QED Signature Audio 40 Cable Pair
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RCA Pair
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Item code: QED Signature 40
Inc. VAT (20%) · Ex. VAT: £207.50 Ex. VAT · Inc. VAT (20%):
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If you've seen a better offer for this product, we will endeavour to match it. The competing offer must be on brand-new boxed items, and in stock from another UK Online Authorised Retailer (excluding marketplaces). Price match quotations are valid for 7 days.
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.
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
QED Signature Audio 40 Cable
The groundbreaking Signature Audio 40 analogue audio interconnect celebrates QED's 40 years at the forefront of British designed audio cables.
Signature Audio 40 is an entirely new design concept from QED laboratories. The cordage is designed primarily for low capacitance as this has been identified by QED as a significant factor leading to a high fidelity experience and makes for a tight sound retaining the rhythm of the original piece. Add our Complementary Conductor Technology™ for high frequency detail and our Analoc Technology™ to maximise signal integrity and the result is what we feel to be the most innovative interconnect ever made by QED. Please see our 'cables matter' section below for more in-depth information on this ground breaking design.
Complementary Conductor Technology™
This innovation utilises two conductors of different diameters to carry the same audio signal. This has the effect of providing an alternative path for high frequency audio components which might otherwise become time smeared in a single audio pathway.
Teflon Dielectric
This material with its low dielectric constant has been used to cut down on the amount of audio signal energy lost due to cable capacitance.
Cryogenic Treatment
It is understood that cryogenic treatment results in the elimination of dislocations and fractures in the material’s micro-structure. Trumpets and other brass instruments have been found to produce a better tone after Deep Cryogenic Treatment (below −190 °C, −310 °F) and it also extends their working life. Our extensive listening tests have shown that the cryogenically treated cable is preferred over the same cable without the treatment.
ANALOC™ Locking RCA Plugs
The new QED Analoc™ plug is a low eddy current design featuring small high purity copper conductors in place of the usual large volume brass body found in ordinary high quality plugs. This cuts down or eliminates the tendency for the changing magnetic field in the conductor to induce eddy currents which can affect the micro timing of the audio signal. Rhodium plating has the advantage for use as a plating material due to its superior hardness.
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ANALOC™ TechnologyQED ‘Analoc™ RCA plug which features high purity copper signal and ground connections in an insulated low eddy current brass body. The hollow central pin eliminates skin effect in the signal connection and the locking barrel design clamps the dual tombstone ground connection firmly to the RCA sockets |
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Complementary Conductor TechnologyComplementary conductor geometry utilises two conductors of different diameters to carry the same audio signal. This has the effect of providing an alternative path for high frequency audio components which might otherwise become time smeared in a single audio pathway. |
There are three cables in the Audio 40 range representing the long established Performance, Reference and Signature designations which have always corresponded to the “good, better, best” principle of QED product hierarchy.* However the whole range has been developed using a strict top down approach which means that all three cables share an almost identical construction and geometry with the Signature cable representing the ideal ‘cost no object’ original state of the design and the Performance cable its cost engineered alternative. The Reference cable represents the perfect balance of performance against the law of diminishing returns omitting only the most expensive components.
Specification :
- Silver Plated 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper(SPOFC) conductors with Teflon™ dielectric
- Asymmetrical twisted pair geometry SPOFC shield giving 100% electromagnetic screening
- Zn/Mn ferrite Jacket
- Rhodium plated QED ‘Analoc™’ RCA plugs Cryogenically Treated
- Capacitance: 63pF/m
- Inductance: 0.37uH/m
- Loop resistance: 0.072 Ω/m
- Dissipation Factor: 0.0011
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
About QED Cables 
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).
Specification :
- Silver Plated 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper(SPOFC) conductors with Teflon™ dielectric
- Asymmetrical twisted pair geometry SPOFC shield giving 100% electromagnetic screening
- Zn/Mn ferrite Jacket
- Rhodium plated QED ‘Analoc™’ RCA plugs Cryogenically Treated
- Capacitance: 63pF/m
- Inductance: 0.37uH/m
- Loop resistance: 0.072 Ω/m
- Dissipation Factor: 0.0011
- 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) |
|---|---|
| 0000g – 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.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by Future Shop by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
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 & 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 & 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enhance Your Experience: Free Cable Burn-In Service with Nordost VIDAR Machine
Please take note of the following details regarding our cable burn-in service:
- Cable Compatibility: We regret to inform you that we cannot burn-in cables with stripped bare ends or BFA plugs. In order for cables to undergo the burn-in process, they should be terminated or have connectors.
