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Toslink Optical
QED Reference Optical Quartz Cable
£109.95 As low as £90.95 £75.79
SKU
QED Reference Optical
Lifetime
New
24 hours
QED's Reference Optical Quartz Cable is built with 210 separate Glasscore™ (boro-silicate glass) fibres that produce straighter signal paths, delivering ultra-low jitter signal transfer. The result is a clear, open sound.
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QED Reference Optical Quartz
QED's Reference Optical Quartz Cable is built with 210 separate Glasscore™ (boro-silicate glass) fibres that produce straighter signal paths, delivering ultra-low jitter signal transfer. The result is a clear, open sound.
What QED say
QED's superior toslink optical digital audio interconnect cable made with real glass Reference Optical Quartz is the first of its kind, consisting of 210 separate boro-silicate glass fibres.
The cable allows you to experience stunning sound when connecting DACs, TV’s, CD players and Blu-Ray players to amplifiers or receivers because it has a much higher bandwidth and only 1/10th of the attenuation of traditional acrylic fibres. Reference Optical Quartz vastly exceeds the demands for high definition multi-channel digital audio with a bandwidth of over 150MHz which is totally unaffected by bending the cable.
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PMMA Optical FibresA typical optical fibre is made of an acrylic glass material known as PMMA (Polymethyl-methacrylate). This acrylic core allows the light to take many different length paths through it. Timing differences are introduced – accounting for typically up to 145ps of Jitter.Signal losses also occur when light is incident above the Critical Angle and is not reflected back (Yellow). |
Reference Optical QuartzReference Optical Quartz has in excess of 210 Glasscore™ fibres each thinner than a human hair. This ensures ultra low jitter because the smaller numerical aperture reduces the range of angles of acceptance leading to straighter signal paths. |
Glasscore Technology
QED's new Glasscore™ technology employs multiple fibre bundles of ultra-fine boro-silicate glass optical fibres (GOF) of no more than 50um each to make up the 1mm diameter necessary to conform to the Toslink standard connectors. Because the fibres are so small the different paths taken by the light rays are similar in length virtually eliminating the timing error and introducing less distortion and jitter. This has the effect of increasing bandwidth and the accuracy of the data transmission.
Stepped Refractive Index
The quartz fibres are coated with a cladding of low Refractive Index to guide the light signal.
Over 150MHz Bandwidth
This vastly exceeds the demands for high definition multi-channel HD digital audio. In contrast to conventional acrylic glass optical cables quartz glass cables can deliver signals up to and including 24bit/192kHz with very low jitter . Reference Optical Quartz can provide a much higher bandwidth than a single acrylic glass fibre with 1/10th of the attenuation.
Ultra Low Jitter/ Ultra Low Loss
QED have calculated that jitter (distortions caused by timing differences between the different light paths) in conventional optical cables could typically reach up to 145ps. In Reference Optical Quartz, timing errors are virtually eliminated, introducing less distortion, jitter and ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m.
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Glasscore™ TechnologyInstead of using traditional low performance polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic optical fibres (POF) which come as a single 1mm OD fibre the cable incorporates 210+ boro-silcate glass optical fibres (GOF) which give improved jitter performance and higher bandwidth capability. |
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Ultra Low JitterJitter is the undesired deviation from true periodicity of an assumed periodic signal in electronics and telecommunications, often in relation to a reference clock source. A cable displaying ultra low jitter has been measured attypically 30ps. |
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"The Nano-Platinum Eclipse incorporates a few of Wireworld's patented cable technology solutions. The cable features two 27 gauge conductors with eight strands of OOC-7n solid silver in their patented DNA Helix configuration." (Read More) Cable Review - Hi-Fi World - September 2016
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Specification :
- Unique boro-silicate glass construction
- Highly flexible 210 x 50 micron optical fibre bundle
- Bandwidth >150MHz
- Ultra low jitter
- Stepped refractive index
- Ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m
- 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 :
- Unique boro-silicate glass construction
- Highly flexible 210 x 50 micron optical fibre bundle
- Bandwidth >150MHz
- Ultra low jitter
- Stepped refractive index
- Ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m
- 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 56 Reviews
High quality sound, highly recommended, worth it!
Freeman W.
2 Aug 2024
Verified Buyer
I just received the cable. I immediately removed the old one and plugged in this glass fibre optical cable. The sound has gone to another world!
Punch-Bass is tight, vocals are mellow, and the sound range is wider than before. I hope the sound will be better after the burn-in!
