QED X-Tube XT-400 Speaker Cable - Custom Length
Usage Guide
Amplifier
Speakers
Connection Guide
Spade
Banana
Bare Wire
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Item code: XT400
Inc. VAT (20%) · Ex. VAT: £29.17 Ex. VAT · Inc. VAT (20%):
Lowest price in the last 30 days:
Request to Price Match
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 12pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
QED X-Tube XT-400 Speaker Cable - Custom Length
QED's multi award winning XT400 Speaker cable, utilising X-Tube™ Technology Silver-plated oxygen-free copper tubular conductor geometry.
For use in the finest hi-fi and home theatre systems. This design delivers a massive cross-sectional area using X-TubeTM technology to eliminate the skin effect whilst maintaining a user friendly “figure of 8” geometry. This is QED’s ultimate affordable upgrade for high end systems.
Silver Plated 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper Conductors
Provides a low frequency path for the audio signal and delivers stunning high frequency detail
 |
X-Tube™ TechnologyAt low frequencies both X-Tube™ and conventional stranded/solid core speaker cables convey signals in a linear way. However, at high frequencies, X-TubeTM retains a near-linear signal transfer, whereas the conventional cables fail to conduct uniformly across the entire conductor area. In standard speaker cables at high frequencies current flow is highest at the periphery with rapidly deteriorating current density towards the centre of the conductor. The effect of this is to reduce the actual cross sectional area of the cable at 15kHz to less than 75% of that at low frequencies. This results in higher distortion and compromises the performance of the cable. X-TubeTM with polycore technology exhibits much lower self-inductance and is therefore less affected by this problem. The polycore technology reduces loop inductance to levels only achievable using more costly and difficult to terminate cables. The result is more high frequency detail, less distortion and greater performance. |
Specification :
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Length : Custom
- Wire gauge - 12 AWG
- Jacket Outer Diameter - 6.00mm
- Cross-sectional area - 4.00mm²
- Loop resistance - 0.008 Ω/m
- Capacitance - 43pF/m
- Inductance - 0.50 µH/m
- Dissipation factor - 0.0400
- Recommended for all high end installations
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
Plug Termination
At Future Shop, we understand the importance of high-quality termination for achieving the best audio performance from your speaker cables. That’s why we offer two exceptional options: the trusted QED AIRLOC banana and spade plugs and the Elite Reference Series banana and spade plugs, both designed to deliver seamless connectivity and exceptional sound quality.
QED AIRLOC Plugs: A Proven Standard for Hi-Fi Performance
The QED AIRLOC banana and spade plugs have long been regarded as a benchmark in speaker cable termination. Featuring a cold-weld (air-tight) design, these plugs eliminate the need for soldering, ensuring a clean, reliable connection between your cables and audio equipment. This method creates an airtight fusion between the cable and plug, minimising resistance, preventing oxidation, and maximising signal transfer for pristine sound quality.
QED’s banana plugs incorporate a high-quality design, with 24K gold plating to enhance conductivity and protect against corrosion. The spade plugs, while lacking an outer metal barrel, still deliver dependable performance and an excellent connection for a wide variety of speaker setups. For audiophiles seeking trusted reliability and strong performance, QED AIRLOC plugs remain an outstanding choice.
Elite Reference Series Plugs: Next-Level Audio Connectivity
Building on the success of the QED AIRLOC plugs, the Elite Reference Series banana and spade plugs take performance and durability to the next level. Also featuring a cold-weld design, these plugs ensure an airtight, solder-free bond that delivers maximum signal transfer and long-term reliability.
The Elite Reference plugs are engineered with additional advantages that make them stand out:
- AirTite Ferrule-Free Design - Unlike traditional plugs that use ferrules, the Elite Reference plugs opt for direct conductor-to-plug contact, removing any potential barriers to signal transfer. Featuring four different inlet sizes, these plugs are perfectly tailored to fit various cable gauges with a cold-weld, air-tight design, that eliminates soldering, reduces resistance, prevents oxidation, and enhances durability.
