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478 matching answers · Updated regularly by our specialist team
This is the most common question about any mains power cable, and it is a fair one. The honest answer is yes, in many systems, particularly those built around quality components that are sensitive to mains noise. The UK mains supply carries a significant amount of RF interference and noise from household devices, smart meters, and the broader electrical grid. AudioQuest mains cables are designed to reduce the amount of that noise reaching your equipment. The improvement tends to be most noticeable as a quieter background, better low-level detail, and a more stable, controlled sound.
Yes. AudioQuest mains cables sold through Future Shop are UK-spec, fitted with correctly rated and fused UK mains plugs. All cables meet the relevant safety standards. If you are ever unsure about a cable specification or have questions about earthing and safety, our team is happy to advise before you purchase.
The NRG Y3 is the most popular starting point and represents strong value at its price. It uses solid Long-Grain Copper conductors and AudioQuest's noise-dissipation technology in a practical, flexible design. If your system is built around components worth upwards of £2,000 each, the NRG-Z3 or Thunder would be a more proportionate investment.
Atlas cables consistently win praise from reviewers and customers alike for delivering genuine performance improvements at sensible price points. Their mid-range lines such as the Hyper and Equator regularly appear in best-buy lists, and even the entry-level Element cables outperform many generic alternatives. If you want a Scottish-made cable with a clear upgrade path, Atlas is hard to beat.
The QED XT40i speaker cable is not designed as a bi-wire cable. The best way to use this cable is to use the matching jumper cables:
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/qed-xt40i-jumper-cables-1-pair
Unfortunately not. The iFi Audio iPowerX only comes in 5V, 9V, 12V and 15V. For a power supply that can supply 19V, please see the Sbooster BOTW MKII Linear Power Supply - 18-19V Rating on our website.
The QED XT40i cables can be terminated with 'Elite Reference' AirTite Banana/BFA plugs. These 4mm plugs can double as male or female.
For example, if you have QED Airloc plugs, these can be interted into the hollow pin of the Elite Reference plugs - just make sure the tension bar on the QED plug doesn't catch on the 'z' split on the Elite Reference pins.
Please email if you need further clarification.
All XLR cables are terminated with FEMALE (source end) to MALE (receiver end) connectors.
We see the AudioLab 9000Q (preamp) has the normal male output sockets, and the AudioLab 9000P has the normal female input sockets. If this is the case, you therefore have the correct cables.
If you have further doubts, please contact the seller.
Although Atacama do not make dedicated rubber feet, they do supply spike shoes to protect the floor:
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/atacama-hd-l-floor-spike-shoes-pack-of-4
These can take upto 125kg of weight.
Most cables, including the QED Reference Audio 40, perform best when used in the correct direction. If not indicated, follow the writing printed on the jacket - the writing runs in the same direction as the signal.
No, banana plugs are not designed to be bent into a convenient shape. They will either snap or impede performance. Sometimes spade connectors can be work-around in some setups.
The weakness is likely to be with the desktop computer's 3.5mm output. Its internal preamplifier is basic and unable to output a clear, low-noise signal. The QED cable itself is doing the best it can with a poor signal.
Bluetooth is a far superior audio transmission in this scenario.
Better still, if your Ruark active speakers have a USB input, you should be able to use that with a desktop computer. We have excellent USB cables from AudioQuest, Chord amd Wireworld.
An integrated amplifier includes the power amplifier (as well as the preamp). As with power amplifiers, integrated amps benefit from minimal filtering and conditioning.
You can look into other options from Isol-8 such as the Powerline Chroma:
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/isol-8-powerline-chroma-6-way-mains-block
To use the Chord Cables with a Cyrus amp equipped with BFA sockets, you should choose the Elite Reference AirTite Banana/BFA plugs. Use the same make plugs at both ends for consitency.
The max resolution available with this device is 4K at 60Hz or 8K at 30Hz. The HDMI technology is 2.0.