QED’s refreshed Performance range comprises 13 cable models for hi-fi and home cinema, spanning speaker and bi-wire connections, USB audio, analogue interconnects, optical audio and Ethernet. The specifications and example prices below were reported by StereoNET on 1 October 2026; they are manufacturer specifications and announcement-time pricing, not independent tests or evidence of audible improvement.
What is in QED’s refreshed Performance range?
The 13-model range is intended to cover connections used with equipment such as turntables, CD players, televisions and high-resolution streaming sources. StereoNET names these categories: speaker cable, bi-wire links, USB audio cables, analogue interconnects, optical cable and Ethernet cable. Its report does not provide a complete model-by-model catalogue, so exact lengths and connector options for every model are not established there.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
QED GAXT Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 3m Pair | $386.57 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
QED XT40i Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 2m Pair | $199.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
QED XT40i Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 3m Pair | $229.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
QED SAXT Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 2m Pair | $132.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
QED Golden Anniversary XT Pre-Term Speaker Cable 5 m | $370.97 | Buy on Amazon |
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QED attributes the design work to its Genesis Report research. StereoNET’s announcement does not detail that report’s methods or results, and does not report independent listening tests.
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- Conductors and contacts: QED specifies 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductors and 24K gold-plated contacts across the range. USB models are the exception, using nickel-plated connectors.
- Speaker cable: The Performance Speaker Cable is specified with a 2.5mm² conductor area and X-Tube Plus geometry. QED says this geometry is designed to reduce resistance and maintain signal accuracy across the audio band. Factory-fitted terminations are Airloc gold-plated plugs or spades.
- Audio interconnect: QED describes the Performance Audio interconnect as using Solid Complementary Conductor Technology, advanced shielding and Ferrite Insulation Technology.
- Materials and compliance: Most models have a flexible TPE jacket; the speaker cable uses LDPE. StereoNET reports RoHS and REACH compliance for the products and independent USB-IF compliance certification for the USB cables. Packaging is described as using recyclable paper-based materials in place of plastic where possible.
These are reported design details, not proof of a particular listening result. Choosing a cable should start with the connection your equipment actually needs, then the required length and connector or termination.
#1 Best Overall
- NEW X-Tube Plus combines X-Tube and Aircore for consistent frequency performance
- Hybrid ultra-pure copper conductor for improved signal retention
- Low Loss Ultra-Uniform Dielectric insulation reduces signal loss
- Airloc Forté banana plugs for improved conductivity and reliability
- Award-winning cable design recognized by multiple audio publications
Prices and availability reported in October 2026
StereoNET reported the range available in the UK and Europe on 1 October 2026, with US availability scheduled for late November 2026. That is an announcement-time schedule, not confirmation of current stock. The publication gave these example prices for specific lengths:
| Model | Length | UK price | Europe price | US price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Speaker cable | 2 m | £119 | €159 | US$209 |
| Performance Audio interconnect | 0.75 m | £49 | €69 | US$89 |
| Performance Optical | 0.75 m | £49 | €65 | US$79 |
| Performance Ethernet | 0.75 m | £29 | €39 | US$49 |
These are the prices published by StereoNET in 2026, not a guarantee of today’s retailer pricing. The report does not give prices for every one of the 13 models. Check current regional availability and the connector and length offered by a retailer before ordering.
Rank #2
- Air Gap dielectric for lower capacitance and better timing
- X-Tube technology for low inductance and better current delivery
- Pure 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductors
- Ideal for long cable runs with large cross-sectional area
- Pre-terminated with Airloc Heat Shrink 4mm Banana Plugs
How to choose the right cable type
- For speakers: Match the cable to the amplifier and speaker terminals, and choose between compatible plugs or spades. The published speaker specification is 2.5mm²; the report does not provide a recommended maximum run length.
- For a bi-wire setup: Confirm that the speakers and amplifier support the wiring arrangement and that the links fit the terminals. The announcement identifies matching bi-wire links but does not give their detailed specifications.
- For analogue audio: An interconnect is for compatible analogue outputs and inputs; verify the plug type and required length for the particular components.
- For digital audio or networking: Optical, USB audio and Ethernet serve different connections and are not interchangeable. Check the ports and connection purpose on both devices rather than choosing by cable name alone.
StereoNET’s announcement on the range: QED refreshes Performance cable range. QED background, including the company’s 1973 founding by Bob Abraham and Ian Vine, appears in StereoNET’s QED brand profile; claims on that profile about market position or audible cable differences are company-authored, not independent findings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEW X-Tube Plus technology combines X-Tube with Aircore to deliver an even, consistent performance across the entire audible frequency range.
- Airloc Forte banana plugs use a cold weld system for permanent attachment to the cable for improved contact area and reduced resistance.
- Low Loss Ultra-Uniform Dielectric insulation boosts efficiency and reduces signal loss.
- Ultra-pure Ohno Continuous Cast Copper and 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductor blend helps improve the signal path and signal retention.
Rank #4
- X-Tube technology for linear signal transfer
- Silver-plated 99.999% OFC conductors
- Low-density polyethylene dielectric minimizes signal loss
- Compact 3.9mm outer diameter jacket
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
Rank #3
- Air Gap dielectric for lower capacitance and better timing
- X-Tube technology for low inductance and better current delivery
- Pure 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductors
- Ideal for long cable runs with large cross-sectional area
- Pre-terminated with Airloc Heat Shrink 4mm Banana Plugs
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