- Beryllium Copper Core with 24K Gold Plating - The banana plugs feature a beryllium copper core, known for its exceptional mechanical strength and conductivity. This material resists corrosion and retains its shape, maintaining a tight and reliable connection over time. The 24K gold plating ensures a smooth, high-quality signal path while adding durability for years of consistent performance.
- Dual Functionality - Designed as BFA and banana plug compatible the Elite Reference banana plugs provide greater versatility, making them suitable for a broader range of speaker terminals. This added functionality ensures compatibility with high-end Hi-Fi setups and equipment.
- Silver Core Spade Plugs with Metal Barrel Protection - The spade plugs in the Elite Reference Series incorporate a silver base plated with 24K gold, offering superior conductivity compared to many alternatives. Unlike other spade plugs, the Elite Reference spades also include a durable metal outer barrel, providing additional protection and a premium finish.
- The Elite Reference plugs are manufactured in Taiwan, a region renowned for its precision engineering and high-quality manufacturing standards. This ensures that every plug is built to exact specifications, offering exceptional consistency, reliability, and performance.
Both the QED AIRLOC and Elite Reference Series plugs are excellent choices for ensuring the best possible performance from your Hi-Fi system. While the QED AIRLOC plugs provide trusted reliability and high-quality connections, the Elite Reference Series plugs offer enhanced conductivity, ferrule-free direct contact, and added durability with their premium materials and design features.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and proven solution, the QED AIRLOC plugs are a fantastic option. However, if you’re seeking the next step in performance, versatility, and build quality, the Elite Reference Series plugs are designed to meet the demands of audiophiles who want the best from their speaker cables.
A Professional Plug Termination Service
Whichever plug you choose, you can trust Future Shop to professionally terminate your cables to the highest standard. Our experienced engineers ensure that each connection is secure, precise, and optimised for maximum performance. Both the QED AIRLOC and Elite Reference plugs are terminated using our high-pressure cold-weld process, guaranteeing airtight connections and minimising signal loss.
With these expertly engineered plugs, you’ll enjoy superior sound quality, dependable connections, and peace of mind knowing your audio setup is performing at its best. Let Future Shop help you create the perfect Hi-Fi experience with our range of premium speaker cable termination options.
How to Order
From the dropdown menus' above, simply select the length of cable, the type of plugs required at the ‘Amplifier end’ and ‘Speaker end’ and click on the 'Add to Basket' button to add the item to your basket. Your cable will be dispatched as soon as it has been made by Future Shop's or the manufacturer’s engineers and has completed the specified burn-in process (if any), subject to Future Shop’s Terms & Conditions and stock availability.
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 :
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Length : Custom
- Wire gauge - 12 AWG
- Jacket Outer Diameter - 6.00mm
- Cross-sectional area - 4.00mm²
- Loop resistance - 0.008 Ω/m
- Capacitance - 43pF/m
- Inductance - 0.50 µH/m
- Dissipation factor - 0.0400
- Recommended for all high end installations
- 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 X-Tube XT-400 Speaker Cable - Custom Length
QED's multi award winning XT400 Speaker cable, utilising X-Tube™ Technology Silver-plated oxygen-free copper tubular conductor geometry.
For use in the finest hi-fi and home theatre systems. This design delivers a massive cross-sectional area using X-TubeTM technology to eliminate the skin effect whilst maintaining a user friendly “figure of 8” geometry. This is QED’s ultimate affordable upgrade for high end systems.
