QED XT25 Speaker Cable - Custom Length
Usage Guide
Amplifier
Speakers
Connection Guide
Spade
Banana
Bare Wire
BFA
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Item code: QED XT25
Inc. VAT (20%) · Ex. VAT: £6.25 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 XT25 Speaker Cable - Custom Length
The QED speaker cable story began in 1973, with the launch of the world’s first specialist speaker cables, QED 42 and 79 strand, now household names in the audio industry. Building on this longstanding British speaker cable heritage, QED embarked on an exhaustive research program into cable parameters which began in 1995 and continues into 2017 with the release of “The Sound of Science”, a 40 page White Paper distilling the research published since 1973 by QED.
These reports set out the “top down” design-principles that have resulted most recently in the development of QED XT25 loudspeaker cable – the new class leading standard in budget to mid-range speaker cables.
Features:
- Low Loss LDPE Dielectric
- 2.5mm2 Oxygen Free Copper
- X-TUBE™ Technology
- QED AirLoc™ Forté Plugs
Award winning heritage guaranteed
All QED cables are designed using the top down principle. XT25 represents the core musical performance trickled down from our money-no-object Supremus cable in a more affordable package. QED has won more What Hi-fi? Awards than any other single brand and with XT25 this heritage is delivered at a sensible price. Unlike most other manufacturers, QED offer an unlimited lifetime guarantee which means that if your cable ever fails to deliver to its full potential during its lifetime we will replace it free of charge.
X-Tube™ Technology….but with a twist
In loudspeaker cables high pitched sounds are forced to travel towards the outside of the conductor and so are able to use less and less of the available cross-sectional area as the pitch increases. This is called the “Skin Effect”. It means that for high frequencies the resistance of the cable appears to be much higher than it does for lower pitched sounds. Eddy currents in one conductor can affect the current flowing in an adjacent conductor so that currents flowing in the same direction move away from each other. This “Proximity Effect” also increases resistance as frequency increases. These phenomena have a detrimental effect on the fidelity of the sound you hear. The XT25 variation of QED X-Tube™ Technology solves these problems by creating a hollow tubular conductor geometry out of individual conductor bunches through which each frequency can pass with equal ease when compared to traditional solid or stranded conductors.
Low-Loss Dielectric
Music signals in a loudspeaker cable move back and forth many times every second. The insulating material used to separate the send and return conductors from each other (the dielectric) has to be charged and discharged every time. Not all of the energy stored in the dielectric during each charge cycle is completely returned during each discharge cycle which has a detrimental effect on the fidelity of the sound you hear. That’s why at QED we use low-loss dielectric materials such as Polyethylene (PE) or Teflon™ (PTFE) in preference to cheaper PVC alternatives found in inferior unbranded cables.
99.999% Oxygen-Free Copper
Speaker cables need to have a large current carrying capacity. If the electrical resistance of the cable is too large, part of the music signal will be lost, causing a detrimental effect on the fidelity of the sound you hear. To stop this from happening we make the resistance of our speaker cables as small as possible. We do this by using the largest practical cross-sectional area of copper within the size constraints of each cable. In order to squeeze the last drop of performance from the conductors we make sure that there are no impurities in the copper which would defeat the object of making them so large. That’s why we use 99.999% oxygen-free copper exclusively.
Just Listen
Unique proprietary technology and trademarked geometries plus our award winning heritage all combine to create audible sonic improvements when compared to other loudspeaker cables.