- Timing: Cables will be burnt in for the selected period after processing your order. For custom-length cables, the burn-in process will occur after they have been terminated by the manufacturer or our engineers unless specified otherwise in the product description.
- Availability: Future Shop provides our cable burn-in service free of charge, but its availability is at our discretion. While we strive to fulfil all burn-in requests for the specified time periods, please understand that during exceptionally busy periods, we may be unable to meet the demand due to limited connections on the Nordost Vidar cable conditioning machines.
The Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in machine integrates three key functions into one operation:
- Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
- Deep Conditioning: The machine provides a wide band and deep conditioning process that affects the conductor core, resulting in changes to the signal transmission through the metal. This deep conditioning enhances the cable's performance.
- Ultrasonic Surface Conditioning: The VIDAR machine utilizes ultrasonic waves to condition the surface of the conductors, optimizing their contact and overall conductivity.
The VIDAR employs a proprietary combination of composite and complex signals to condition the cables. These signals comprise ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies, extending beyond the range of video frequencies. The signal moves back and forth along the cable, penetrating deep into the core with ultra-low frequencies and traversing the surface with ultra-high frequencies. This transmission method generates beat harmonics between the two complex waveforms, which permeate all layers of the cable. The circuitry of the VIDAR also drives electrons from the conductor into the insulation area, neutralizing electrical charges.
So, what does this all mean for you?
The ultimate outcome of conditioning cables with the Nordost VIDAR is improved sound staging, increased detail, and an overall more musical presentation in your audio system.
Now, you may wonder why cable burn-in is necessary. During cable manufacturing, gasses become trapped as insulation is applied over the conductors. Additionally, new cables often possess high electrical charges, resulting in a brittle and bright sound that lacks the desired detail and depth for music production.
When cables undergo burn-in, the trapped gasses are dissipated, and small impurities in the conductor metals begin to exhibit diode-like behaviour, favouring current flow in a specific direction.
Here are the physical effects of the burn-in process:
- Charge Neutralisation: The burn-in process neutralizes charges in the conductors and insulation, promoting a more balanced electrical environment.
- Wide Bandwidth Frequencies: The conditioning affects how signals pass through the metal, enabling a wider range of frequencies to penetrate all cable layers.
- Signal Transmission: The burn-in process establishes the directionality of the cable, optimizing signal transmission from one end to the other.
When cables are properly burnt in, you can expect the following audible changes in your audio system:
- Fuller and Natural Sound: Your system should be capable of producing a more immersive and realistic performance with a fuller and more natural sound.
- Increased Detail: You may notice enhanced details and nuances in the music, allowing you to perceive subtle elements that were previously hidden.
- Improved Soundstage: The dimensionality of your system's soundstage can be greatly improved, creating a more spacious and immersive listening experience.
At Future Shop, our goal is to maximise your satisfaction. That's why we offer a free burn-in service on all our cables before they arrive at your door, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the benefits of properly conditioned cables in your audio system.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT
QED Signature Audio 40 Cable
The groundbreaking Signature Audio 40 analogue audio interconnect celebrates QED's 40 years at the forefront of British designed audio cables.
Signature Audio 40 is an entirely new design concept from QED laboratories. The cordage is designed primarily for low capacitance as this has been identified by QED as a significant factor leading to a high fidelity experience and makes for a tight sound retaining the rhythm of the original piece. Add our Complementary Conductor Technology™ for high frequency detail and our Analoc Technology™ to maximise signal integrity and the result is what we feel to be the most innovative interconnect ever made by QED. Please see our 'cables matter' section below for more in-depth information on this ground breaking design.
Complementary Conductor Technology™
This innovation utilises two conductors of different diameters to carry the same audio signal. This has the effect of providing an alternative path for high frequency audio components which might otherwise become time smeared in a single audio pathway.
Teflon Dielectric
This material with its low dielectric constant has been used to cut down on the amount of audio signal energy lost due to cable capacitance.
Cryogenic Treatment
It is understood that cryogenic treatment results in the elimination of dislocations and fractures in the material’s micro-structure. Trumpets and other brass instruments have been found to produce a better tone after Deep Cryogenic Treatment (below −190 °C, −310 °F) and it also extends their working life. Our extensive listening tests have shown that the cryogenically treated cable is preferred over the same cable without the treatment.