Silver Plated 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper Conductors
Provides a low frequency path for the audio signal and delivers stunning high frequency detail
|
X-Tube™ TechnologyAt low frequencies both X-Tube™ and conventional stranded/solid core speaker cables convey signals in a linear way. However, at high frequencies, X-TubeTM retains a near-linear signal transfer, whereas the conventional cables fail to conduct uniformly across the entire conductor area. In standard speaker cables at high frequencies current flow is highest at the periphery with rapidly deteriorating current density towards the centre of the conductor. The effect of this is to reduce the actual cross sectional area of the cable at 15kHz to less than 75% of that at low frequencies. This results in higher distortion and compromises the performance of the cable. X-TubeTM with polycore technology exhibits much lower self-inductance and is therefore less affected by this problem. The polycore technology reduces loop inductance to levels only achievable using more costly and difficult to terminate cables. The result is more high frequency detail, less distortion and greater performance. |
Specification :
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Length : Custom
- Wire gauge - 12 AWG
- Jacket Outer Diameter - 6.00mm
- Cross-sectional area - 4.00mm²
- Loop resistance - 0.008 Ω/m
- Capacitance - 43pF/m
- Inductance - 0.50 µH/m
- Dissipation factor - 0.0400
- Recommended for all high end installations
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
Plug Termination
At Future Shop, we understand the importance of high-quality termination for achieving the best audio performance from your speaker cables. That’s why we offer two exceptional options: the trusted QED AIRLOC banana and spade plugs and the Elite Reference Series banana and spade plugs, both designed to deliver seamless connectivity and exceptional sound quality.
QED AIRLOC Plugs: A Proven Standard for Hi-Fi Performance
The QED AIRLOC banana and spade plugs have long been regarded as a benchmark in speaker cable termination. Featuring a cold-weld (air-tight) design, these plugs eliminate the need for soldering, ensuring a clean, reliable connection between your cables and audio equipment. This method creates an airtight fusion between the cable and plug, minimising resistance, preventing oxidation, and maximising signal transfer for pristine sound quality.
QED’s banana plugs incorporate a high-quality design, with 24K gold plating to enhance conductivity and protect against corrosion. The spade plugs, while lacking an outer metal barrel, still deliver dependable performance and an excellent connection for a wide variety of speaker setups. For audiophiles seeking trusted reliability and strong performance, QED AIRLOC plugs remain an outstanding choice.
Elite Reference Series Plugs: Next-Level Audio Connectivity
Building on the success of the QED AIRLOC plugs, the Elite Reference Series banana and spade plugs take performance and durability to the next level. Also featuring a cold-weld design, these plugs ensure an airtight, solder-free bond that delivers maximum signal transfer and long-term reliability.
The Elite Reference plugs are engineered with additional advantages that make them stand out:
- AirTite Ferrule-Free Design - Unlike traditional plugs that use ferrules, the Elite Reference plugs opt for direct conductor-to-plug contact, removing any potential barriers to signal transfer. Featuring four different inlet sizes, these plugs are perfectly tailored to fit various cable gauges with a cold-weld, air-tight design, that eliminates soldering, reduces resistance, prevents oxidation, and enhances durability.
- Beryllium Copper Core with 24K Gold Plating - The banana plugs feature a beryllium copper core, known for its exceptional mechanical strength and conductivity. This material resists corrosion and retains its shape, maintaining a tight and reliable connection over time. The 24K gold plating ensures a smooth, high-quality signal path while adding durability for years of consistent performance.
- Dual Functionality - Designed as BFA and banana plug compatible the Elite Reference banana plugs provide greater versatility, making them suitable for a broader range of speaker terminals. This added functionality ensures compatibility with high-end Hi-Fi setups and equipment.
- Silver Core Spade Plugs with Metal Barrel Protection - The spade plugs in the Elite Reference Series incorporate a silver base plated with 24K gold, offering superior conductivity compared to many alternatives. Unlike other spade plugs, the Elite Reference spades also include a durable metal outer barrel, providing additional protection and a premium finish.
- The Elite Reference plugs are manufactured in Taiwan, a region renowned for its precision engineering and high-quality manufacturing standards. This ensures that every plug is built to exact specifications, offering exceptional consistency, reliability, and performance.
