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RCA Pair
QED Performance Audio 40i Cable - Custom Length Pair
£36.95 £30.79
SKU
Audio 40i Custom
Lifetime
New
24 hours
Performance Audio 40i builds on the strengths of the original Performance Audio 40, and delivers an even more enjoyable and convincing sound - without affecting its prodigious value for money. Using the principles laid down in its industry-defining Genesis Report, as well as some startlingly original technology (including the ground-breaking Solid Complementary Conductors and Anamate plugs), QED has created an interconnect that puts as much distance between itself and its nominal competition as the original Performance Audio 40 did over six years ago.
QED Performance Audio 40i Cable Pair
Performance Audio 40i builds on the strengths of the original Performance Audio 40, and delivers an even more enjoyable and convincing sound - without affecting its prodigious value for money. Using the principles laid down in its industry-defining Genesis Report, as well as some startlingly original technology (including the ground-breaking Solid Complementary Conductors and Anamate plugs), QED has created an interconnect that puts as much distance between itself and its nominal competition as the original Performance Audio 40 did over six years ago.
Floating Internal Ferrite Jacket
A special floating Zn/Mn Ferrite jacket is used within the Audio 40 cordage to absorb very high-frequency noise components outside of the audible band that have an adverse effect on the micro-timing of the audio signal. With cables, our goal is to replicate as closely as possible the input signal at the cable output. Timing errors mean frequencies have been disrupted and the signal sent by your source equipment has not been accurately replicated. When measured at very high frequencies, Audio 40 cables do exhibit cleaner signal transmission than ordinary audio interconnects.
The ferrite insulation delivers measurable improvements to both the amount of high-frequency signal noise rejected by the cable and the amount of relevant signal information lost. The improved accuracy of high-frequency impulse transmission impacts positively on timing, and on dynamics both broad and low-level.
ANAMATE™ RCA Plugs
<>The ‘Anamate’ arrangement of the plugs, in which the high purity copper conductors are gold-plated, gives Performance Audio 40i both the low-contact resistance needed to produce thrilling sonic results and also far greater longevity than unplated copper alone. By using high purity copper conductors for the pin section and small contact areas for the return ring, the resistance in the signal path is lowered. It also prevents eddy currents forming in the plug body, which in turn improves signal transmission.
Complementary Conductor Technology
Beneath the PVC jacket, braided foil shield, ferrite jacket and foamed polyethylene dielectric are two solid, electrically isolated and oxygen-free copper conductors of different diameters. Using two wholly separate conductors (one copper, one silver-plated) to carry the audio signal provides the most complete, least compromised route for audio information to travel. The resulting sound enjoys greater scale and three-dimensionality than has been previously achievable from an interconnect of this price, and helps QED maintain both its reputation as an innovator and a class-leader.
Improves timing and detail, retaining the rhythm of the original piece. Unlike conventional analogue interconnects, Performance Audio 40 utilises two 99.999% Oxygen Free Copper 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.
Just Listen
Performance 40i has numerous technological highlights, and we’re convinced it represents amazing value for money. The easiest way for you to understand what we mean is to hear it in action for yourself - we’re confident you’ll prefer it to any alternative cable at anything like the price.
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Grouptest Winner - HiFi Choice - Feb 2022 |
Specification :
- Conductor type: Solid Complementary
- Metallurgy: 99.999% OFC & SPOFC
- Conductor size: 1 x 0.643 mm & 1 x 0.404 mm
- Combined conductor cross-section: 0.45 mm²
- Dielectric: Foamed Polyethylene
- Capacitance: 57 pF/m
- Self-inductance: 0.45 μH/m
- Loop resistance: 0.050 Ω/m
- Dissipation factor @ 10kHz: 0.00250
- Outer jacket: Black Pearl PVC
- Nominal outside diameter: 8.0 mm
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
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 :
- Conductor type: Solid Complementary
- Metallurgy: 99.999% OFC & SPOFC
- Conductor size: 1 x 0.643 mm & 1 x 0.404 mm
- Combined conductor cross-section: 0.45 mm²
- Dielectric: Foamed Polyethylene
- Capacitance: 57 pF/m
- Self-inductance: 0.45 μH/m
- Loop resistance: 0.050 Ω/m
- Dissipation factor @ 10kHz: 0.00250
- Outer jacket: Black Pearl PVC
- Nominal outside diameter: 8.0 mm
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
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.
