Usage Guides
Amplifier
Speakers
Connection Guides
Banana
Bare Wire
Spade

QED XT40i Speaker Cable - Custom Length

€11.00
SKU
XT40i
Lifetime
New
24 hours
what's this?

We can burn-in your cable for up to 96 hours FREE of charge using our Nordost VIDAR cable burner. This is a £3000 machine that will optimise the performance of your cables from day one. This means the cables will be in optimum performance mode when you receive them, so you'll be able to make a performance assessment quickly rather than waiting 70 hours+ of usage. The result of conditioning cables with the Nordost VIDAR is, improved sound staging, increased detail, and an overall more musical presentation. Please Note: we are unable to burn-in cables with stripped bare ends, BFA-only plugs, or no plugs selected. (This does not apply to BFA/Banana plugs). Cables are burnt-in for the selected period AFTER your order has been processed. This service is offered at Future Shop's discretion and we cannot guarantee all burn-in requests are fully completed during busy periods.

what's this?

If you want Future Shop to terminate your speaker cable with our special range of plugs, select Banana/BFA/Z-Plug or Spade plugs from the drop-down menu. We offer a wide range of options on how our highly trained and experienced engineers can fit the plugs to your selected cable. If an option is not available for your requirements, please call us on 0800 772 3688 or 0208 905 1555. All cables are tested for signal integrity before shipping.

what's this?

If you want Future Shop to terminate your speaker cable with our special range of plugs, select Banana/BFA/Z-Plug or Spade plugs from the drop-down menu. We offer a wide range of options on how our highly trained and experienced engineers can fit the plugs to your selected cable. If an option is not available for your requirements, please call us on 0800 772 3688 or 0208 905 1555. All cables are tested for signal integrity before shipping

what's this?

Select the desired length for your cable from the drop-down menu.

what's this?
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.

Available

Need help? Call us on 0800 772 3688 or 0208 905 1555

Prefer email? Contact us via sales@futureshop.co.uk

The XT40i benefits from QED's innovative new Air Gap dielectric technology as an upgrade on the old XT40, resulting in much-enhanced performance for an already reputable cable. Expect clear articulation accompanied by strong mid-end and bass which results in a smooth, warm and detailed sound.

 

QED XT40i Speaker Cable - Custom Length

 

Upgrade your audio experience with the QED XT40i Speaker Cable. This remarkable cable showcases QED's cutting-edge Air Gap dielectric technology, elevating its performance to new heights compared to its predecessor, the XT40. Immerse yourself in a world of clear articulation, robust mid-end, and impactful bass that results in a smooth, warm, and detailed sound.

With nearly five decades of expertise in speaker cable design, QED presents the XT40i as a significant step forward in sound quality. Building upon the formidable reputation of the XT40, this pure oxygen-free copper cable incorporates QED's renowned X-Tube technology, ensuring impeccable timing and stereo imaging.

 

Air Gap Dielectric

Additionally, the XT40i introduces the innovative Air Gap dielectric, revolutionising rhythmic accuracy and musicality within an affordable price range. By increasing the separation between conductors and introducing more air, the cable experiences reduced dissipation and capacitance characteristics, leading to tangible improvements in timing and rhythmic accuracy. Remarkably, despite this increased separation, the XT40i maintains a substantial cross-sectional area, making it ideal for long cable runs.

 

Large Cross-Sectional Area

One of the notable features of the XT40i is its large 4mm² cross-sectional area, which results in minimal resistance. This allows amplifiers to exert exceptional control over the speakers, delivering a powerful and precise audio performance. Moreover, the generous cross-sectional area makes the XT40i suitable for long cable installations without compromising its impressive audio capabilities.

The X-Tube technology employed in the XT40i distinguishes it from conventional stranded or solid core speaker cables. While both types convey low-frequency signals linearly, at high frequencies, X-Tube technology excels by maintaining near-linear signal transfer. In contrast, traditional cables fail to conduct uniformly across the entire conductor area, resulting in higher distortion and compromised performance. The X-Tube technology, incorporating poly core technology, significantly reduces self-inductance and overcomes these limitations, providing enhanced high-frequency detail, reduced distortion, and superior overall performance.