Both the QED AIRLOC and Elite Reference Series plugs are excellent choices for ensuring the best possible performance from your Hi-Fi system. While the QED AIRLOC plugs provide trusted reliability and high-quality connections, the Elite Reference Series plugs offer enhanced conductivity, ferrule-free direct contact, and added durability with their premium materials and design features.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and proven solution, the QED AIRLOC plugs are a fantastic option. However, if you’re seeking the next step in performance, versatility, and build quality, the Elite Reference Series plugs are designed to meet the demands of audiophiles who want the best from their speaker cables.
A Professional Plug Termination Service
Whichever plug you choose, you can trust Future Shop to professionally terminate your cables to the highest standard. Our experienced engineers ensure that each connection is secure, precise, and optimised for maximum performance. Both the QED AIRLOC and Elite Reference plugs are terminated using our high-pressure cold-weld process, guaranteeing airtight connections and minimising signal loss.
With these expertly engineered plugs, you’ll enjoy superior sound quality, dependable connections, and peace of mind knowing your audio setup is performing at its best. Let Future Shop help you create the perfect Hi-Fi experience with our range of premium speaker cable termination options.
How to Order
From the dropdown menus' above, simply select the length of cable, the type of plugs required at the ‘Amplifier end’ and ‘Speaker end’ and click on the 'Add to Basket' button to add the item to your basket. Your cable will be dispatched as soon as it has been made by Future Shop's or the manufacturer’s engineers and has completed the specified burn-in process (if any), subject to Future Shop’s Terms & Conditions and stock availability.
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 :
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Length : Custom
- Wire gauge - 12 AWG
- Jacket Outer Diameter - 6.00mm
- Cross-sectional area - 4.00mm²
- Loop resistance - 0.008 Ω/m
- Capacitance - 43pF/m
- Inductance - 0.50 µH/m
- Dissipation factor - 0.0400
- Recommended for all high end installations
- 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 X-Tube XT-400 Speaker Cable - Custom Length
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
The QED X-Tube XT-400 speaker cables receive widespread praise for sound quality, with reviewers consistently reporting improved clarity, detailed midrange, controlled bass, and expansive soundstage compared to lower-tier alternatives. Build quality is generally excellent, featuring well-assembled custom terminations (banana plugs and spades), though one reviewer noted inconsistent finishing on atlas connector alternatives. Fit-for-purpose appears strong across diverse systems and cable lengths. Service from Futureshop is consistently commended as fast, helpful, and professional, with quick delivery and optional 48-hour burn-in treatment. Pricing is regularly highlighted as competitive against premium competitors. One dissenting review found the cables unsuitable for varied music genres, citing poor bass and excessive treble brightness. No recurring negative themes regarding product defects or build failures were identified.
Custom-made with excellent banana plug connectors.
Great service and prompt, safe delivery from Futureshop.co.uk.
Clear and detailed with controlled bass and sparkling highs.
Decent price too!
I already own two runs of this same cable connecting my Amplifiers to the Speakers again (Spades at the Amp and Bananas at the speakers). These older cables have metal barrels over the spade connectors, which are now discontinued and have heat shrinks instead.
I would highly recommend these cables as they give a very detailed open soundstage from the top end right down to a good tight base, even before adding the subwoofers, and are excellent value for money.
Whilst there is a definite increase in performance all around, brighter, bigger, deeper soundstage and more definition across the spectrum, I do not think the cable terminations are anywhere near as good as QED’s, one cable end in particular looks to have been cut & sleeved badly. The cables were wrapped in bubble wrap, not even in a proper QED box, slightly disappointing.
Service was super quick, and delivery for me was the next day.
Audibly, the result is just what I expected. I am delighted. The best way I can describe the difference is to liken it to my mother’s delight when, after she had been wearing a new watch she bought from the internet for quite a few days, she realised that there was a ‘transparent’ film over the dial. Removing it was a revelation of the detail and contrast which had always been there but was hidden by the film.
The cable is fairly expensive but is worth it. It is also visually unobtrusive and easier to train round bends than I expected.