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.
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
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.
Customer Reviews
4.8 /5.0 of 21 Reviews
Good value quality cable
Ian
20 Aug 2024
Verified Buyer
I got these to simply complement the rest of my QED performance range. I was not expecting a difference in the sound compared to my old Chord cable. However, there are subtle improvements, such as smoother highs, which has meant the music can play a little louder without the harshness creeping in. It does this without losing any of the detail, too, and there is an even response across the frequency range.
The cable itself is a little stiffer than others in the performance range, but that is not a problem. However, I would like the fit to the socket to be a little more secure/tighter.
The cable itself is a little stiffer than others in the performance range, but that is not a problem. However, I would like the fit to the socket to be a little more secure/tighter.
The QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect Cable.
Mr. Chris Rasdale.
29 Jun 2024
Verified Buyer
Usually, I wouldn't dream of buying an expensive RCA Interconnect cable - you may have deeper pockets than I do, but I personally consider any RCA Interconnect cable that costs over £20 to be expensive.
However, after much deliberation over a number of different, similarly priced RCA Interconnect cables, I decided to splash out on a QED Performance 40i cable to try to capitalize on the potential audio quality of my new Marantz CD60 CD Player.
The QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect cable has very well-constructed connectors, but I must admit that for the price, I was expecting those connectors to fit a little more snugly into the RCA inputs on my Marantz PM6007 Stereo Amplifier and my Marantz CD60 CD Player than they do.
However, the QED Performance 40i's connectors fit perfectly securely onto the RCA inputs on my amplifier and my CD player, so I have no complaints.
The cable is reassuringly thick but not ridiculously rigid, and, at least from an aesthetic point of view, it stands head and shoulders above my other budget RCA Interconnect cables.
Having listened to a few CDs of various musical genres with the volume cranked up to a comfortably high level, I'm happy to say that the QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect cable does indeed capitalize on the audio potential of my Marantz CD60 CD Player.
To my hearing, it draws slightly clearer and crisper audio from my components, with no unnecessary colouration and good Stereo separation.
Vocals and instrumentation both present with sparkling clarity, which seems slightly improved compared to what I'm used to hearing with my good-quality budget RCA Interconnect cable.
Whilst I wouldn't say that the QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect cable delivers a night and day improvement in overall audio quality compared to what I hear with my good-quality budget RCA Interconnect cables, it is better, and I noticed details in my music that I hadn't heard before.
The QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect cable, therefore, helps to create a more enjoyable and engaging listening experience, with the music seeming to be presented as it's meant to be heard.
However, whether or not it actually presents the music in the way that it's meant to be heard is somewhat subjective.
Having said that I don't notice a significantly broader soundstage with the QED Performance RCA Interconnect cable; one does have to bear in mind that my CD Player, my Stereo Amplifier, and my Speakers live in a quite small living room—the Speakers are positioned only about 8ft apart, and their backs are only about 6" from the front wall, thus probably not allowing for a particularly wide soundstage.
In a larger, dedicated listening room with the Speakers positioned further apart and further away from the back wall, I imagine that the QED Performance 40i Interconnect cable would quite easily help to create a noticeably wider soundstage.
The bottom line is that I'm very pleased with the QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect, as it delivers the degree of improvement in audio that I hoped for and expected with my KEF Q-350 Speakers, my Marantz PM6007 Stereo Amplifier, and my Marantz CD60 CD Player.
The improvement in audio quality is modest and subtle, but it could be more obvious.
However, after much deliberation over a number of different, similarly priced RCA Interconnect cables, I decided to splash out on a QED Performance 40i cable to try to capitalize on the potential audio quality of my new Marantz CD60 CD Player.
The QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect cable has very well-constructed connectors, but I must admit that for the price, I was expecting those connectors to fit a little more snugly into the RCA inputs on my Marantz PM6007 Stereo Amplifier and my Marantz CD60 CD Player than they do.
However, the QED Performance 40i's connectors fit perfectly securely onto the RCA inputs on my amplifier and my CD player, so I have no complaints.
