QED New Reference High-Resolution USB Type A to Type B Cable

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Item code: QED New Reference USB

4.9 25 reviews ✓ Verified
The original QED Reference USB cable was immediately recognised as the outstanding USB cable for audio applications and has been ever since. But ever since the day the Reference USB took home its first Award, QED’s single-minded engineers have been d…
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SPEAKER CABLES:

A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.

OTHER CABLES:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.

NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.

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Our promise: 60-day returns · Free burn-in · Built in our UK workshop · Lifetime warranty · Expert support on every order
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QED New Reference High-Resolution USB Type A to Type B Cable

 

The original QED Reference USB cable was immediately recognised as the outstanding USB cable for audio applications and has been ever since. But ever since the day the Reference USB took home its first Award, QED’s single-minded engineers have been developing this winning formula to deliver an even greater cable. Greater accuracy, greater flexibility, greater compatibility.

The results of this relentless drive for improvement is the ground-breaking and staggeringly effective Reference High-Resolution USB. As the name suggests, this remarkable new cable features complete high-resolution audio compatibility - including, 32bit, DSD and MQA. In addition, QED’s Clear Path Audio technology isolates the power and data lanes within the cable for greater precision in audio transmission, while the Impedance Controlled Data Lane minimises jitter and timing errors.

Greater compatibility, greater accuracy = greater performance, greater sound.

 

Features

  • Impedance Controlled Data Lane
  • CARET-RIGHT Clean Path Audio technology
  • CARET-RIGHT Ferrite Insulation technology
  • CARET-RIGHT Lifetime guarantee

 

QED’s complete commitment to advancing the art of information transmission, its five decades of technological expertise, and its profound understanding of the requirements and expectations of consumers, all combine to make Reference High-Resolution USB the most effective and efficient USB cable ever made. And, by extension, the best-sounding USB cable ever made. Unstinting attention to detail, brilliantly innovative engineering and a determination to make the company’s trail-blazing technologies available to the widest possible audience, means QED has utterly redefined what listeners can expect from the audio performance of a USB cable.

Focused thinking and painstaking development, leading to unrivalled signal integrity, leading to unsurpassed audio performance. This has been QED’s modus operandi for its entire existence - and Reference High-Resolution USB is the latest demonstration of its peerless mastery of cable design and manufacture.

 

“Intended to deliver an “enjoyable, musical performance over long listening-sessions” it is
claimed to “exceed all the requirements for high-resolution audio...DSD, MQA and PCM beyond 24-bit/l92kHz”.The new interconnect’s high-tech refinements include an “impedance-controlled data-lane” that behaves “within strictly-defined parameters”, complete isolation between the USB power and data lanes for “more accurate audio transmission” and a “unique” zinc­manganese floating-ferrite jacket to keep unwanted high-frequency noise at bay.”
(Read More)

What Hi-Fi? Announcement - QED Reference USB Cable

 

 

Specification :

  • Outside Diameter: 7mm
  • Characteristic Impedance: 90Ω +/-5%
  • Signal Pair Attenuation: < -0.11 dB/m @ 480 MHz
  • Propagation Delay: 26 ns max
  • Propagation Delay Skew: 68 ps max
  • Maximum Data Rate: 480 Mb/s
  • Worst-case time-related jitter: <76 ps pk-pk
  • Available Lengths: 0.6m, 1m, 2m & 3m
  • Warranty: QED Lifetime Guarantee

About QED Cables Made in United Kingdom

QED is an award winning British company with over 40 years of experience in the audio-visual connectivity industry.

In 1973 Bob Abraham and Ian Vine founded QED Audio Products and changed the way people think about hi-fi cables. By the time QED 79 strand speaker cable was launched in 1978, it wasn’t looked upon as ‘just another speaker cable’ but was instead regarded as a serious hi-fi component, making a fundamental change in the way people thought about cables.

QED's reputation for innovation and technical excellence is known throughout the world. The latest computer-aided design techniques allow their research and development team to keep pace with technological advances and deliver products that achieve the highest levels of performance and reliability. This is why QED products are recommended by so many of the world’s leading hi-fi and home theatre equipment manufacturers.

QED offer a range of connectivity products spanning from both consumer and installation cables, wireless products and switching devices to satisfy every audio visual need.

QED is Europe's number one award winning connectivity brand and has won more prestigious cable awards from ‘What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision’ magazine than any other brand (Awards 1981–2013).

About QED Cables

British cable maker covering speaker, analogue, HDMI and digital cables, plus speaker and network cable for installers.

QED is a British company that makes connection products for audio and video systems. The catalogue covers speaker, analogue, XLR, phono, subwoofer, USB, optical, coaxial, Ethernet and HDMI cables, and mains cables. For installers it offers the QX16 series speaker cable and a CAT network cable.

Read more about QED Show less

Installer products for longer runs

QED's main installer products are the QX16 series speaker cable and its CAT network cable. Both suit cable that has to be run through a house or a room rather than a short link between two components, which is the job the rest of the range covers.

A full set of digital and video connections

For digital and video connections, QED makes HDMI cables, USB cables in A-B and A-Micro B formats, and optical, coaxial and Ethernet cables. That covers most of the digital connections in a modern system, from a streamer to a TV.

Analogue connections from one maker

For the analogue side of a system, QED makes speaker cables, analogue interconnects, XLR and phono cables, subwoofer cables and mains cables. That gives you the connections between your source, amplifier and speakers, and the power feeding them, from a single British maker.