The XT40i benefits from QED's innovative new Air Gap dielectric technology as an upgrade on the old XT40, resulting in a much-enhanced performance for an already reputable cable. Expect clear articulation accompanied by strong mid-end and bass, resulting in a smooth, warm, detailed sound.  

  

QED X-Tube Signal Diagram

 

X-Tube™ Technology

At 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 - 14mm x 6mm (W x D)
  • Cross-sectional area - 4.00mm²
  • Loop resistance - 8.0 mΩ/m
  • Capacitance - 35pF/m
  • Inductance - 0.57 µH/m
  • Dissipation factor @ 10KHz - 0.0295
  • Nominal outside diameter 6.0 mm
  • Lifetime Guarantee
  • Usually pre-burnt-in with Nordost Vidar for 96 Hours

 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

QED AIRLOC Forte Banana and Spade Plugs Diagram

 

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 Made in United Kingdom

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 - 12.50mm x 6.00mm (W x D)
  • Cross-sectional area - 4.00mm²
  • Loop resistance - 0.008 Ω/m
  • Capacitance - 59pF/m
  • Inductance - 0.46 µH/m
  • Dissipation factor - 0.0576
  • Nominal outside diameter 6.0 mm
  • Lifetime Guarantee
  • Usually pre-burnt-in with Nordost Vidar for 96 Hours

UK Delivery

 

1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option

Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.

Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 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 Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.

Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

We offer 'Free UK 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 FutureShop.co.uk
  • 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 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 UK Mail).
  • 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.

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 Interlink Express 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 Interlink Express.

 

Royal Mail 1st Class Shipping DPD Next Day Delivery

 

2. 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 futureshop.co.uk 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.

 

Royal Mail Special Next Working Day Delivery

 

3. 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 subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
  • Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 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

 

Royal Mail International DeliveryRoyal Mail International Tracked DeliveryFedEX Express Economy International DeliveryFedEX Express Priority International DeliveryDHL Worldwide Express International DeliveryDHL Econmy Select International Delivery

 

Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe

Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
  • Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
  • 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.

 

Royal Mail International DeliveryRoyal Mail International Tracked DeliveryFedEX Express Economy International DeliveryFedEX Express Priority International DeliveryDHL Worldwide Express International DeliveryDHL Econmy Select International Delivery

 

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:

  1. Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

 

 

Nordost Vidar Burn-in Machine

 

 

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.

 

 


Download Icon  READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT

 

Customer Reviews
99%
5 /5.0 of 106 Reviews
5 stars 98 (92%)
4 stars 7 (7%)
3 stars 1 (1%)
2 stars 0 (0%)
1 star 0 (0%)
5
There is a marked improvement all with these e.g sound stage
11 Jul 2022
Verified Buyer
Overall improvement in all areas of musicality, i.e. clarity, spatial sound stage and airiness.

I recommend the product unreservedly.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Had a chat with the sales advisor, and l am very happy.
27 Jun 2022
Verified Buyer
The sales advisor directed me to these cables. Many thanks for your heartfelt advice.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Rapid despatch, excellent quality
20 Jun 2022
Verified Buyer
The product came exactly as ordered, cut to length and expertly finished. I upgraded my hifi rack at the same time, so I can't say the sonic improvements are all down to the cable but very impressed all the same.

I would definitely buy from Futureshop again.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
It's the best performance for the price.
15 Jun 2022
Verified Buyer
If you want to enter a high-end cable at a low price, this is the best choice. I was, in this case, but it's so good that comparing it to a low-cost cable is hard.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
SATISFIED.
4 Jun 2022
Verified Buyer
I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF THIS PRODUCT.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
VERY EFFECTIVE UPGRADE
2 Jun 2022
Verified Buyer
Wow! This cable made a difference to my rather dull-sounding stereo setup (B&W & Roksan/Cyrus amp/cd).