The cable is reassuringly thick but not ridiculously rigid, and, at least from an aesthetic point of view, it stands head and shoulders above my other budget RCA Interconnect cables.
Having listened to a few CDs of various musical genres with the volume cranked up to a comfortably high level, I'm happy to say that the QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect cable does indeed capitalize on the audio potential of my Marantz CD60 CD Player.
To my hearing, it draws slightly clearer and crisper audio from my components, with no unnecessary colouration and good Stereo separation.
Vocals and instrumentation both present with sparkling clarity, which seems slightly improved compared to what I'm used to hearing with my good-quality budget RCA Interconnect cable.
Whilst I wouldn't say that the QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect cable delivers a night and day improvement in overall audio quality compared to what I hear with my good-quality budget RCA Interconnect cables, it is better, and I noticed details in my music that I hadn't heard before.
The QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect cable, therefore, helps to create a more enjoyable and engaging listening experience, with the music seeming to be presented as it's meant to be heard.
However, whether or not it actually presents the music in the way that it's meant to be heard is somewhat subjective.
Having said that I don't notice a significantly broader soundstage with the QED Performance RCA Interconnect cable; one does have to bear in mind that my CD Player, my Stereo Amplifier, and my Speakers live in a quite small living room—the Speakers are positioned only about 8ft apart, and their backs are only about 6" from the front wall, thus probably not allowing for a particularly wide soundstage.
In a larger, dedicated listening room with the Speakers positioned further apart and further away from the back wall, I imagine that the QED Performance 40i Interconnect cable would quite easily help to create a noticeably wider soundstage.
The bottom line is that I'm very pleased with the QED Performance 40i RCA Interconnect, as it delivers the degree of improvement in audio that I hoped for and expected with my KEF Q-350 Speakers, my Marantz PM6007 Stereo Amplifier, and my Marantz CD60 CD Player.
The improvement in audio quality is modest and subtle, but it could be more obvious.
Phono Amp to Headphone Amp
Steve B
20 Feb 2024
Verified Buyer
I needed a quality but cheap interconnect to connect my phono stage to the headphone amp whilst I awaited my new rack and going back to a standard meter length.
The QED 40i is a very good cable with great separation and a quality sound.
As ever, Futureshop was brilliant. Ordered Sunday afternoon arrived on Tuesday; you can't beat that kind of service.
The QED 40i is a very good cable with great separation and a quality sound.
As ever, Futureshop was brilliant. Ordered Sunday afternoon arrived on Tuesday; you can't beat that kind of service.
Excellent Value Interconnect
Steve Prescott
14 Aug 2023
Verified Buyer
This is a very good interconnect for a reasonable price. Looks good and performs well. Both the cable and connectors look and feel high quality, and the cable has good flexibility to ease installation and cable management.
Excellent product at a good price.
Excellent product at a good price.
This is an excellent product and I thoroughly recommend it.
Philip Roberts
17 Apr 2023
Verified Buyer
For the last 5 years, I have used Chord cables. Two years ago, I purchased Chord Clearway cables. I found them to be lacking in the mid-range, and I have been disappointed with that product. I also found the RCA terminal grips to become sticky after a year.
However, the QED Performance 40i Cables provide superb sound and build quality. I have no hesitation in recommending this product.
However, the QED Performance 40i Cables provide superb sound and build quality. I have no hesitation in recommending this product.
Great product, Great service
Andy
2 Apr 2023
Verified Buyer
I ordered these interconnect cables after reading a review on What HiFi.
Fantastic service from Futureshop with quick delivery and regular updates on the order and shipment.
Quality item, and I am not disappointed as there now seems to be even more detail and bass definition to my listening experience.
I would definitely buy it again.
Fantastic service from Futureshop with quick delivery and regular updates on the order and shipment.
Quality item, and I am not disappointed as there now seems to be even more detail and bass definition to my listening experience.
I would definitely buy it again.
It is a good cable with excellent cost performance.
TAKASHI
20 Jan 2022
Verified Buyer
It is a good cable with excellent cost performance. It is used between the LUXMAN preamplifier and the power amplifier. I used to use an Ortofon or AET cable, but this cable produced the sound I liked.
Nice interconnects. Clear, open, wide soundstage.