|
|
|
"We know QED for sensational levels of clarity and detail, and, even at this lower price, it doesn’t disappoint. This kind of transparency is difficult for rivals to match."(Read More) "XT25's design is informed by the results of our exhaustive research into loudspeaker cable design which began in 1995 and is detailed in the recently released ‘Sound of Science."(Read More) Cable Review - What Hi-Fi Magazine - February 2018
|
|
|
|
“The XT25 offers a fine upgrade to basic loudspeaker cables - sounding more authoritative, detailed and open than its price would suggest. Slot this into a budget or mid priced system and the resultant improvement in quality cannot help but make you smile.At £70 for a terminated 3 metre pair they offer remarkable value for money. ” (Read More) Equipment Review - Hi-Fi World - February 2018
|
Specification:
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Length : Custom
- Cross-sectional area: 2.5 mm2
- Outer Diamter 7.60 mm x 4 mm
- Wire gauge: 14 AWG
- Jacket outside diameter: 3.96 mm
- Loop inductance: 0.52 μH/m
- Loop resistance: 13.4 mΩ
- Capacitance: 35.0 pF/m
- Dissipation factor @ 10 kHz: 0.0001
- Conductors: 10 x 19/0.13 mm
- Insulation: LDPE jacket with 100% coverage of Aluminium Mylar tape wrap
- Plugs and spades: QED Airloc™ Forte banana plugs
- 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
- Cross-sectional area: 2.5 mm2
- Wire gauge: 14 AWG
- Jacket outside diameter: 3.96 mm
- Loop inductance: 0.52 μH/m
- Loop resistance: 13.4 mΩ
- Capacitance: 35.0 pF/m
- Dissipation factor @ 10 kHz: 0.0001
- Conductors: 10 x 19/0.13 mm
- Insulation: LDPE jacket with 100% coverage of Aluminium Mylar tape wrap
- Plugs and spades: QED Airloc™ Forte banana plugs
- 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
QED XT25 Speaker Cable - Custom Length
The QED speaker cable story began in 1973, with the launch of the world’s first specialist speaker cables, QED 42 and 79 strand, now household names in the audio industry. Building on this longstanding British speaker cable heritage, QED embarked on an exhaustive research program into cable parameters which began in 1995 and continues into 2017 with the release of “The Sound of Science”, a 40 page White Paper distilling the research published since 1973 by QED.
These reports set out the “top down” design-principles that have resulted most recently in the development of QED XT25 loudspeaker cable – the new class leading standard in budget to mid-range speaker cables.
Features:
- Low Loss LDPE Dielectric
- 2.5mm2 Oxygen Free Copper
- X-TUBE™ Technology
- QED AirLoc™ Forté Plugs
Award winning heritage guaranteed
All QED cables are designed using the top down principle. XT25 represents the core musical performance trickled down from our money-no-object Supremus cable in a more affordable package. QED has won more What Hi-fi? Awards than any other single brand and with XT25 this heritage is delivered at a sensible price. Unlike most other manufacturers, QED offer an unlimited lifetime guarantee which means that if your cable ever fails to deliver to its full potential during its lifetime we will replace it free of charge.
X-Tube™ Technology….but with a twist
In loudspeaker cables high pitched sounds are forced to travel towards the outside of the conductor and so are able to use less and less of the available cross-sectional area as the pitch increases. This is called the “Skin Effect”. It means that for high frequencies the resistance of the cable appears to be much higher than it does for lower pitched sounds. Eddy currents in one conductor can affect the current flowing in an adjacent conductor so that currents flowing in the same direction move away from each other. This “Proximity Effect” also increases resistance as frequency increases. These phenomena have a detrimental effect on the fidelity of the sound you hear. The XT25 variation of QED X-Tube™ Technology solves these problems by creating a hollow tubular conductor geometry out of individual conductor bunches through which each frequency can pass with equal ease when compared to traditional solid or stranded conductors.
Low-Loss Dielectric
Music signals in a loudspeaker cable move back and forth many times every second. The insulating material used to separate the send and return conductors from each other (the dielectric) has to be charged and discharged every time. Not all of the energy stored in the dielectric during each charge cycle is completely returned during each discharge cycle which has a detrimental effect on the fidelity of the sound you hear. That’s why at QED we use low-loss dielectric materials such as Polyethylene (PE) or Teflon™ (PTFE) in preference to cheaper PVC alternatives found in inferior unbranded cables.
99.999% Oxygen-Free Copper
Speaker cables need to have a large current carrying capacity. If the electrical resistance of the cable is too large, part of the music signal will be lost, causing a detrimental effect on the fidelity of the sound you hear. To stop this from happening we make the resistance of our speaker cables as small as possible. We do this by using the largest practical cross-sectional area of copper within the size constraints of each cable. In order to squeeze the last drop of performance from the conductors we make sure that there are no impurities in the copper which would defeat the object of making them so large. That’s why we use 99.999% oxygen-free copper exclusively.
Just Listen
Unique proprietary technology and trademarked geometries plus our award winning heritage all combine to create audible sonic improvements when compared to other loudspeaker cables.