I don’t know why the sound of my equipment using optical fibre cables is better than that of coaxial cables. In the past, I used Audioquest Eagle Eye coaxial and an optical that cost about US$40. I always feel that the sound of the optical fibre cable is more pleasant to my ears, so I invested in Optical (bought this QED Reference Optical Quartz Cable). Sure enough, optical fibre has better sound than coaxial in my system.
Mine is LEAK wooden cdt+ Cambridge DAC 200M to Amplifier. Although fewer people use optical fibre cables now than before, and they have switched to coaxial cables (some cdt/cd without optical output), No matter what, I am very satisfied now!
Thank you to the Future Shop for the fast shipping and service!
Punch-Bass is tight, vocals are mellow, and the sound range is wider than before. I hope the sound will be better after the burn-in!
I don’t know why the sound of my equipment using optical fibre cables is better than that of coaxial cables. In the past, I used Audioquest Eagle Eye coaxial and an optical that cost about US$40. I always feel that the sound of the optical fibre cable is more pleasant to my ears, so I invested in Optical (bought this QED Reference Optical Quartz Cable). Sure enough, optical fibre has better sound than coaxial in my system.
Mine is LEAK wooden cdt+ Cambridge DAC 200M to Amplifier. Although fewer people use optical fibre cables now than before, and they have switched to coaxial cables (some cdt/cd without optical output), No matter what, I am very satisfied now!
Thank you to the Future Shop for the fast shipping and service!
Great Cable but struggling with 192khz
Barkin
19 Apr 2023
Verified Buyer
Great detail and dynamics retrieval, but I was shocked when I started 192khz pieces from my Primare np5 streamer. It started to stutter to an "unlistenable" level. My coax cable doesn't have the same issue, neither does my other cheap optical cable. No idea what I'm doing wrong.
Good product. Good packaging
Jaewook
30 Jan 2023
Verified Buyer
Worth the money. I am using the cable from the streamer to the external DAC, and it provides a somewhat bigger stage, clear sound, and tonal quality that is somewhat on the warm side.
I had bad experiences in the past with other optical cables as they changed the sound into a really cold, kind of ear-screeching sound, but this was different. Also, Futureshop packed the goods so well that I received the cable with no harm. Very good seller.
Highly recommended.
I had bad experiences in the past with other optical cables as they changed the sound into a really cold, kind of ear-screeching sound, but this was different. Also, Futureshop packed the goods so well that I received the cable with no harm. Very good seller.
Highly recommended.
Recommended
S
3 Nov 2022
Verified Buyer
Comparing the:
Missing Link/Vinyl Passion Dark Art 75 Ohm £90 (0.75m)
QED Reference Optical £87.95 (1m)
Gothic Audio Pure Silver Harmonic 75 Ohm £145 (1m)
I will use these cables with a CXC CD transport, Denon PMA-A110 amp, Slingshot speaker cable, and Monitor Audio Silver 8 speakers (not as revealing as the MA Gold 300 on my main system).
I don't know whether "burn-in" is a thing. For reference, the Dark Art is run-in, and the Gothic is brand new and burnt-in with (new) optical, so it shouldn't be an issue.
Dark Art 75 Ohm vs QED Reference Optical
I found that the sound was similar. The Dark Art was slightly veiled, dark-toned and flat by comparison, and I preferred the QED, but the difference was only slender.
QED Reference Optical vs Gothic Pure Silver 75 Ohm
I had high hopes that the Gothic would reveal something I didn't realise was missing with the other cables. However, confirmation bias was on strike, and it sounded just like the QED Optical. I couldn't really tell the difference. If anything, it was marginal.
I concluded the QED just about edged it, but I wouldn't be confident calling which was which in a blind test.
Missing Link/Vinyl Passion Dark Art 75 Ohm £90 (0.75m)
QED Reference Optical £87.95 (1m)
Gothic Audio Pure Silver Harmonic 75 Ohm £145 (1m)
I will use these cables with a CXC CD transport, Denon PMA-A110 amp, Slingshot speaker cable, and Monitor Audio Silver 8 speakers (not as revealing as the MA Gold 300 on my main system).
I don't know whether "burn-in" is a thing. For reference, the Dark Art is run-in, and the Gothic is brand new and burnt-in with (new) optical, so it shouldn't be an issue.
Dark Art 75 Ohm vs QED Reference Optical
I found that the sound was similar. The Dark Art was slightly veiled, dark-toned and flat by comparison, and I preferred the QED, but the difference was only slender.
QED Reference Optical vs Gothic Pure Silver 75 Ohm
I had high hopes that the Gothic would reveal something I didn't realise was missing with the other cables. However, confirmation bias was on strike, and it sounded just like the QED Optical. I couldn't really tell the difference. If anything, it was marginal.