ANALOC™ Locking RCA Plugs
The new QED Analoc™ plug is a low eddy current design featuring small high purity copper conductors in place of the usual large volume brass body found in ordinary high quality plugs. This cuts down or eliminates the tendency for the changing magnetic field in the conductor to induce eddy currents which can affect the micro timing of the audio signal. Rhodium plating has the advantage for use as a plating material due to its superior hardness.
|
|
ANALOC™ TechnologyQED ‘Analoc™ RCA plug which features high purity copper signal and ground connections in an insulated low eddy current brass body. The hollow central pin eliminates skin effect in the signal connection and the locking barrel design clamps the dual tombstone ground connection firmly to the RCA sockets |
|
|
Complementary Conductor TechnologyComplementary conductor geometry utilises two conductors of different diameters to carry the same audio signal. This has the effect of providing an alternative path for high frequency audio components which might otherwise become time smeared in a single audio pathway. |
There are three cables in the Audio 40 range representing the long established Performance, Reference and Signature designations which have always corresponded to the “good, better, best” principle of QED product hierarchy.* However the whole range has been developed using a strict top down approach which means that all three cables share an almost identical construction and geometry with the Signature cable representing the ideal ‘cost no object’ original state of the design and the Performance cable its cost engineered alternative. The Reference cable represents the perfect balance of performance against the law of diminishing returns omitting only the most expensive components.
Specification :
- Silver Plated 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper(SPOFC) conductors with Teflon™ dielectric
- Asymmetrical twisted pair geometry SPOFC shield giving 100% electromagnetic screening
- Zn/Mn ferrite Jacket
- Rhodium plated QED ‘Analoc™’ RCA plugs Cryogenically Treated
- Capacitance: 63pF/m
- Inductance: 0.37uH/m
- Loop resistance: 0.072 Ω/m
- Dissipation Factor: 0.0011
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
About QED Cables
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).
Specification :
- Silver Plated 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper(SPOFC) conductors with Teflon™ dielectric
- Asymmetrical twisted pair geometry SPOFC shield giving 100% electromagnetic screening
- Zn/Mn ferrite Jacket
- Rhodium plated QED ‘Analoc™’ RCA plugs Cryogenically Treated
- Capacitance: 63pF/m
- Inductance: 0.37uH/m
- Loop resistance: 0.072 Ω/m
- Dissipation Factor: 0.0011
- 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) |
|---|---|
| 0000g – 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.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by Future Shop by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
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 & 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 & 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 Signature Audio 40 Cable Pair
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
Customers consistently praise the QED Signature Audio 40 for exceptional sound quality, transparency, and detail across the frequency spectrum, with particular acclaim for improved soundstaging, clarity, and natural tonality. Build quality is highlighted as excellent, with premium construction and secure locking RCA connectors noted favorably. The cables are widely regarded as outstanding value compared to more expensive competitors like Chord and Van den Hul. Most customers report immediate improvements, though some note extended burn-in periods (100+ hours) enhance performance further. Fit-for-purpose is generally strong across various high-end audio systems. A few reviewers experienced more modest improvements or felt the upgrade from the Reference series was marginal, and one dissenting voice questioned whether the cables fully justified their price point against established alternatives. Manufacturing location shift from UK to Taiwan prompted one minor complaint, and occasional concerns arose about whether upstream equipment limitations prevented full cable potential.
The quality of the cable is excellent.
Been a QED fan for many years! I always feel they give excellent value for money!
Transparency is the first thing I picked up on. I can hear deep into the soundstage with a level of resolution that is really rather special. Even more surprising is the level of finesse and refinement that is often only apparent because the treble is rolled off or the life of the music is somehow veiled. Not here, though.
Neutrality across the frequency spectrum is evident and therefore there is an exactness to hearing the recording as it was originally intended. Finally, the engagement factor of a system with these cables in while never coming to mind any fatigue enabled hugely enjoyable sessions.
A very big recommendation from this reviewer.
A number of points I would make, namely, cables come near the end of the chain in resolving/improving, in my view. That does not diminish their importance or relevance. My first upgrade was on an old Denton hifi separates units, replacing the supplied, 16 years too late(!) with QED Reference Audio 40. Night and day. I also tried the Signature here, but little noticeable improvement, so in such a case, the gain was infinitesimal and did not merit the upgrade again.
I naturally applied the QED Reference cables, as those were my current cables, when I acquired the Marantz Reference series equipment. The one thing you can say about the QED Reference series is that it will never let you down and represents superb value. But I tried the QED signature to compare and am delighted I did. Immediately, the vocals were more forward, the micro details enhanced, the higher ranges were raised, and the resolution on the trumpets was extraordinary, and that is straight out of the box! Zero burn-in. My caveat here is I guess your preference of musical tastes, if it were progressive rock per se, I wouldn’t bother, but for you choral fans out there the difference was clear.