Why we stock QED

QED was one of the first brands we ever ordered, back in 2005 when we started. We have sold them every year since. Twenty-one years with one brand tells you something about how few of them come back, and QED still sit at the price point where most good systems begin.

Shop all QED Cables →

Specification :

  • Outside Diameter: 7mm
  • Characteristic Impedance: 90Ω +/-5%
  • Signal Pair Attenuation: < -0.11 dB/m @ 480 MHz
  • Propagation Delay: 26 ns max
  • Propagation Delay Skew: 68 ps max
  • Maximum Data Rate: 480 Mb/s
  • Worst-case time-related jitter: <76 ps pk-pk
  • Available Lengths: 0.6m, 1m, 2m & 3m
  • Warranty: QED Lifetime Guarantee

We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.

Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.

 

Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.

 

All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.

 

 

Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:

  • Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
  • Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
  • Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
  • You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
  • We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
  • FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.

 

UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS

Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*

Weight Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE)
0g - 1000g £3.95
1000g - 1400g £4.95
1400g - 1800g £5.95
1800g - 2000g £6.95
2000g - 3000g £8.95


* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.

Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.

 

Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day

We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.

 

Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.

 

For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.

 

Channel Islands & Northern Ireland

We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.

 

European Countries

Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs &amp; Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

 

Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe

Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs &amp; Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
  • Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

Write Your Own Review

QED New Reference High-Resolution USB Type A to Type B Cable

We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.

Please do:

  • - Write 50-300 words for the product
  • - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
  • - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
  • - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
4.9
25 reviews
5★
23 (92%)
4★
2 (8%)
3★
0 (0%)
2★
0 (0%)
1★
0 (0%)
AI Review Summary — Generated from 25 Reviews

The QED USB Reference cable receives consistent praise for exceptional build quality, solid construction, and reliable connectors that deliver stable audio performance. Users report audible improvements in sound clarity, detail, soundstage width, and reduced background noise compared to generic or competing cables, with benefits apparent across various high-end audio systems. Multiple reviewers confirm it outperforms more expensive alternatives and represents good value for money, though one notes significant cost markups in the audio cable market. Construction is described as flexible yet sturdy, with minor aesthetic concerns raised about plastic-looking connector covers. Delivery and customer service from Future Shop are repeatedly highlighted as excellent. One recurring complaint concerns shipping delays due to customs processing rather than product performance issues.

István ✓ Verified Purchase
Excellent build quality and stable USB connection 12 March 2026
The QED USB A to B cable is very well built and feels extremely solid. The connectors fit perfectly, and the overall construction is clearly high quality, as expected from QED.

I use it between my music source and DAC, and the connection is very stable with no dropouts or noise. Compared to a generic USB cable, this one feels much more reliable and better shielded. The system sounds clean and consistent, and it gives confidence that the signal is transferred properly.

It may cost more than standard USB cables, but the build quality and reliability make it worth it. I would definitely recommend it for any serious audio setup.
Lee Bunker ✓ Verified Purchase
Do high-grade USB cables make a difference ? 5 March 2026
This is the most expensive USB cable I've ever purchased. I bought it to connect my office PC to an Audiolab 9000Q Preamp/DAC, replacing a cheaper 3M cable from Amazon.

The improvement in detail, refinement and stereo imaging is impressive - I presume this is due to the reduction in digital jitter.

The QED reference cables are not cheap, but the performance justifies the price. Happy with this purchase, and also the fast delivery and great pricing from Future Shop.

Will purchase more from them as needs arise - Recommended.
Steve ✓ Verified Purchase
QED USB A TO B REFERENCE CABLE 19 November 2025
Received the cable on Friday. Up to now, everything sounds better after some 25 hours of burning in. I can hear a somewhat wider soundstage with good controlled bass, very clear mids (my B&W 703 S2 already have very detailed mids) . Highs seem more polished. Must wait another couple of weeks to really make a full assessment.

Overall, very satisfied with the product
Johnston Lowry ✓ Verified Purchase
Excellent performance and value for money 28 July 2025
I bought this QED USB cable to replace a much more expensive one in order to adapt my system to my current usage. I'm delighted with the results. It's very well made and can't fault the sound quality or quantify much difference between this one and its more expensive predecessor.

I have no hesitation is recommending it for all levels of system.
Darren Green ✓ Verified Purchase
A fine product from the QED stable. 16 May 2025
Having used generic USB cables in my setup, I can certainly vouch for "the shorter the better" theory, but I was keen to hear if a higher-end product could take things a step further.

I like the quality of all the QED products that I have used (phono, coax, optical and speaker cables), which offer subtle upgrades at reasonable price points. Normally, I wait for a few weeks before posting reviews, but this product is so clearly better than the generic cable that there was no need to delay.

All my test music seems cleaner/clearer, which was confirmed when checking back with the basic cable. This is a very easy recommendation. I only give 4 stars because, as keen lovers of audio, we still have to stomach significant cost markups.
Big Kev ✓ Verified Purchase
Great Cable 27 March 2025
Great cable that sounds better than coaxial into my DAC from my steamer. As always, great price, customer service and rapid delivery from Futureshop.

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Write Your Own Review

QED New Reference High-Resolution USB Type A to Type B Cable

We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.

Please do:

  • - Write 50-300 words for the product
  • - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
  • - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
  • - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
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