VIEW
Reviews for QED Reference Audio 40 Cable - Custom Length Pair
SKU
QED Reference 40 Custom
Customer Reviews
5 /5.0 of 46 Reviews
Superb focus, big soundstage, impressive bass power
Eugene
29 Apr 2021
Verified Buyer
This replaced a Chord Clearway RCA as the link between my preamplifier and the stereo amplifier that is powering only the LF terminals on my Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3. The Clearway RCA and the Reference 40 are the same price so I was unsure if there would a lift in performance. However I had read enough superlatives regarding the Reference 40's prowess in the bass so decided to give it a try.
The differences between the two are very discernible! The Clearway RCA's sinuous sonics are best appreciated as a link between source and preamplifier. As the cable delivering the LF signals from my preamplifier to the power amplifier, the Reference 40 is astounding. Instruments snap into immense focus and this effect heightens the sense of space around them, The soundstage sounds more spacious as a result. There is no smear or blurring at all so when stringed instruments are bowing at great speed, their articulation is very clean and audible. Best of all is the bass. With the Reference 40 in the chain, the 805 D3s dig deeper and hit harder. Deep notes from orchestral cellos and double basses have this menacing growling quality that puts a grin on my face. Classical piano... sheer mastery, this is the best I have ever heard in my system.
That powerful bass is allied with speed and nimbleness too, so beat-driven pop and rock music sound fantastic too. I would have thought agility would be a trade-off for that power and depth, but the Reference 40 offers both.
I have no idea what would be the next upgrade for this wonderful QED, but whatever it is, it is not happening that soon.
The differences between the two are very discernible! The Clearway RCA's sinuous sonics are best appreciated as a link between source and preamplifier. As the cable delivering the LF signals from my preamplifier to the power amplifier, the Reference 40 is astounding. Instruments snap into immense focus and this effect heightens the sense of space around them, The soundstage sounds more spacious as a result. There is no smear or blurring at all so when stringed instruments are bowing at great speed, their articulation is very clean and audible. Best of all is the bass. With the Reference 40 in the chain, the 805 D3s dig deeper and hit harder. Deep notes from orchestral cellos and double basses have this menacing growling quality that puts a grin on my face. Classical piano... sheer mastery, this is the best I have ever heard in my system.
That powerful bass is allied with speed and nimbleness too, so beat-driven pop and rock music sound fantastic too. I would have thought agility would be a trade-off for that power and depth, but the Reference 40 offers both.
I have no idea what would be the next upgrade for this wonderful QED, but whatever it is, it is not happening that soon.
Vast sound improvement.
Robert Manasseh
26 Apr 2021
Verified Buyer
Vast sound improvement over the stock pro-ject cable on my x1. Coupled with the nagaoka mp150 this is an absolute massive upgrade worth every penny and a whole lot more
Great at 12m
Karan Gupta
8 Apr 2021
Verified Buyer
Needed 12m to run in wall from my preamp to the home theater. I was concerned how the cable would perform at this length but QED does a great job. The highs are detailed and smooth while the base is controlled and pronounced
Outstanding - you can tell the difference.
Nik
22 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
All the reviews here are true based on my own experience. The QED RCA upgrade doesn’t both my CD and Turntable created an immediate difference in clarity in sound and definition. The overall service and advice from the Team was also second to none. I upgraded a host of cables as part of upgrading my system. As someone without the audiophile background the guys were excellent, patient and just great to deal with. The burn in service I believe is an added bonus when you are looking elsewhere. Great product, great advice and great service. Can’t recommend enough.
I noted a better clarity and soundstage.
Luigi Pasiani
18 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
I use the rca QED cable to connect my CD player Marantz to my integrated amplifier Roksan. I noted an sensible increase in clarity and a deeper soundstage. I recommend these cables, it worth the purchase.
Excellent value cable
David
8 Jan 2021
Verified Buyer
Needed extra long interconnect & this fitted the bill being excellent quality & value
Excellent
Warren
15 Jan 2020
Verified Buyer
First time customer from Canada. Excellent cable and service
Thanks for the good service and the fast delivery.
Peter
7 Jan 2020
Verified Buyer
A really great cable at a serious price.
Superb!
Phil Leigh
30 Nov 2019
Verified Buyer
Superb product...
QED Reference Áudio 40
João Correa
28 Nov 2019
Verified Buyer
It’s the third Reference Audio 40 to join my system (Streamer to pre-amp. Excellent cable for the price