QED announced a 13-product refresh of its Performance cable range on 1 October 2026, adding a new speaker cable, matching bi-wire links and a new line-up of USB audio cables. The speaker cable is specified with 2.5 mm² conductors and is offered on reels or in pre-terminated versions. Those are manufacturer specifications, not evidence that it will sound better than another cable.
What changed in QED’s Performance range?
QED describes Performance as its largest and most popular cable range. The refresh brings the lineup to 13 products, including the new speaker cable, matching bi-wire links and USB audio cables. The company positions the family as a collection of analogue and digital AV connections for music and movie systems. QED’s launch announcement is dated 1 October 2026. Gear Patrol also reports that the refreshed products use a softer, more flexible TPE jacket. Gear Patrol’s launch coverage is secondary reporting, not an independent product test.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
QED XT40i Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 2m Pair | $199.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
QED XT40i Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 3m Pair | $229.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
QED SAXT Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 2m Pair | $132.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
QED GAXT Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 3m Pair | $386.57 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
QED GAXT Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable – 2.5m Pair | $284.21 | Buy on Amazon |
What QED specifies for the speaker cable
QED lists the cable for connecting an amplifier, power amplifier or AV receiver to loudspeakers, in stereo hi-fi and home-cinema systems. Its published specifications are:
- 2.5 mm² stranded conductors made from 99.999% oxygen-free copper.
- 0.017 Ω/m loop resistance.
- X-Tube Plus technology and a low-loss LDPE dielectric.
- Reel and pre-terminated formats. Terminated versions are available with banana plugs or spades.
These figures describe the product as specified by QED; the copper-purity figure is not a measure of audible quality. QED does not provide an independent listening comparison establishing that this cable sounds better than competing speaker wire. See the QED Performance Speaker Cable product page for its listed construction and formats.
#1 Best Overall
- Air Gap dielectric for lower capacitance and better timing
- X-Tube technology for low inductance and better current delivery
- Pure 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductors
- Ideal for long cable runs with large cross-sectional area
- Pre-terminated with Airloc Heat Shrink 4mm Banana Plugs
What to check before buying
Choose the connection type
A standard speaker run uses one cable connection per speaker. QED also names matching bi-wire links in the refreshed range. Before choosing them, check that both the amplifier and speaker terminals support the intended bi-wire arrangement; the links do not make incompatible equipment compatible.
Measure the route and select a format
QED lists both reels and pre-terminated options. Measure the cable path between amplifier and speakers, then allow enough slack for routing and equipment movement. A reel gives flexibility to cut a run to the needed length; a terminated cable arrives with connectors fitted.
Rank #2
- Air Gap dielectric for lower capacitance and better timing
- X-Tube technology for low inductance and better current delivery
- Pure 99.999% oxygen-free copper conductors
- Ideal for long cable runs with large cross-sectional area
- Pre-terminated with Airloc Heat Shrink 4mm Banana Plugs
Confirm the connectors fit
For terminated versions, select banana plugs or spades only after checking the terminals on the amplifier and speakers. Connector fit and terminal compatibility are practical requirements, separate from the cable’s conductor specifications.
Use electrical specifications as specifications
The 2.5 mm² conductor area and 0.017 Ω/m loop resistance can help identify the cable and compare published technical details. They do not, on their own, establish an audible improvement in a particular system.
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Rank #3
- X-Tube technology for linear signal transfer
- Silver-plated 99.999% OFC conductors
- Low-density polyethylene dielectric minimizes signal loss
- Compact 3.9mm outer diameter jacket
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
What the launch does—and does not—establish
The announcement expands a cable family across speaker, bi-wire and USB audio connections; it does not provide independent listening, durability or comparative results. The 13-product count and technical figures above are QED’s statements. Gear Patrol adds context on the reported jacket change, but neither source establishes that the refresh yields a measurable or audible advantage over other cables.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEW X-Tube Plus combines X-Tube and Aircore for consistent frequency performance
- Hybrid ultra-pure copper conductor for improved signal retention
- Low Loss Ultra-Uniform Dielectric insulation reduces signal loss
- Airloc Forté banana plugs for improved conductivity and reliability
- Award-winning cable design recognized by multiple audio publications
Rank #4
- NEW X-Tube Plus combines X-Tube and Aircore for consistent frequency performance
- Hybrid ultra-pure copper conductor for improved signal retention
- Low Loss Ultra-Uniform Dielectric insulation reduces signal loss
- Airloc Forté banana plugs for improved conductivity and reliability
- Award-winning cable design recognized by multiple audio publications
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
