FutureShop is an authorised dealer for QED Cables, a British cable manufacturer founded in 1973 and one of the longest-established connectivity brands in the UK audio industry. This guide draws on direct experience recommending QED cables across a wide range of customer systems.
Our Verdict
QED offers the most coherent and clearly structured cable range of any British brand, with the XT25 representing outstanding value in the Performance tier, the Golden Anniversary XT delivering a step change in detail and staging for mid-range systems, and the Genesis Silver Spiral and Supremus Zr matching the demands of high-end systems where every technical advantage is audible.
Quick Take
- QED has been manufacturing cables in the UK since 1973 and has won more What Hi-Fi? awards than any other cable brand across a 32-year span from 1981 to 2013.
- The three-tier structure (Performance, Reference, Signature) maps clearly to system investment levels, making it straightforward to match cable quality to component quality without overspending or under-specifying.
- Key technologies include AirCore (hollow-core geometry reducing skin and proximity effect), X-Tube (reduces skin effect so highs travel as efficiently as bass), and AirLoc terminations (cold-weld cold-pressure termination preventing oxidation).
- The 79 Strand (from £3.10/m) to Supremus Zr (from £1,595 per terminated pair) range means QED covers every system level from a first hi-fi setup to a reference installation.
- All QED cables at FutureShop are covered by the 60-day money-back guarantee on cables, making it risk-free to audition an upgrade in your own system.
For over 50 years, QED has been a driving force in audio-visual connectivity. Founded in 1973 in the UK, the brand quickly redefined how music and movies are experienced by proving that cables are more than just accessories, they're essential to system performance. Today, QED remains one of the most awarded connectivity brands in Europe, trusted by audiophiles, home cinema fans, and leading equipment manufacturers worldwide.
A 50-Year Legacy in Audio-Visual Connectivity
QED's journey began with the groundbreaking 79 Strand speaker cable, which challenged the industry to take cable performance seriously. Since then, they've introduced countless innovations, from advanced conductor materials to precision terminations, continually pushing sound and picture quality forward.
Key Design Features Found in QED Cables
- 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper: High-purity copper conductors reduce electrical resistance for better signal transfer and improved sound fidelity.
- Silver-Plated 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper: Combines the conductivity of silver with the purity of copper for enhanced high-frequency performance in premium models.
- Low Loss Dielectric: Uses materials like polyethylene (PE) and Teflon™ (PTFE) instead of PVC to minimise energy loss and preserve detail.
- X-Tube™ Technology: Reduces the "skin effect" so high frequencies travel as efficiently as low frequencies.
- AirCore™ Technology: Minimises proximity effect and skin effect by using individually insulated strands around a hollow core.
- AirLoc™ Termination: A cold-weld connection that prevents oxidation and maintains low resistance over time.
- Cryogenic Treatment (Supremus only): Applied to the flagship Supremus speaker cable to enhance conductor structure and deliver the highest possible performance.
Understanding QED's Three Performance Tiers
QED organises its cables into three main tiers, each designed for different budgets and performance goals:
| Tier | Key Features | Ideal For | Example Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Entry-level to mid-range cables with excellent build quality, solid conductors, and proven design. | Everyday hi-fi and home cinema users seeking great value and reliability. | QED XT25 Speaker Cable |
| Reference | Enhanced materials and construction, including AirCore™ technology and improved shielding for greater clarity and detail. | Enthusiasts looking to maximise their system's potential without moving to flagship pricing. | QED Golden Anniversary XT Speaker Cable |
| Signature | Flagship designs with the best available materials, advanced terminations, cryogenic treatment (Supremus), and extensive R&D investment. | High-end systems where absolute performance is the priority. | QED Genesis Silver Spiral Speaker Cable |
Choosing the Right Cable for Your System
QED offers a complete portfolio, including:
- Speaker Cables: From entry-level 79 Strand to the reference-grade Supremus.
- Interconnects: RCA, XLR, and digital options for every source.
- HDMI Cables: 4K and 8K-ready for home cinema setups.
- Ethernet and USB Cables: For high-resolution streaming and digital audio.
- Power Cables: Designed for stable, low-noise connections.
When selecting, consider your equipment quality, listening habits, and installation needs.
Which QED Tier Suits Your System? A Practical Guide
The three-tier structure is clear on paper, but the practical question is which tier corresponds to your system's value and how to decide when a step up is justified. The following guidance is based on component investment rather than personal taste, since system resolution ultimately determines whether the additional capability of a higher-tier cable can be heard.
Performance tier (79 Strand, XT25): Well-matched to systems with a total component value up to around £1,500. At this level, amplifiers and speakers are capable performers but their resolving ability does not yet expose the differences between Performance and Reference cabling with consistency. The 79 Strand remains one of the best-value speaker cables available at any price and is the correct choice for a first hi-fi setup or a secondary room system. The XT25 is the natural step up when the system has grown to include a separate DAC or better amplification and the 79 Strand begins to feel like a limiting factor in dynamics and bass definition.
Reference tier (Golden Anniversary XT): The right match for systems with components in the £1,500 to £5,000 range. At this level, separates-based systems (dedicated DAC, integrated or pre-power amplifier, floorstanders or quality standmounters) have the resolution to reveal the improvements that AirCore geometry brings: a more open, less congested midrange, improved imaging precision, and a cleaner top end. The Golden Anniversary XT consistently earns its place at this level and is one of the most recommended cables in FutureShop's history across all brands.
Signature tier (Genesis Silver Spiral, Supremus Zr): Justified in systems above £5,000 in component value where every element is operating at a high level. The Genesis Silver Spiral uses silver-plated OFC conductors for extended high-frequency transparency and suits revealing, analytical systems. The Supremus Zr is QED's reference statement: factory terminated, cryogenically treated, and priced to match reference-level amplification and loudspeakers. It is not the right cable for a £2,000 system, but it is exactly the right cable for a £15,000 one.
Which cable to upgrade first: Speaker cables carry the highest signal levels in the system and are the most audible first upgrade. Follow with interconnects between your source and amplification, then digital cables or Ethernet if streaming quality matters to you. Power cables are best addressed last, or alongside a broader power conditioning approach. Our guide to whether hi-fi mains power cables make a difference covers that part of the chain separately.
Awards and Industry Recognition
QED has earned more What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision awards than any other cable brand between 1981 and 2013, a testament to their consistent excellence.
Getting the Best Performance from QED Cables
- Match the cable to your system's requirements.
- Keep lengths as short as practical.
- Ensure secure, clean terminations.
With the right QED cables, your system will reveal more detail, dynamics, and enjoyment, bringing you closer to the performance.
Shop the full QED range at FutureShop and experience the difference that award-winning connectivity can make.
Browse the full QED speaker cable range at FutureShop, available with our 60-day money-back guarantee on cables. Not sure which tier or model suits your system? Get in touch with our team and we will help you find the right QED cable for your budget and equipment.
