QED Refreshes Performance Cables For Modern Starter Systems
QED has rebuilt its Performance cable family as a 13-model range covering the connections found in modern HiFi, desktop and TV systems. Alongside speaker and analogue audio cables, the line now includes optical, coaxial digital, Ethernet and four types of USB cable.
Cables are not the most exciting part of a first system, but buying the correct one matters. QED’s idea is to offer matching options in one clearly organised range, with prices beginning at £29 for short Ethernet and USB models.
Quick Reference
- Range: 13 QED Performance cable types
- Connections: speaker, RCA, subwoofer, 3.5mm, coaxial, optical, Ethernet and USB
- Entry price: £29, €39 or $49 for selected short Ethernet and USB cables
- UK and European availability: now
- United States availability: late November 2026
One Range For Analogue And Digital
The range is meant to connect everything from a turntable system and CD player to a DAC, streamer, computer or television. The USB selection includes USB-A to USB-B, USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-B, which covers many common computer-audio combinations.
A softer thermoplastic-elastomer jacket is used on most models so the cables should bend and sit more naturally behind equipment. The speaker cable uses a different low-density polyethylene jacket.
Speaker And Analogue Connections
The Performance Speaker Cable uses a 2.5mm² conductor area and comes factory-fitted with QED Airloc plugs or spades. A two-metre pair costs £119, €159 or $209. Matching bi-wire links are also available, but only systems with the correct speaker terminals need them.
The Performance Audio cable uses RCA plugs for the familiar red-and-white analogue connection between source components and amplifiers. A 0.75-metre pair starts at £49, €69 or $89. Separate subwoofer, 3.5mm-to-3.5mm and 3.5mm-to-RCA versions handle other common jobs.
Digital Connections For Newer Sources
Coaxial and optical cables carry digital audio between compatible products, while Ethernet is for wired networks. USB cables can link a computer, phone or tablet to a compatible DAC, but the plug shapes and data support must match both devices.
QED says the USB models carry independent USB-IF compliance certification. The conductors across the range use 99.999% oxygen-free copper. Analogue connectors are 24-karat gold plated, while the USB connectors use nickel plating.
Choose By Job Before Price
A sensible first-system rule is to decide what each cable must connect, measure the required length and then buy a properly made option that meets the relevant standard. Spending more cannot add a socket your equipment does not have, and an expensive cable is poor value if it forces you to compromise on speakers, headphones or the main electronics.
Optical and coaxial are not interchangeable, and USB-C describes the connector rather than guaranteeing every audio feature. Checking the manuals for both products can prevent a surprisingly common wrong-cable purchase.
Price And Availability
The new QED Performance range is available now in the UK and Europe, with US availability planned for late November 2026. Prices vary by connection and length.
Examples include £29, €39 or $49 for a 0.75-metre Ethernet cable or selected short USB cables; £39, €55 or $69 for a 0.75-metre coaxial digital cable; and £49, €65 or $79 for a 0.75-metre optical cable.
What The Terms Mean
RCA: the round plug commonly used for left and right analogue audio. Coaxial digital: a digital connection that uses an RCA-shaped plug but a cable designed for digital signals. Optical: a fibre connection that sends digital audio as light. USB-IF: the organisation that publishes and tests USB standards. Oxygen-free copper: copper manufactured with a very low oxygen content.
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