From the Experts

Future Shop Blog

Independent, expert-written guides on Hi-Fi cables, system setup, and getting the most from your audio investment — written by our in-house specialists since 2005.

Latest Articles Tagged: AudioQuest

Showing 1–14 of 14 articles

Does a Better HDMI Cable Actually Improve Picture and Sound Quality?

Few debates in the home cinema world are as persistent as this one. Spend five minutes on any AV forum and you will find passionate arguments on both sides. Some say a cheap HDMI cable performs identically to an expensive one. Others swear by premium cables. The truth, as usual, is more nuanced than either camp admits.

Phillip Powell Phillip Powell 15 March 2026 clock 8 min

Our 5 Most Reviewed Hi-Fi Products of 2025

Every year, thousands of customers turn to reviews to help guide their hi-fi upgrade decisions. In 2025, a clear pattern emerged. Certain products were not only chosen again and again, but were consistently rated at the very top by real users living with them day to day. This article highlights the five most reviewed products of 2025, ranked using a blended approach that considers both the number of reviews and the average customer rating. The result is a list that reflects genuine ownership experience rather than short-term hype.

Phillip Powell Phillip Powell 21 December 2025 clock 9 min

Building Your System with AudioQuest: Where to Start and What to Expect

When upgrading your audio or home cinema setup, the quality of your cables and power delivery is just as important as your source, amplifier, or speakers. At Future Shop, we often hear one key question from customers exploring AudioQuest for the first time: “Where should I start?” This guide breaks down how to approach building or upgrading your system using AudioQuest’s proven cable and power solutions, helping you get the most from your investment, one step at a time.

Phillip Powell Phillip Powell 2 August 2025 clock 5 min

Future Shop Meets AudioQuest Part 2: A Quest for High-End Audio Cables, HDMI, Noise Stoppers and Fog Lifters Review

In Part 2 of our visit to AudioQuest Netherlands, we explored their production floor and tested the performance of HDMI cables, Noise Stopper Caps, and Fog Lifters. From dissecting £24k speaker cables to witnessing side-by-side HDMI comparisons, the results were revealing—even a soundbar showed noticeable improvements. Our team also confirmed the effectiveness of overlooked tweaks like Noise Stoppers and cable-lifting Fog Lifters. Finally, we indulged in a full high-end demo using AudioQuest’s top-tier Dragon cables. This trip reinforced just how much the smallest details can impact the sound quality audiophiles crave.

Stevyn Durham Stevyn Durham 28 July 2025 clock 8 min

Future Shop Meets AudioQuest: A Quest for High-End Audio Cables and Speaker Cable Review – Part 1

Future Shop visited AudioQuest in the Netherlands to explore their state-of-the-art cable manufacturing facility. From warehouse tours to hands-on demos, we experienced a large range of AudioQuest speaker cables—from X2 to Robin Hood ZERO. Each upgrade brought increased clarity, detail, and musicality. We learned how design elements like solid conductors, DBS packs, and noise dissipation make a real sonic difference. The hospitality matched the sound quality—warm, refined, and unmistakably Dutch. Whether you're an audiophile or beginner, this behind-the-scenes look at AudioQuest reveals why cable quality truly matters in any hi-fi setup.

Stevyn Durham Stevyn Durham 3 July 2025 clock 8 min

Hong Kong High End Audiovisual Show 2023

From the moment Future Shop staff entered the High End AV show in Hong Kong’s beautiful convention centre, it was clear that this was no ordinary trade show. The long lines of audiophile delegates zig-zagged patiently to experience the largest display of cutting edge high end AV technologies. This display of passion for music and the technologies that enable the human ear to access it, was the one thing that bound delegates and exhibitors throughout this event. (Continue reading...)

Zareen Aslam 17 August 2023 clock 6 min

AudioQuest Rocket 11 vs QED XT40i: A Detailed Comparison of Speaker Cables

The world of high-fidelity audio is driven by a quest for perfection, where every component in the audio chain plays a vital role. Among these components, speaker cables are often overlooked, yet they can significantly impact the overall listening experience. In this article, we will undertake a thorough comparison between two esteemed contenders: the AudioQuest Rocket 11 and the QED XT40i speaker cables. By examining their design, construction, performance, and value, we aim to assist audio enthusiasts in making an informed decision.(Continue reading...)

Abdul Aslam Abdul Aslam 2 June 2023 clock 7 min

Top Tips : Keeping To One Hi-Fi Cable Brand

Navigating the quagmire of different audio & video cable brands is not easy. There are a huge number of manufacturers developing cutting edge technologies. Each company manufactures hundreds of different cables all in many different lengths so how should you decide which company and which cable suits you and your AV set up? Each AV cable manufacturer aspires to a variety of brand values and a distinctive sound that they wish to offer (Continue reading...)

Futureshop 8 January 2020 clock 6 min

Must Haves: Accessories

Accessories are often forgotten and unknown aspects of improving your audiovisual experience. Sometimes the biggest improvements can come from the smallest of objects, for example, isolation products for your amplifiers which can effectively prevent excess static and vibration from being detrimental to the performance of your equipment. With many upgrades available, here is our list of must-haves to show you the possibilities: (Continue reading...)

Futureshop 6 November 2019 clock 6 min

Must Haves: USB Cables

Nowadays where there are clusters of power cables and connections all around, digital signals can be susceptible to interference which will degrade the signal being received at point B. There are however many USB cables made to carry signals less susceptible for various lengths and actually improve what will be seen or heard. Here is what we think you need to consider for that important upgrade: (Continue reading...)

Futureshop 7 August 2019 clock 6 min

Must Haves: Essential Speaker Cables for Superior Audio Quality

Speaker Cables have and always will be the staple for all Hi-FI systems. A good speaker cable can truly reveal the potential of your speakers and enter you into another world. Over the years, technology for speaker cables has been researched thoroughly and now there are many top-of-the-range cables brimming with innovation to bring you the best sound possible. Here we have a list of our top picked must-haves when it comes to speaker cables:  (Continue reading...)

Futureshop 3 April 2019 clock 6 min

Must Haves: Essential Digital Optical Cables for Superior Sound

Digital Optical Cables are becoming more and more popular with rises in sales of external amplifiers and speakers connected to TVs. By connecting your TV to external equipment with a Digital Optical cable you can hear greatly improved sound over the basic TV speakers. Digital Optical cables contain strands of glass fibres to travel high bandwidth multi-channel digital audio signals through to soundbars, soundbases or external amplifiers. There are many Digital Optical cables available so we produced a list of top must-haves in the range of optical cables: (Continue reading...)

Futureshop 6 March 2019 clock 6 min

Must Haves: - Our Top Picks of Essential HDMI Cables

Newer HDMI cables run a specification called HDMI 2.0 that improves the limit of the bandwidth they can carry and allows higher resolution signals to be sent from your sources to your TV. On top of improving the conductors in HDMI cables, there is also an improvement on shielding and protection to prevent the signal being interfered with by nearby power cables and power supplies. We have compiled a list of HDMI cables that we recommend for being must-haves: (Continue reading...)

Futureshop 6 February 2019 clock 5 min

Must Haves: Top Ethernet Cable Picks for Superior Connectivity

Ethernet Cables are becoming increasingly more popular with the increase of streamers and streaming services for audiovisual distribution. By using higher performance level ethernet cables within networked situations, there can be a noticed increase in the quality of audio and visual being streamed due to better shielding preventing interference and more conductive materials being used within. Here are our top picks that will help you to delve into improving your streaming experiences: (Continue reading...)

Futureshop 2 January 2019 clock 7 min

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