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QED Reference Subwoofer 40 Cable
As low as £109.00 £90.83
SKU
QED Reference Sub 40
Lifetime
New
24 hours
Reference Subwoofer 40, the new standard for timing, accuracy and rhythm.
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QED Reference Subwoofer 40 Cable
Reference Subwoofer 40, the new standard for timing, accuracy and rhythm.
QED Subwoofer 40 has been designed primarily for low capacitance, as this has been identified by QED as a major factor making for a tight sound which retains the rhythm of the original piece - vital when it comes to the 'bottom end!" Minute timing errors are ameliorated by the use of QED's Complementary Conductor TechnologyTM combined with a special floating Zn/Mn ferrite jacket to absorb very high frequency noise signals outside the audible band. The QED Analoc™ plug design helps to control eddy currents which can also affect the micro-timing of the audio signal, maintaining high- fidelity from start to finish.
Award Winning Heritage
QED has won more What Hi-fi Awards than any other single brand. With the Reference cable range this heritage is delivered directly and without compromise. All QED cables are designed using the top down principle with Reference Subwoofer 40 representing the pinnacle of musical performance.
Floating Internal Ferrite Jacket
Absorbs high frequency noise signal components outside the audio band. When measured using high frequency measurement equipment, Audio 40 products convey a comparably cleaner and tighter signal pattern when its special Zn/Mn ferrite jacket is present. This has a beneficial effect on audio signal micro-timing and may account for the clear preference expressed for the ferrite jacket in listening tests.
Just Listen
Silver plated signal carriers, effective high quality shielding and low eddy current plugs all combine to create audible sonic improvements. We urge you to compare it not only to your favourite cable but also alternative brands and models at any price!
Analoc RCA Plugs
This all new locking design features small high purity gold plated copper conductors in place of the usual large volume brass body found in ordinary "high quality" plugs. This cuts down or eliminates the tendency for the changing magnetic field in the conductor to induce eddy currents which are thought to affect the micro-timing of the audio signal. Coupled with its hollow central pin, which is designed to combat the skin effect in the same way as our X-Tube speaker cables, the new QED Analoc plug maintains the fidelity of the audio signal from start to finish.
Complementary Conductor Technology
Improves timing and detail, retaining the rhythm of the original piece - vital when it comes to the "bottom end." Unlike conventional analogue interconnects, Reference Audio 40 uses two silver plated 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper conductors of different diameters to carry the same audio signal. This has the effect of providing an alternative signal path for more subtle audio components which might otherwise become time smeared in a single audio pathway. Reference Sub Woofer 40 is further optimised by having a 25% smaller diameter than Reference Audio 40 making it more convenient for those long runs around the room.
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Complementary Conductor TechnologyComplementary conductor geometry utilises two conductors of different diameters to carry the same audio signal. This has the effect of providing an alternative path for high frequency audio components which might otherwise become time smeared in a single audio pathway. |
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Analoc™ TechnologyQED ‘Analoc™ RCA plug which features high purity copper signal and ground connections in an insulated low eddy current brass body. The hollow central pin eliminates skin effect in the signal connection and the locking barrel design clamps the dual tombstone ground connection firmly to the RCA sockets |
Specification :
- QED Complementary Conductor Technology™ with 99.99% Silver Plated Oxygen Free Copper
- Zn/Mn ferrite jacket to absorb high frequency noise signals
- Low losss foamed polyethylene (PE) dielectric
- 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper braid for 100% electromagnetic screening coverage in a coaxial geometry
- Twin leaf 24k Gold plated QED Analoc™ RCA plugs featuring high purity copper contacts, hollow centre pin and low eddy current design
- Conductor Section 0.30 mm2
- Parallel Capacitance 124 pF/m
- Loop Resistance 0.076 Ω/m
- Loop Inductance 0.33 uH
- Dissipation Factor @ 10 kHz 0.0210
- Outside Diameter 6 mm
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 :
- QED Complementary Conductor Technology™ with 99.99% Silver Plated Oxygen Free Copper
- Zn/Mn ferrite jacket to absorb high frequency noise signals
- Low losss foamed polyethylene (PE) dielectric
- 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper braid for 100% electromagnetic screening coverage in a coaxial geometry
- Twin leaf 24k Gold plated QED Analoc™ RCA plugs featuring high purity copper contacts, hollow centre pin and low eddy current design
- Conductor Section 0.30 mm2
- Parallel Capacitance 124 pF/m
- Loop Resistance 0.076 Ω/m
- Loop Inductance 0.33 uH
- Dissipation Factor @ 10 kHz 0.0210
- Outside Diameter 6 mm
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.
