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QED Reference XLR 40 2 XLR to 2 XLR Audio Cable Pair
£174.95 As low as £143.95 £119.96
SKU
QED Reference XLR 40
Lifetime
New
24 hours
Reference XLR 40 builds on the multi-award winning audio 40 range of products, now available in XLR form.
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QED Reference XLR 40 2 XLR to 2 XLR Audio Cable
Reference XLR 40 builds on the multi-award winning audio 40 range of products, now available in XLR form.
XLR 40 is designed primarily for low capacitance as this has been identified by QED as a major factor which leads to a high fidelity experience. Further steps have been taken to eliminate minute timing errors in the cable by the use of a special floating Zn/Mn ferrite jacket alongside use of QEDs unique 'Tri-Conductor' technology reducing signal to ground capacitance to vanishingly low levels.
Award Winning heritage
Reference XLR 40 builds on the multi-award winning Audio 40 range of products, now available in XLR form. QED have joined forces with world renowned professional audio connector supplier Neutrik (UK) to bring you an innovative new XLR balanced interconnect cable with legendary build quality and reliability.
Professional Standard Neutrik Plugs
Neutrik XX-14 Nickel Series XLR gold plated connectors are provided as standard with Reference XLR 40 cables. These connectors are rugged and reliable and are the connector of choice for audio professionals around the world. They are particularly suited to QED's Tri-Conductor™ geometry due to the additional ground spring contacts which make for better shell ground continuity for the unique electrostatic screen which is only connected at the source end of the cable.
Just Listen
Silver plated conductors, LDPE dielectrics and legendary build quality combine to create audible sonic improvements. We urge you to compare Reference XLR 40 not only to your favourite cable but also alternative brands and models at any price!
Floating Ferrite Jacket
Absorbs high frequency noise signal components outside the audio band. When measured using high frequency measurement equipment, Audio 40 products convey a comparably cleaner and tighter signal pattern when its special Zn/Mn ferrite jacket is present.
Unique Tri-Conductor Technology
QEDs unique Tri-Conductor technology uses a third Silver plated 99.999% OFC conductor which is integrally twisted alongside the similarly constructed signal pair to carry the ground return currents. This reduces signal to ground capacitance to vanishingly low levels affording the cable improved common mode rejection of mains hum pickup over ordinary "hot cold and screen" cables. This geometry is particularly effective in pro hi-fi audio applications when connecting pre and power amps using balanced cables.
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Tri Conductor TechnologyQEDs unique Tri-Conductor technology uses a third Silver plated 99.999% OFC conductor which is integrally twisted alongside the similarly constructed signal pair to carry the ground return currents. |
Specification :
- 99.999% Silver Plated Oxygen Free Copper 24 AWG Tri-Conductors with foamed PE dielectric
- QED Tri-Conductors provide a level of common mode rejection not found in ordinary "hot cold and screen" cables
- Unique floating Zn/Mn impregnated ferrite jacket
- 99.999% OFC outer shield braid for 100% electrostatic screening
- High performance gold plated Neutrik XLR connectors with low contact resistance and high signal integrity
- Conductor Section 0.25 mm²
- Parallel Capacitance 35 pF
- Self Inductance 0.8 uH
- Loop resistance 0.130 Ω /m
- Dissipation Factor@10kHz 0.0001
- Nominal Outside Diameter 8 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 :
- 99.999% Silver Plated Oxygen Free Copper 24 AWG Tri-Conductors with foamed PE dielectric
- QED Tri-Conductors provide a level of common mode rejection not found in ordinary "hot cold and screen" cables
- Unique floating Zn/Mn impregnated ferrite jacket
- 99.999% OFC outer shield braid for 100% electrostatic screening
- High performance gold plated Neutrik XLR connectors with low contact resistance and high signal integrity
- Conductor Section 0.25 mm²
- Parallel Capacitance 35 pF
- Self Inductance 0.8 uH
- Loop resistance 0.130 Ω /m
- Dissipation Factor@10kHz 0.0001
- Nominal Outside Diameter 8 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.
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:
- Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT
Customer Reviews
5 /5.0 of 57 Reviews
Improved Sound Quality
Leon
7 Jun 2024
Verified Buyer
Big upgrade on my previous RCA interconnects. Smooth sound, noticed the improvement right away.
I went with the maximum burn-in time available, 96 hours, and would definitely recommend that service.
I went with the maximum burn-in time available, 96 hours, and would definitely recommend that service.
Prompt Response and Great Cable Burn-In Service
Edward
23 Nov 2023
Verified Buyer
After ordering a pair of QED Reference XLR 40 3 meters in length, I received a call from the Future Shop team shortly that the 3-meter version was out of stock, but they could make a custom pair immediately at no extra cost if I didn't want to wait for the replenishment from QED.