Over the year's used many cable's inc Kimber 8TC, the QED is much more open sounding, my equipment is Naim Supernait 3 Naim CD5 Linn LP 12 Ittok MK3 series 2, will be a while before I change these cable's they are so good.
Thank you Future shop.
It was a reasonable up.grade from old Qed Flat-200.
Thanks to Adam advice.
Futureshop is my confident shop for various itens that I have bought.
Compare to my old cable (Oehlbach low range) there is a real difference in term of depth, and a better details in stereo or Home Cinema. Source Onkyo TX-SR806, Front speaker Focal Chorus Front 736S Style ,center Focal Chorus Front CC700S Style
The price is attractive compare with France. (product, assembly quality and burn-in)
I would highly recommend these cables and Futureshop
These QED XT400 speaker cables are very well made and they sound clear and musically pleasant.
I would highly recommend these cables!
I doubt that this cable was at fault, but pure coincidence.
With respect to the transmission of sound the changes in the high range were noticed immediately, the QED cable transmits much more information in the high zone with a higher clarity, in the middle zone it has an excellent performance like the Supra and in the In the low zone there was also a substantial improvement in focusing low frequencies better.
Ultimately there was an improvement in the sound scene by increasing the definition and spatial location of the instruments.
Greetings from Chile.
I purchased this XT-400 (with matching jumpers) as my wife has redesigned the room and decided I must hide my HiFi system so I am going from cables at approx 3m length to over 8m per channel a total of 17m of cable! I returned the Terurillium Black II cable I recently purchased from Adam for an almost full refund (they just deduct postage), again a great service Futureshop provide.
The Black II was too smooth in my opinion plus at £54.00 per meter just too much for this system.! Anyway Adam and I discussed the merits of XT40 or 400 and decided the best option would be the XT-400 around half price of my returned cables. Prior to the recent change to TQ Black II I was using QED silver ani. So this QED is from the same company with their aircore technology.
Compared to Silver Aniversary it provides much more information the soundstage is wider and much higher if that makes sense. It has lost the brittle ragged nature of the Silver Anniversary but is not overly smooth like the Black II .
Overall I would say a very complete cable from bass to treble with superb soundstage and no obvious nastys. Plus the "Air"" is back compared to the TQ BlackII
I would have to say Adam's advice was correct and I am very happy with this purchse. All that remains in the near future is to thread these long length under the floorboards etc. That is why I only terminated one end of the cables with the fantastic AIRLOC 4mm plugs they do seem to be real quality!
Thank you again, Future Shop . No doubt I will buy from you in future, highly reccomended to other prospective customers
I would say, if someone would listen to only classic music, then its alright. It might be for Home Cinema as well. But guys... I have to say, its just not good for proper music. Bass is poor. More than poor, Trebles is pretty good, but that good goes too much which makes the music unplesaureable... I dont even know why i changed the good one for an other one. Im st*pid!!! Next one i'll buy is AQ. Nothing else. And just to be clear, what i used:
Cambridge Audio 550A
JBL ES100BK
use with sliver plated plugs.. and Roksan Caspian M1 Power Amp.. no brightness.. soo controled.. and soo sweet highs.. really good build and quality product..
and must say.. with teflon covered core cables..
thank you for your fantastic value QED!!.. keep goin..
The price is twice as cheap as in the Netherlands and also the shipping is very fast and reliable, even faster as in the Netherlands.
They keep you informed about the shipment from their shop to your home, so you know exactly where the order is at the moment.
About this speaker cable I only can tell I am very happy with it.
The cable looks and sounds just great, with lot's of details in mid and high and a very steady bass.
I would recommend this cable and futureshop to everybody, it is without any doubt one of the best webshops I know.
Also the information on the website is very clear and if you have questions they are happy to help you.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
Akos from Hungary!
E.Huizinga the Netherlands.
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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Write Your Own Review
QED X-Tube XT-400 Speaker Cable - Custom Length
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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