I concluded the QED just about edged it, but I wouldn't be confident calling which was which in a blind test.
Major difference in sound and fast shipping
George
5 Aug 2022
Verified Buyer
Although I expected an increase in sound quality between various other cables I have been using and the QED, I was not expecting such a dramatic improvement.
Vocals are more precise, the base is definitive, and I hear different instruments in soundtracks. Great cable and worth the investment.
Vocals are more precise, the base is definitive, and I hear different instruments in soundtracks. Great cable and worth the investment.
Bang for buck
Half speed virgin
7 Jul 2022
Verified Buyer
I shied away from opticals, then thought I would give this a punt, after decades of coax, RCA; premium stuff. I have owned opticals a few times.
Impression? Excellent. Revelatory. My transport/ DAC nearly give my T/T a run for the post. Detail, depth, neutrality, no artificial flavours, never top-heavy. No more digitally derived 'tired ears'.
Impression? Excellent. Revelatory. My transport/ DAC nearly give my T/T a run for the post. Detail, depth, neutrality, no artificial flavours, never top-heavy. No more digitally derived 'tired ears'.
QED glass core optical cable
David Lawson
18 Jun 2022
Verified Buyer
I bought the QED Glass core cable from Future Shop, and it is a very good cable to use from my Sony Bravia TV to my Pioneer surround system. I highly recommend it.
It is a bit more expensive but worth it.
It is a bit more expensive but worth it.
Premium quality optical cable
Eugene
30 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
Simply the best optical cable out there. I'm using two between my digital sources and pre-amp, and I can't discern any difference between them and pricier coaxial cables. Service from Futureshop was impeccable as always.
amazing
W Dodson
24 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
I did not expect a new optical cable to be different from my £10 Argos one. How wrong could I be? As soon as I turned on my Sky Q box and AV receiver turned out to be a WOW moment. Crisp, clear left-right centre bass, and surround speakers so well defined.
I don't know how you did it but well worth it.
I don't know how you did it but well worth it.
I am pleased with this product.
Antony Davie
26 Feb 2022
Verified Buyer
I am using this connector in my system between an iPad and a Musical Fidelity Tri Vista 21 DAC via an M.F. v-link 2. The amplifier is M.F. A308 and speakers Spendor ST. I am streaming Apple music lossless high resolution. The difference was immediately noticeable, and the subsequent listening experience was enhanced.
Outstanding quality
Gil
14 May 2021
Verified Buyer
I was already using this cable between my streamer and my DAC. I found it to be a terrific bit of kit. I had been using a £15 toslink cable between Sky Q and my DAC. I didn't expect a big boost in sound (only Sky, I thought). Was I wrong!
The biggest change was in the bass. Deeper and better defined. Gave the sound more substance. Not just in films but across the board. Mids and treble clearer and easier to listen to. I was shocked at the quality of the sound available on Sky. The cables are not cheap, but worth every penny. Highly recommended.
The biggest change was in the bass. Deeper and better defined. Gave the sound more substance. Not just in films but across the board. Mids and treble clearer and easier to listen to. I was shocked at the quality of the sound available on Sky. The cables are not cheap, but worth every penny. Highly recommended.
Beautiful and good sounding cable
Kai
20 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
I bought this great product to connect my audiolab 6000N to Dynaudio Connect. It replaced a no-brand optical cable, which compared to this one sounded a bit dry, dark, and coarse. This one sounds more juicy, shining, refined, and atmospheric.
The music just becomes more like from live performance and I can know listen to it longer without my ears getting tired.
The music just becomes more like from live performance and I can know listen to it longer without my ears getting tired.
Voice and high end notes clearer, bass and low notes deeper
JEFF
19 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
I'm using a half meter R O Q cable from Xbox one to amp, sound is more defined (high end notes,voices) bass is much deeper and fuller.so I ordered a 1 meter to connect virgin v6 box to my amp, same outcome sound is clearer especially voices.
THESE CABLES ARE ABSOLUTELY TIKADEEBOO
THESE CABLES ARE ABSOLUTELY TIKADEEBOO
Leaves most if not all optical connections in the dark!
Steve
2 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
Brilliant connection, brings the wow back to your music. No confusion, no slight blurring/distortion evident and very musical. This goes for every frequency high top to low bass. Excellent build standard. Word of warning though, if you have a poor or very bright CD player steer clear. It is so good it will reveal any short comings. This is a HiFi connection in the truest sense.
Excellent as was the Futureshop service and delivery.
Excellent as was the Futureshop service and delivery.