Mids and top-end sprung to life. The soundstage opened right up, and overall a very clean sound. This was a relatively expensive upgrade for my pocket but so worthwhile.

Money well spent. Buy with confidence.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Good quality, delivered promptly
23 May 2022
Verified Buyer
Good quality speaker cable, delivered as described and promptly. What's not to like? Definitely not the cheapest option, but quality rarely is.

I would definitely recommend this supplier.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Great service and product
19 May 2022
Verified Buyer
Product delivered promptly. Easy to install and great sounding.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Solid quality, very good sound
29 Apr 2022
Verified Buyer
Very well built set of cables. My speaker definitely sounds better after the change.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Great!
22 Apr 2022
Verified Buyer
Great cables, fantastic service!
Was this review helpful? 0
3
Not as expected
15 Apr 2022
Verified Buyer
I asked for a 96 hour burn-in which didn’t happen! I’ve done just over 100 hours of burn
Was this review helpful? 1
Response from Future Shop
27 Apr 2022
Hi Gerard, all XT40i cables are pre-burnt which is why they are shipped with speed.
5
Very good service and product
4 Apr 2022
Verified Buyer
Very good service and product.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Top service - Great cable compared to my 20 year old stuff
30 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
I wanted some new cable for my Kef LS50s. I use my trusty Nad C350 as a preamp and a Nad C268 as a power amp.
I got some cable made up with banana plugs on both ends. They feel substantial in hand, and the way the plugs are connected is faultless.

They plug all the way home on the speaker side but not on the amp side.
I contacted Gary at Futureshop as I was sure I had made a mistake and should have gone with spades on the amp side.
Gary assured me that most amps on the market don't accept banana plugs all the way home and that it will all be fine, so not to worry. The cable itself is a marked upgrade to the cheaper stuff I had before. I was using a no-brand 79 stranded wire about 20 years old!

They did sound a lot brighter to me at first, but this has all settled a month or so later, and the initial harsh edge has gone.
Either that or my ears have just become accustomed to the new sound, and it was all just in my head!!!!

Overall I'm delighted with the service and with the cable. I would definitely use Futureshop again.

Was this review helpful? 0
5
Excellent Quality, Value & Service
26 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
As a returning customer, I can confirm that FutureShop continues to offer excellent service.

The QED XT40i substantially improves cheaper cables and is worth the investment. It is noteworthy that the gauge \ conductor thickness is quite chunky, so it can be challenging to fit into some bare wire connectors \ your own plugs.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Great cable, Great service
22 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
I bought the QED XT40i to partner with my new QED 3050i floor standing speakers, replacing some older QED Silver Micro cables. I wanted to control the bass more, open up the midrange and bring more clarity to the overall sound. I received excellent advice and first-class service from Adam, who told me to come back when I'd tried a high-quality sound source (Tidal, Qobuz etc.,) instead of my usual Amazon music through Airplay. Also, he recommended burning in the speakers for at least 40 hours or preferably longer.

After doing all that and noticing an increase in sound quality overall, I bought the XT40i's in custom lengths with the Airlock Forte Banana Plugs fitted. The courier delivered the cables the next day, and I was immediately impressed by their weight and quality feel. The difference in sound quality was immediately apparent when trying the cables for the first time.

The QED 3050i's sound fantastic. The bass is more controlled; the midrange is clearer and more spacious, while the upper frequencies and vocals are crisp and clear, yet smooth. I'm streaming through a Marantz PM7000N and swapping between Tidal (HEOS app), Qobuz (Mconnect app) and Amazon Music HD via Airplay on an iPhone. The advice and service from Mark were excellent, and I would highly recommend Future Shop if you're looking for cables and advice.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Super
18 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
Super!!
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Usual QED quality delivered by a quality outlet .
10 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
The proof is there to be seen and heard. The quality of these cables looks and feels top-notch. The sound so far is open, crisp and the clarity is incredible.

Building a new hifi with confidence alongside QED Cables and interconnects sets the bar high. I'm looking forward to burning the whole set-up and the resulting overall sound.

