 1 October 2026.
Rank #2
- NEW X-Tube Plus technology combines X-Tube with Aircore to deliver an even, consistent performance across the entire audible frequency range.
- Airloc Forte banana plugs use a cold weld system for permanent attachment to the cable for improved contact area and reduced resistance.
- Low Loss Ultra-Uniform Dielectric insulation boosts efficiency and reduces signal loss.
- Ultra-pure Ohno Continuous Cast Copper and 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductor blend helps improve the signal path and signal retention.
Where and when are the cables available?
As reported on 1 October 2026, the refreshed range was available in the UK and Europe, with US availability scheduled for late November 2026. That is a dated announcement, not confirmation of current regional stock or launch status. Check QED or a local retailer for present availability and pricing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is QED’s background?
QED was founded by Bob Abraham and Ian Vine in 1973, according to StereoNET’s brand profile. The profile describes the company’s cable research and references the Genesis Report; it also repeats company-authored claims about market leadership and audible cable differences, which should not be mistaken for independent findings. StereoNET’s QED brand profile.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Air Gap dielectric for lower capacitance and better timing
- X-Tube technology for low inductance and better current delivery
- Pure 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductors
- Ideal for long cable runs with large cross-sectional area
- Pre-terminated with Airloc Heat Shrink 4mm Banana Plugs
Rank #4
- X-Tube technology for linear signal transfer
- Silver-plated 99.999% OFC conductors
- Low-density polyethylene dielectric minimizes signal loss
- Compact 3.9mm outer diameter jacket
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
Rank #3
- NEW X-Tube Plus combines X-Tube and Aircore for consistent frequency performance
- Hybrid ultra-pure copper conductor for improved signal retention
- Low Loss Ultra-Uniform Dielectric insulation reduces signal loss
- Airloc Forté banana plugs for improved conductivity and reliability
- Award-winning cable design recognized by multiple audio publications
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