|
|
|
"We know QED for sensational levels of clarity and detail, and, even at this lower price, it doesn’t disappoint. This kind of transparency is difficult for rivals to match."(Read More) "XT25's design is informed by the results of our exhaustive research into loudspeaker cable design which began in 1995 and is detailed in the recently released ‘Sound of Science."(Read More) Cable Review - What Hi-Fi Magazine - February 2018
|
|
|
|
“The XT25 offers a fine upgrade to basic loudspeaker cables - sounding more authoritative, detailed and open than its price would suggest. Slot this into a budget or mid priced system and the resultant improvement in quality cannot help but make you smile.At £70 for a terminated 3 metre pair they offer remarkable value for money. ” (Read More) Equipment Review - Hi-Fi World - February 2018
|
Specification:
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Length : Custom
- Cross-sectional area: 2.5 mm2
- Outer Diamter 7.60 mm x 4 mm
- Wire gauge: 14 AWG
- Jacket outside diameter: 3.96 mm
- Loop inductance: 0.52 μH/m
- Loop resistance: 13.4 mΩ
- Capacitance: 35.0 pF/m
- Dissipation factor @ 10 kHz: 0.0001
- Conductors: 10 x 19/0.13 mm
- Insulation: LDPE jacket with 100% coverage of Aluminium Mylar tape wrap
- Plugs and spades: QED Airloc™ Forte banana plugs
- 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
- Cross-sectional area: 2.5 mm2
- Wire gauge: 14 AWG
- Jacket outside diameter: 3.96 mm
- Loop inductance: 0.52 μH/m
- Loop resistance: 13.4 mΩ
- Capacitance: 35.0 pF/m
- Dissipation factor @ 10 kHz: 0.0001
- Conductors: 10 x 19/0.13 mm
- Insulation: LDPE jacket with 100% coverage of Aluminium Mylar tape wrap
- Plugs and spades: QED Airloc™ Forte banana plugs
- 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 XT25 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
Customers consistently praise the QED XT25 speaker cable for excellent sound quality, build construction, and value for money, with many reporting noticeable audio improvements across various systems. The AIRLOC and Screwloc banana plugs are frequently commended, and delivery is consistently fast, often within 1–2 days even for custom lengths. Customer service receives high marks, with staff praised for responsiveness, helpfulness, and problem-solving. The cable's stiffness is noted as a minor drawback affecting routing flexibility, and one reviewer mentioned the central core making connections slightly awkward. Two significant complaints emerged: confusion over product naming—customers ordering "a pair" expected two complete speaker cable pairs rather than one—and incompatibility with binding post terminals, which some buyers discovered only after purchase. These recurring issues of unclear product definitions and limited connector compatibility information represent the main negative themes identified.
The core in the middle makes them a little chunky and slightly awkward to connect. Apparently it's a feature to improve conductor usage. If it makes them sound better, all good!
Highly recommend the cables and Future Shop.
Great cable
He is a credit to the company, and I’m a happy customer.
I imagine these cables would strike the right cost/quality balance for 99% of people.
Excellent, cost-effective cable. Cannot be beaten at this price IMO.
Highly recommended.
I currently have this all over the place from the 4 x 4 equivalent, which was allowing a feed from a Denon PMA900HNE to a pair of Wharfedale 12.2s speakers, and with superb results to my cheap Mackie CR4.5 monitors. It’s a very durable cable, yes it is stiff and that should be taken into account but it’s hardly an issue to be honest at least for my own needs.
Some have said it’s a little light in the low end, but that is debatable. That low end has no problems coming from my 12.2 speakers at all, and it comes through organised.
Excellent value for money, with a very well-built cable, whether you choose the bi-wire or single version.
Futureshop trimmed to bare cable my recent purchase of a single cable with the precision of a Harley Street surgeon, and it was very nice to see when opening the package. Prompt delivery too. Cheers!
They exude quality! However, they are pretty stiff, so don't expect them to go around any right angles.
For all your help and advice and super fast delivery.
Futureshop has been amazing to deal with- knowledgeable staff and great customer service.
I have a non-conventional 2-channel stereo setup in our living room. The speakers are wall-mounted, and the tweeters are at eye level while standing (I needed to get the speakers off the floor due to visiting grandchildren). I used some older Kimber 4PR cables previously, but the brown and black hanging down the wall wasn't appealing to the eye.
I was looking for a white coloured cable which these QEDs are. I was also upgrading the speakers to ATC SM7s, so I wanted to go with something well-reviewed but without breaking the bank. I preferred going with a British brand to go with the ATCs and my Naim Nait 5si. Two more checks for the QED's. I am quite impressed with the construction of the cables and the AIRLOC banana plugs. Since both these cables and the speakers are new in my system, I can't really say too much about the improvement that the cables made, but I can say that the system sounds great to me.
I have no hesitation in recommending this firm.
I highly recommend this cable. It fits perfectly to my needs, and speakers
The QED cable is excellent. I'm super happy with the sound from my Cambridge Audio AXA35 + ELAC speaker cab combo.
Money well spent.
Outperform pricier brands.
Superb service and at a great price. Recommended.
It matches my Q Acoustic speakers perfectly. The cable quality is excellent too.
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Write Your Own Review
QED XT25 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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