WhatsApp
Need help? Call us on 0800 772 3688 or 0208 905 1555
Prefer email? Contact us via sales@futureshop.co.uk
Usage Guides
Amplifier
Blu-Ray
CDPlayers
Computers
DAC
DVD
Projector
SoundBar
Streamers
TVs
Connection Guides
RCA Pair
QED Performance Audio 40i Cable Pair
£49.95 As low as £41.95 £34.96
SKU
Performance Audio 40i
Lifetime
New
24 hours
Building on the success of the award-winning Performance 40, QED's Performance 40i contains two 99.999% OFC conductors of different diameters to accommodate high-frequency audio components and a foamed polyethylene dielectric. The result is remarkably well-defined sound at a very competitive price.
QED Performance Audio 40i Cable Pair
Building on the success of the award-winning Performance 40, QED's Performance 40i contains two 99.999% OFC conductors of different diameters to accommodate high-frequency audio components and a foamed polyethylene dielectric. The result is remarkably well-defined sound at a very competitive price.
What QED say
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.
|
"Sporting a number of major improvements over its predecessor, the Performance Audio 40i employs the company’s Solid Core Complementary Conductors, designed to reduce capacitance by a quarter in comparison with the original, which in turn is intended to enlarge the stereo soundstage... Overall, the Performance Audio 40i is an impressive interconnect capable of a great erformance, making it great value for money." (Read More...) Group test Winner - HiFi Choice - Feb 2022 |
|
David Price - HiFi Choice, 2011 |
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
4.9 /5.0 of 24 Reviews
Good cable
RH
8 Feb 2024
Verified Buyer
For its price point, this is a really good interconnect. Purchased for my study system to connect a streamer: BW 685s2 on half-weighted BW stands/ Audioquest 14/4 Slip (SW, joined cores)/ Rega Brio/ Cambridge MXN10, streaming hi res.
I already have a Cambridge CXNV2 joined to a CXA81 using QED reference 40, which is a great interconnect and better than 40i for sure. But this has the same smooth, balanced, engaging sound. It might lack immediate 'whack' (there are cables out there that are quite dramatic), but during extended listening, there is no fatigue, and it copes with all music types.
The Brio is a touch bright, and this cable softens that. Composed and great value cables; I always go back to QED. In my view, it's good to stick with what you know and like. Every variable in the hi-fi world makes a difference - good or bad -and getting things right can be time-consuming. Yes, that's half the fun - I was making my own loudspeaker cabinets over 50 years ago - but there comes a time to put all that experience to good use!
I already have a Cambridge CXNV2 joined to a CXA81 using QED reference 40, which is a great interconnect and better than 40i for sure. But this has the same smooth, balanced, engaging sound. It might lack immediate 'whack' (there are cables out there that are quite dramatic), but during extended listening, there is no fatigue, and it copes with all music types.
The Brio is a touch bright, and this cable softens that. Composed and great value cables; I always go back to QED. In my view, it's good to stick with what you know and like. Every variable in the hi-fi world makes a difference - good or bad -and getting things right can be time-consuming. Yes, that's half the fun - I was making my own loudspeaker cabinets over 50 years ago - but there comes a time to put all that experience to good use!
No distortion or interference
John Cummings
28 Dec 2023
Verified Buyer
I only buy QED cables because of the high quality, clear sound, and no distortion. I have compared QED cables to other cheaper products, but you can’t beat QED, so I don’t even have to think about anything other than QED.
Do yourself and your wallet a favour and buy the right cables to begin with.
Thank you, Future Shop, for the fast, friendly service and shipping. The cables were well-packed, and I received them in record time.
Do yourself and your wallet a favour and buy the right cables to begin with.
Thank you, Future Shop, for the fast, friendly service and shipping. The cables were well-packed, and I received them in record time.
Genuinely noticed a difference
I Marshall
1 Feb 2023
Verified Buyer
Using these to connect Cambridge Audio M200 DAC to a Rotel A11 tribute amp. I purchased these with a 72-hour burn-in time. I had previously purchased some Chord Clearway cables for £100 from RicherSounds but returned them, having noticed no difference compared to my original Cambridge audio RCA'ss. I was previously sceptical about anything beyond protection from interference as to why you would purchase a more expensive RCA cable.
Either these are incredible value for money, or the burn-in technique genuinely works because, compared to the Chord Clearways, the difference was very audible. I listened to Joni Mitchell's California one last time through the existing cables for reference and then plugged in the QEDs, and I just couldn't believe the difference. The bass was immediately tighter, and the track lost a little unwanted brightness. I then moved to the SRV rendition of little wing, and the drums were phenomenal in terms of dynamics. You could really feel the force of the hit on the toms at different points. I don't think any more detail was necessarily revealed, but the realism and soundstage were certainly improved. Finally, I moved to 'Tears in Heaven' by EC Live in New York, and the resonance of the acoustic guitar was superb.