Customer Questions
Customer Reviews
4.8 /5.0 of 21 Reviews
Bargain basement cable
Mark Travers
9 Nov 2025
Verified Buyer
I purchased this cable to connect a new JL Audio D110 Subwoofer, I already have a much older version of this cable connecting an existing Rel Subwoofer, I have been very pleased with the old version, however upon unboxing the current version of the Reference cable, the product feels rather budget, a much thinner cable, feeble looking plugs, very low weight, whilst the cable works it has very poor control, the subwoofer sounds very boomy and uncontrolled, clearly QED have abandoned sound quality in favour of selling low grade cable.
I don't recommend
this product
this product
Response from Future Shop
11 Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear the latest version of the QED Reference Subwoofer 40 hasn’t met your expectations. QED made a number of design updates to this model in recent years, including changes to the dielectric and screening materials to improve flexibility and shielding efficiency, while reducing the overall weight of the cable. Although it may look and feel lighter than earlier generations, its internal geometry and signal integrity are in line with QED’s reference standards.
Boominess in low frequencies can sometimes relate to system matching, subwoofer gain or phase settings, rather than the cable itself, but we’d be happy to help you look into that further if you’d like.
We’ve not had similar feedback from other customers, so we’d really appreciate the chance to review your setup in case there’s something specific affecting performance. Please contact our team directly and we’ll do our best to assist.
Great cable. Solid connectors with locking feature
N. Ali
26 Sep 2025
Verified Buyer
QED Reference Subwoofer 40 Cable is a solid choice for a subwoofer cable. I am running it along with other electrical cables. There is no hum. The cable transmits a clean signal to my fast REL subwoofer. The fast speed of the cable can be seen in the calibration delay numbers.
Would recommend the cable.
Would recommend the cable.
QED Reference 40 Subwoofer cable
Matt Hadlow
23 Mar 2025
Verified Buyer
This is the second cable I've purchased from Futureshop, and the quality is sublime. Communication & customer service is 2nd to none, I've always been kept informed of issues I had with first cable and brought and delivery times/day is spit on.
I originally bought a very basic subwoofer cable and wasn't happy with its output. A friend recommended I visit Futureshop, so it didn't take me long to find what I wanted.
Thank you all at Futureshop!
I originally bought a very basic subwoofer cable and wasn't happy with its output. A friend recommended I visit Futureshop, so it didn't take me long to find what I wanted.
Thank you all at Futureshop!
Must have!
Matt Hadlow
1 May 2023
Verified Buyer
Unfortunately, they didn't have the factory-made measurement of 3M boxed in stock. I received an E-mail explaining everything very clearly and they made up one in-store to that length.
Superb service from start to finish. Thank you!
Superb service from start to finish. Thank you!
QED have never failed me.
Paul
9 Feb 2023
Verified Buyer
Bought QED cables years ago. My first subwoofer, so not familiar with a proper review of output from cable hence 4*.
I like the idea of how the cable is secured by screwing to hold it in place. It feels of good quality good length (3m) but not too tight and heavy a cable that is not flexible.
I like the idea of how the cable is secured by screwing to hold it in place. It feels of good quality good length (3m) but not too tight and heavy a cable that is not flexible.
Expensive but worth it.
Geert Strubbe
11 Mar 2019
Verified Buyer
Expensive but worth it.. I've used the QED Precision and Performance cables before.
The Precision gave me a humm sound. The Performance got rid of that and sounded very good.
But the new Reference is clearly a step up. Someone else wrote that he had to turn down the sub output and I have the same experience. More output and also more output lower down.
Expensive but I would highly recommend it.
The Precision gave me a humm sound. The Performance got rid of that and sounded very good.
But the new Reference is clearly a step up. Someone else wrote that he had to turn down the sub output and I have the same experience. More output and also more output lower down.
Expensive but I would highly recommend it.
good
May
17 Apr 2018
Verified Buyer
I bought this to replace the old, due to the old cable isn't working properly. The QED ref subwoofer 40 plug is very tight. I like it's quality and it has excellent RCA plugs installed. The difference in performance was immediately apparent. This cable is a great value. No hum happen anymore.
I've used a couple of subwoofer cables over a per.....
Nigel Fielding
20 Jan 2017
Verified Buyer
I've used a couple of subwoofer cables over a period of time but this is clearly the best I have tried and represents great value for money.
From the start the bass was much cleaner and deeper, I had to turn the sub down but still have more bass and much more control and the cable isn't even burned in yet.
Well worth buying
From the start the bass was much cleaner and deeper, I had to turn the sub down but still have more bass and much more control and the cable isn't even burned in yet.
Well worth buying
I am very happy with the subwoofer cable, although.....
Mario Tardonato
2 Jun 2016
Verified Buyer
I am very happy with the subwoofer cable, although I have not heard for so long, it is certainly not yet recorded, it brings over regular cables a significant improvement in the bass. more druck.bassgittarren come very contoured and honest sonorous r?¼ber.das cable itself makes a very good impression, especially which are cinch plug probably all other cable assumes little masse.ich am very satisfied, not cheap but worth the money .
hope it is translated correctly,
hope it is translated correctly,