William Bromley
19 Jan 2022
Verified Buyer
You can't beat the price on these very capable interconnects. They have a clean, detailed sound that exposes the sound the recording engineer was promoting. And for the price, they are a genuine audio bargain.
Saved my headphone amp!
Lyra
2 Dec 2021
Verified Buyer
I've been disappointed with my Atom Amp+ for a while, and I wasn't quite sure why. It was hooked up to an Atom DAC, and I was using decent if not old Straightwire Maestros, yet the bass was weak, and the treble was shrouded. As a whole, the stack sounded worse than a cheap combo unit that cost half the price.
So I decided to buy this as a last-ditch effort, and I was very surprised. The bass now punches hard and extends down into sub territory much better, and these cables add a crisp yet slightly airy quality to the treble that I can't get enough of. I swear every time I hope that cables don't actually matter, I'm thrust back into the cable world, but honestly, for such a reasonable price, it's hard to complain.
Overall, these sound absolutely great for the price, are very well built (if not a bit stiff), and are a worthy upgrade for any mid-end hi-fi system, especially a desktop setup like mine.
So I decided to buy this as a last-ditch effort, and I was very surprised. The bass now punches hard and extends down into sub territory much better, and these cables add a crisp yet slightly airy quality to the treble that I can't get enough of. I swear every time I hope that cables don't actually matter, I'm thrust back into the cable world, but honestly, for such a reasonable price, it's hard to complain.
Overall, these sound absolutely great for the price, are very well built (if not a bit stiff), and are a worthy upgrade for any mid-end hi-fi system, especially a desktop setup like mine.
Surprised
Steve
25 Mar 2021
Verified Buyer
I've got to be honest, I'm not really a fan of QED items and I'm not quite sure why I got these but am I glad I did, damn right I am. I think it was because they are new spec but from putting them in my system from cold the amount of extra detail and clarity I could hear was outstanding and they just got better the longer I listened. Let me say that the cables they replaced were quite a bit dearer than these but they were too long for what I needed.
I can't recommend them highly enough, like any cable they are system dependent if they work with yours like they do with mine you won't be disappointed
I can't recommend them highly enough, like any cable they are system dependent if they work with yours like they do with mine you won't be disappointed
Disappointed
Dai Foster
1 Mar 2021
Verified Buyer
Bought the QED interconnect cable for my tape deck. But thought I would try it out through my CD player first. Nowhere near as clear as my Chord Clearway interconnect.
The Music seemed held back & stifled in my opinion? So if you are looking to upgrade your interconnect. Save up the extra £50 & be blown away by the clarity of the chord Clearway. You will hear instruments & background noises that you couldn’t even notice before.
The QED cable is of brilliant build & quality. So, As I only play my tape deck now & again , it is fine for the purpose that I intended. Just not in the same league as the Chord clear way interconnect.
The QED performance 40i is half the price of the chord, so I suppose you would expect a drop in the soundstage. It all depends on your source, price range & expectations ?
The Music seemed held back & stifled in my opinion? So if you are looking to upgrade your interconnect. Save up the extra £50 & be blown away by the clarity of the chord Clearway. You will hear instruments & background noises that you couldn’t even notice before.
The QED cable is of brilliant build & quality. So, As I only play my tape deck now & again , it is fine for the purpose that I intended. Just not in the same league as the Chord clear way interconnect.
The QED performance 40i is half the price of the chord, so I suppose you would expect a drop in the soundstage. It all depends on your source, price range & expectations ?
Good at taming a grainy sounding system
Airsrock
22 Sep 2020
Verified Buyer
Good at taming grainy and dark sounding system's. Upscaled and more 3 dimensional at the cost of neutrality but nice on the ears. Most Audio magazine review's quite accurately described the cable's merits..
Unexpectedly great
Luis Miguel
27 Jan 2020
Verified Buyer
Transparent, a natural timbre,all of the music is there. The voices are rendered really like in a live preformance , it dosen´t get in the way at all. I didn´t expect them to be so good at the price.(Used in between a Yamaha WXC-50 pre-streamer -Dac and a Optoma nuforce headphone class A amplifier, feeeding a Grado SR- 325 headphones).
Future Shop as always, just the best there is!
Future Shop as always, just the best there is!