So, lessons, match the cable relative to the equipment. The Signature did little on the cheaper HiFi, but in the reference hemisphere, it proved stellar. It is so good for my preferred genre that I shall never upgrade from the QED Signature. Never forget the Law of Diminishing Returns, as it will save you a fortune in this hobby.
The construction is premium. QED's proprietary Analoc™ technology effectively minimises signal distortion and ensures transparency across the frequency range. Bass is tight and controlled, mids are rich and natural, and the highs sparkle without ever sounding harsh.
What truly sets these cables apart is their ability to preserve the emotion and dynamics of the music. Whether you're listening to orchestral, jazz, or rock, the presentation feels more alive and immersive.
If you're looking to elevate your system's performance, the QED Signature Audio 40 is a worthwhile investment. It's not just a cable, it's a serious sonic upgrade.
The locking RCA plugs are excellent.
They take a long time to burn in, but the wait is worth it.
Not perfect but a big improvement on even the slightly lower class of cable, after extended use.
The sound difference is not obvious, but I was already very satisfied with it before changing the cabling.
I moved from a connection using Silent WIRE NF 5 RCA that is now used only for interconnection between preamp and sources.
Another QED sig40 1m power amp connected to preamp: whole Hifi system upgraded in terms of accuracy, authentic sound, crystal, fluid and brilliant.
Given four stars because made in Taiwan
Turned what was an exceptional audio system into an absolutely stunningly sounding one! I can't thank Futureshop enough for the seamless transaction that took place. I will definitely recommend them to all that are interested in quality audio. Keep it up, you lot!!
However, once installed, there was definitely a marked improvement in both the sound staging and separation of individual instruments, more space, greater depth and definition, and it certainly gave just that bit more bass clarity. Impressed with the build quality and finish of the cables, if there is any criticism it is that they are no longer manufactured in the UK.
I'm very pleased with these cables. In the future, I will buy more of these quality cables.
I will recommend it to my friend.
Vocally, the singer expresses it. Feelings and physical sensations, and low-frequency aspects are just right without bombing.
I was thinking that the Chord Clearway gives quite good amount of details but now I changed my mind- QED gives true detailed sound. Bass is also different- finally I hear the control. Voices much more natural. If you are not sure should you buy it - don’t be anymore! Go for it if you don’t accept the compromise in your Hi-Fi. Just beautiful.
And Future Shop - first class help and faster than expected delivery. My new favourite “cables shop”. Thank you
This cable aims to replace both a Chord Solid, and Van-den-Hul 102 Mk3 Hybrid used interchangeably over some years between Cyrus CD8 and Pre-Amp Aca 7. These cables' contemporary replacements remain around half the price of the QED Signature RCAs. Other inherited cables have auditioned too. The system is bi-amp'ed with QED Reference XLRs and finally I was getting acoustic results closer matching my expectancy. (Note: Simultaneously switching which of two DACs the CD output to adds a different comparative scenario. The difference in 'timbre' and ambience being the currency before db narrow the gap.)
The QED was expected to bring a touch more openness, timbre, and ambience than the Van-den-hul, which can be overly warm, and more reality than the Chord, which can be overly bright. Both are fabulously detailed in low and high frequencies and differ only in their characters: brightest vs warmest and their treatment of mid-range with some recordings. They need volume to be at their best. The QEDs are intended to better that and by reputation, should.
A week in, and perhaps I expected too much, or had not appreciated the existing cables enough? Without the Van-den-hul and Chord to compare with there is no doubt I would be delighted and fully recommend these Signature cables. However, there's still something 'missing' and when I am honest with myself, possibly even lacking particularly following the ol' Van-den-hul in situ. It's Ambience - the extension of a symbol, the sting of a guitar string, the skin of a drum.
Add volume, and everything comes alive, of course - as it does.
I need more time to play. A little over a week of disparate listening isn't enough. More cables in and out, of course. My gut feeling is that the Reference 40 XLRs are the limiting factor. They knocked the socks off the Chord and Van Den Huls when in their place between amps. Perhaps that's where the Signature RCAs need to be at this time? And then maybe they need a sibling pair... and I have so many 'reference' discs to spin yet :)
Summary. Maybe it's me? Maybe it's the kit? I'm only unsold that these are the ultimate end to my quest in the task I have given them. I was unable to audition the cables at home and recommend fully that you insist that you do.
Very happy with this cable.