This review is all sounding a bit pretentious, but I am a convert. These made a real difference.
Either these are incredible value for money, or the burn-in technique genuinely works because, compared to the Chord Clearways, the difference was very audible. I listened to Joni Mitchell's California one last time through the existing cables for reference and then plugged in the QEDs, and I just couldn't believe the difference. The bass was immediately tighter, and the track lost a little unwanted brightness. I then moved to the SRV rendition of little wing, and the drums were phenomenal in terms of dynamics. You could really feel the force of the hit on the toms at different points. I don't think any more detail was necessarily revealed, but the realism and soundstage were certainly improved. Finally, I moved to 'Tears in Heaven' by EC Live in New York, and the resonance of the acoustic guitar was superb.
This review is all sounding a bit pretentious, but I am a convert. These made a real difference.
Quality looking and sounding product.
C.Durham.
13 May 2022
Verified Buyer
First-class communication with the member of staff I spoke to over the phone, so friendly and polite, knowledge and information are given excellent, nothing was too much trouble.
The sound quality from these interconnects is superior to my older interconnects. Exceptionally competitive price, have used Futureshop before and will use it again.
The sound quality from these interconnects is superior to my older interconnects. Exceptionally competitive price, have used Futureshop before and will use it again.
The go to choice
David Styles
11 Feb 2022
Verified Buyer
QED has always produced well manufactured and excellent functioning cables without all the snake oil talk. These cables are excellently shielded against outside signals and produce a fine performance in my system.
QED Perfection
David Styles
19 Apr 2021
Verified Buyer
I have had QED Reference grade cables before and these seem to be at a similar level. Very good timing and detail presentation. QED always appear to build their cables to an extremely high standard and offer excellent value.
In summary I believe these to be outstanding cables for giving an involving detailed and accurate presentation with superb timing.
In summary I believe these to be outstanding cables for giving an involving detailed and accurate presentation with superb timing.
Good quality / price relation!
Tulio Hainzenreder
18 Oct 2020
Verified Buyer
I purchased this cable to connect my technics mk2 to my rega preamp, instead the technics native cables! I noticed a reduction in the preamp ground hum, wich was my objective! The delivery was quick, even I living the other side of Atlantic, in south Brazil!
Interconnect QED Performance 40i.
Reynald Audiophile.
22 Feb 2020
Verified Buyer
ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Very satisfied with the product and Future Shop.co uk. Delivery in Quebec, Canada in 2 weeks and 2 days. Superior interconnects in terms of sound precision at high, mid-frequencies and low frequencies at the QED Performance 40 which won award winning What Hi-Fi and which I really liked, but I prefer the sound of the new 40i.
Each musical instrument stands out with better definition, more distinct without being too analytical, always with a very musical sound. I recommend the new QED Performance 40i interconnects even for very demanding audiophiles like me. Connected to a sound system over $ 20 K.
Très satisfait du produit et de Futureshop.co Uk. Livraison au Québec, Canada en 2 semaines et 2 jours. Interconnects supérieur point de vue précision sonore dans les hautes, mid fréquences ainsi que les basses fréquences au QED Performance 40 primé par What Hi-fi et que j’ai très aimé, mais je préfère la sonorité du nouveau 40i. Chaque instrument de musique ressort avec une meilleure définition, plus distinct sans être trop analytique, toujours avec un son très musical. Je recommande les nouveaux interconnects QED Performance 40i même pour les audiophiles très exigeants comme moi. Raccordé à un système de son de plus de $20 K.
Each musical instrument stands out with better definition, more distinct without being too analytical, always with a very musical sound. I recommend the new QED Performance 40i interconnects even for very demanding audiophiles like me. Connected to a sound system over $ 20 K.
Très satisfait du produit et de Futureshop.co Uk. Livraison au Québec, Canada en 2 semaines et 2 jours. Interconnects supérieur point de vue précision sonore dans les hautes, mid fréquences ainsi que les basses fréquences au QED Performance 40 primé par What Hi-fi et que j’ai très aimé, mais je préfère la sonorité du nouveau 40i. Chaque instrument de musique ressort avec une meilleure définition, plus distinct sans être trop analytique, toujours avec un son très musical. Je recommande les nouveaux interconnects QED Performance 40i même pour les audiophiles très exigeants comme moi. Raccordé à un système de son de plus de $20 K.