I agreed with their offer; the pair received was well made with original QED plugs, and the cable burned in a few days later.
The cable works excellently with my new DAC in balanced output. Thanks!
I agreed with their offer; the pair received was well made with original QED plugs, and the cable burned in a few days later.
The cable works excellently with my new DAC in balanced output. Thanks!
Great XLR interconnect cable
Peter
28 Aug 2023
Verified Buyer
I purchased these QED 40 XLR interconnect cables to connect the Eversolo DMP-A6 to my Audiolab 9000A. Excellent cable with noticeable improvement in sound quality.
Great service from Futureshop, whom I've used in the past for my interconnect QED cables.
Great service from Futureshop, whom I've used in the past for my interconnect QED cables.
Smooth but detailed; a worthwhile upgrade
Steve Walker
23 Jun 2023
Verified Buyer
Earlier this year, I bought a Quad Artera Play and Artera Stereo and connected them using my Chord Company Clearway RCA interconnect. I noticed that the Quad manual seemed to be urging me to use the XLR connections, so I thought I'd give it a try. The loudspeakers are PMC GB1i in a fairly small room.
The Artera Play has four filter settings for its DAC, and, to be honest, I've so far stuck to the "Fast" setting.
Trying out some 1980s Judas Priest for the first time with the XLR interconnect seemed to make the sound noticeably smoother than before; continuing with a selection of other recordings confirmed this, but what I first thought was just smoothness is actually a more natural sound overall. The edge and high frequency "hash" has reduced, vocals are much clearer, the bass is better controlled, and the sound is less forward than before. Glad I made the change, and thanks to Future Shop for their excellent service.
The Artera Play has four filter settings for its DAC, and, to be honest, I've so far stuck to the "Fast" setting.
Trying out some 1980s Judas Priest for the first time with the XLR interconnect seemed to make the sound noticeably smoother than before; continuing with a selection of other recordings confirmed this, but what I first thought was just smoothness is actually a more natural sound overall. The edge and high frequency "hash" has reduced, vocals are much clearer, the bass is better controlled, and the sound is less forward than before. Glad I made the change, and thanks to Future Shop for their excellent service.
Great value for money XLRs
TopdownDialectic
25 May 2023
Verified Buyer
QED solid build quality will last years if looked after.
Great service from Futureshop. I will be recommending them to my friends.
They have improved things by using them with Hugo TT2 dac / powered speakers.
Great service from Futureshop. I will be recommending them to my friends.
They have improved things by using them with Hugo TT2 dac / powered speakers.
Very good service
Peter O’Brien
6 Apr 2023
Verified Buyer
I cannot yet comment on the performance of the XLR cables because I am still awaiting a new XLR-capable amplifier. But I can compliment Futureshop's prompt service and reliability, which means a lot if you are a prospective purchaser who happens to live on the other side of the planet.
Good people to deal with!
Good people to deal with!
Incredible musical clarity
Keith Holman
17 Mar 2023
Verified Buyer
I recently upgraded my system, which now uses XLR cables, so I bought a couple which were not as good as I had hoped. Having taken their advice, I spoke with FutureShop and decided to go for the QED Reference XLR 40 cables. At only 0.6M in length, I didn't see the need to have them 'burned in,' but Matt recommended this, and a few days later, the clarity in sound is quite amazing and VERY well worth the cost.
They have made a massive difference to both Classical and Rock music. I can best describe this as the difference between a view on a misty day to the same view on a bright clear summer day.
The company is very competitive in price, and their knowledge is invaluable. You will not be disappointed by going to FutureShop.
They have made a massive difference to both Classical and Rock music. I can best describe this as the difference between a view on a misty day to the same view on a bright clear summer day.
The company is very competitive in price, and their knowledge is invaluable. You will not be disappointed by going to FutureShop.
QED are all I need .
D.
19 May 2022
Verified Buyer
I am running a Rotel RC1590 + 2 x RB1582 mk2's combo on balanced analogues. These XLR's were good enough for the RCD 1572 mk2 for a superior sound stage with clarity and openness that is an addictive joy to hear.
QED gives cost-effective quality on the nail, and Futureshop's superb customer service makes for an excellent experience.
QED gives cost-effective quality on the nail, and Futureshop's superb customer service makes for an excellent experience.
Great Sound Great Build
Stephen Yates
28 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
I had an ATC amplifier and CD player with XLR connections recommended by ACT. All my cables are QED, so I was confident to buy from Future Shop. They gave more detail and depth than the RCA connection, and the build quality is superb, so good value for money, I think
Provide a worthwhile improvement to sound quality
Peter
14 Feb 2022
Verified Buyer
I’m very pleased with the positive impact these cables have made on the sound of my stereo system. I use them between my preamp, a Cyrus DAC XP sig, and my power amp, a Cyrus Stereo 200. I used to use a decently made pair of phono interconnects (I don’t recall the make) which I’ve had for over 30 years since I first moved to use separate pre and power amps. However, once I’d got the Cyrus units, with the option of using XLRs, I was interested to hear what difference, if any, a balanced connection would make over unbalanced.