Bass was just about right - it is there but not overpowering. Sound stage and imaging really depends on the individual and how one places the speaker (toe-in).
An excellent pair of interconnects and highly recommended.
(My cables from digital to analogue to speaker cables are from QED signature/reference series)
The clarity and precision was amazing. I use QED Genesis Spiral speaker cables and very much enjoy the musicality and neutrality of these speaker cables so perhaps I should not have been surprised that I would enjoy these interconnects. Highly recommended.
I recently re-auditioned my old QED Qunex 2 interconnects with a single ended tube amp. Its performance came to a surprise as I have not experienced this entry level cable could have performed so well. That caused me to consider QED's flagship interconnect the Signature Audio 40, of which I have high expectation. The cable came 9 days after burning in for 96 hours. The cable immediately exhibited its outstanding tonal performance when connected to the tube amp.
More time may need to explore its full potential.
I bought these to upgrade from Chord Chameleon VEE 3. The improvement was stunning. Blacker background, clearer and more sustained notes and excellent ambience. I find myself just listening and not analyzing the sound. I was prepared to pay a lot more, but Adam recommended these and they are fantastic.
Bought for phono preamplifier on the amp ==> very good :-)
Frequently Asked Questions
Enhance Your Experience: Free Cable Burn-In Service with Nordost VIDAR Machine
Please take note of the following details regarding our cable burn-in service:
- Cable Compatibility: We regret to inform you that we cannot burn-in cables with stripped bare ends or BFA plugs. In order for cables to undergo the burn-in process, they should be terminated or have connectors.
- Timing: Cables will be burnt in for the selected period after processing your order. For custom-length cables, the burn-in process will occur after they have been terminated by the manufacturer or our engineers unless specified otherwise in the product description.
- Availability: Future Shop provides our cable burn-in service free of charge, but its availability is at our discretion. While we strive to fulfil all burn-in requests for the specified time periods, please understand that during exceptionally busy periods, we may be unable to meet the demand due to limited connections on the Nordost Vidar cable conditioning machines.
The Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in machine integrates three key functions into one operation:
- Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
- Deep Conditioning: The machine provides a wide band and deep conditioning process that affects the conductor core, resulting in changes to the signal transmission through the metal. This deep conditioning enhances the cable's performance.
- Ultrasonic Surface Conditioning: The VIDAR machine utilizes ultrasonic waves to condition the surface of the conductors, optimizing their contact and overall conductivity.
The VIDAR employs a proprietary combination of composite and complex signals to condition the cables. These signals comprise ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies, extending beyond the range of video frequencies. The signal moves back and forth along the cable, penetrating deep into the core with ultra-low frequencies and traversing the surface with ultra-high frequencies. This transmission method generates beat harmonics between the two complex waveforms, which permeate all layers of the cable. The circuitry of the VIDAR also drives electrons from the conductor into the insulation area, neutralizing electrical charges.
So, what does this all mean for you?
The ultimate outcome of conditioning cables with the Nordost VIDAR is improved sound staging, increased detail, and an overall more musical presentation in your audio system.
Now, you may wonder why cable burn-in is necessary. During cable manufacturing, gasses become trapped as insulation is applied over the conductors. Additionally, new cables often possess high electrical charges, resulting in a brittle and bright sound that lacks the desired detail and depth for music production.
When cables undergo burn-in, the trapped gasses are dissipated, and small impurities in the conductor metals begin to exhibit diode-like behaviour, favouring current flow in a specific direction.
Here are the physical effects of the burn-in process:
- Charge Neutralisation: The burn-in process neutralizes charges in the conductors and insulation, promoting a more balanced electrical environment.
- Wide Bandwidth Frequencies: The conditioning affects how signals pass through the metal, enabling a wider range of frequencies to penetrate all cable layers.
- Signal Transmission: The burn-in process establishes the directionality of the cable, optimizing signal transmission from one end to the other.
When cables are properly burnt in, you can expect the following audible changes in your audio system:
- Fuller and Natural Sound: Your system should be capable of producing a more immersive and realistic performance with a fuller and more natural sound.
- Increased Detail: You may notice enhanced details and nuances in the music, allowing you to perceive subtle elements that were previously hidden.
- Improved Soundstage: The dimensionality of your system's soundstage can be greatly improved, creating a more spacious and immersive listening experience.
At Future Shop, our goal is to maximise your satisfaction. That's why we offer a free burn-in service on all our cables before they arrive at your door, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the benefits of properly conditioned cables in your audio system.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT
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QED Signature Audio 40 Cable Pair
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