I have to thank Futureshop for their use of insight into many products, reviews, and great customer service.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Excellent Service
12 Feb 2022
Verified Buyer
Excellent cable. Smooth, easy and efficient service. Used Future in the past, no doubt will do so again.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
A very happy customer
24 Jan 2022
Verified Buyer
This is the second time I’ve purchased a QED XT40i speaker cable from the Future Shop. I’m delighted with my purchase, and the customer service has been excellent. The product arrived swiftly and well packaged. THANK YOU
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Perfect custom lenght cable with nice Airloc Banana plugs.
1 Jan 2022
Verified Buyer
Perfect custom length cable with nice Airloc plugs.

Excellent communication with the seller.

Very fast en detailed sound fir it's pricepoint. An absolute winner!!?

It's burning in.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Using to bi-wire
31 Dec 2021
Verified Buyer
I decided to try bi-wiring my KEF iQ7 floor standers to get a bit more balance and cohesion out of them; I've never been happy with the binding post linkage. I've been using QED XT300 as a single feed. Toying with getting a pair of XT400 to try bi-wiring, and I found the scarcity and price of it a problem. Instead, I opted for an entirely new set of cables, and the XT40i with QED Airloc terminations is what I opted for.

I didn't go for the full 96-hour burn-in, just 48 hours. Initially, things sounded harsh in the treble, and I wondered if I'd made a good decision. Then I realised that the second set of speaker terminals that I was now using on the amplifier, Audiolab 8000S, had never been used. Swapping over the feed and the shrillness disappeared, but the lower frequencies were not as good. Just as the speaker cable needed burning in, so too did the linkage to the second set of speaker terminals in the amplifier. Now, a few months on, the speakers sing very pleasingly. Definitely better than the single wire of the higher specified / cost XT300 I'd been using.

Ultimately a worthwhile swap to bi-wire; it just needed some time for the system to be optimal.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Excellent Service and product
14 Dec 2021
Verified Buyer
I speedily received my XT40i speaker cable; it was perfectly terminated and packed. It feels very solid, like it would last a lifetime. Mine was terminated with QED Airloc forte banana plugs that fitted very tight in the KEF Q350s and NAD D3020v2.

Glad I found professionals that know their job. Kind regards,
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Beautifully finished cables.
7 Dec 2021
Verified Buyer
These cables arrived very quickly, in fact, within a few days of ordering, because a “burn-in” period wasn’t necessary as the 3m

QED XT40i pre-terminated pair have already had a 96-hour pre-burn-in - result! They sound terrific during the few days I have had with them, and I’m sure they’ll sound even better over time.
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5
Great sound and excellent service from futureshop
2 Dec 2021
Verified Buyer
Great sound and excellent service from Futureshop
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5
Top quality product,superb service
26 Nov 2021
Verified Buyer
Very happy with the quality of these speaker cables. The price is very competitive and burn-in offered free of charge is a very nice touch.

I had made a mistake when ordering custom length cable regarding the fittings required on the ends of one of the cables, this was picked up by Mark when viewing my order and he made contact with me to clarify my requirements. Top marks for this.

Cables were dispatched quickly. Top service good quality product highly recommended.
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5
Very good value fore the price
22 Nov 2021
Verified Buyer
Better than my ex Mogami speaker cables, good frequency range and definition.

Fast and reliable custom mounting from futureshop.co.uk
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5
QED XT40i Speaker Cable
18 Nov 2021
Verified Buyer
Excellent service with swift delivery. Product as ordered and first impressions are that the speakers sound very good. I would undoubtedly recommend Future Shop.
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5
Excellent
5 Nov 2021
Verified Buyer
Excellent product, price and service.
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5
Hi Fi cables
14 Oct 2021
Verified Buyer
This is a great shop they have everything anyone can want quality gear at any price point super quick delivery will return again very soon ☺️.
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5
Excellent sound
14 Oct 2021
Verified Buyer
Service was excellent item turned up the next day . The QED XT40i cable coupled with QED airloc plugs look and sound great many thanks
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