The result is improved clarity and a better sound stage for my ears. Now, this may not be entirely down to the balanced config: the new cables are shorter, and I suspect manufactured to tighter tolerances than the old ones, so left and right channels are now more closely matched (the old cables tended to place the centre of the sound stage to the right - I had thought it was my hearing that was at fault, not the cables!), but regardless of the precise reasons, the overall effect of these new cables is most welcome.
The result is improved clarity and a better sound stage for my ears. Now, this may not be entirely down to the balanced config: the new cables are shorter, and I suspect manufactured to tighter tolerances than the old ones, so left and right channels are now more closely matched (the old cables tended to place the centre of the sound stage to the right - I had thought it was my hearing that was at fault, not the cables!), but regardless of the precise reasons, the overall effect of these new cables is most welcome.
Superb
Craig
14 Oct 2021
Verified Buyer
Lovely quality cables in striking red colour. Bought to connect cd player to an equaliser then onto the amp. Thought I would upgrade from phono leads to XLR.
Well worth doing although they were expensive. But the quality does show through. The usual superb service too from Futureshop.
Well worth doing although they were expensive. But the quality does show through. The usual superb service too from Futureshop.
Using the QED Reference XLR 40
R P Martin
24 Jul 2021
Verified Buyer
I have the good fortune to have every component in my system connected with QED Reference XLR 40. And, although it’s a relatively inexpensive rig (20K USD) they preform at the highest level. These cables enable the system to bring out the best music imaginable. And, isn’t that what you buy cables for?
I might add, I use QED’s outstanding XT40i speaker cable, bi-wired. And again, it sounds incredible. The soundstage is large, very well defined, it gives you the feeling that you could reach out and touch the performer.
I would highly recommend QED’s Reference XLR 40 for your next rig.
I might add, I use QED’s outstanding XT40i speaker cable, bi-wired. And again, it sounds incredible. The soundstage is large, very well defined, it gives you the feeling that you could reach out and touch the performer.
I would highly recommend QED’s Reference XLR 40 for your next rig.
This is also good!
watanabe
13 Mar 2021
Verified Buyer
It's a lot cheaper than the high-end products of other companies, so you might think that the product rank is lower, but it's ridiculous! Improved resolution and thickness can be obtained over the entire area. There is also satisfaction that can be obtained by the goodness of making connectors.
In addition, thanks to the prompt and courteous response of Futureshop, we were able to purchase with confidence. It is recommended.
In addition, thanks to the prompt and courteous response of Futureshop, we were able to purchase with confidence. It is recommended.
Fast Shipping
BB
8 Jan 2021
Verified Buyer
Shipping is fast than I expected. Cable quality is good and solid. The reason I purchased from futureshop is because it stick with the manufacturer lifetime warranty rather than 1 year as offer by local QED official dealer. I can't comment on the SQ as the cable is not burn in, same to my DAC and Tube Amp. Besides this is the first time I am using XLR, I got nothing to compare. PVC outer layer should last longer than those AQ material which will decompose by itself after years of usage.
QED reference 40 balanced interconnect review
Martin Bishop
16 Nov 2020
Verified Buyer
Music listened to:
Lise Davidsen, Wagner Strauss
Mary Black, Full Tide
The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Time Out
Radiohead, The Bends
Dawn Landes, Meet Me At The River
School Of Seven Bells, S V 1 1 B
Scores 9, 9, 10, 10,10 & 9 respectively so 57/60 indicates detail, transparency, musicality and higher resolution over single ended. Therefore cable scores 5/5 so can be highly recommended.
System:
Tag Mclaren CD20R transport , Chord DAC 64, Audiolab 8300A & Epos ES11's played at normal listening level of 80 to 85 db.
Thank You
Martin Bishop
Audiophile
Lise Davidsen, Wagner Strauss
Mary Black, Full Tide
The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Time Out
Radiohead, The Bends
Dawn Landes, Meet Me At The River
School Of Seven Bells, S V 1 1 B
Scores 9, 9, 10, 10,10 & 9 respectively so 57/60 indicates detail, transparency, musicality and higher resolution over single ended. Therefore cable scores 5/5 so can be highly recommended.
System:
Tag Mclaren CD20R transport , Chord DAC 64, Audiolab 8300A & Epos ES11's played at normal listening level of 80 to 85 db.
Thank You
Martin Bishop
Audiophile