QED Reference Digital XLR 40 Digital Audio Cable

QED Reference Digital XLR 40 Digital Audio Cable | High Performance

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.

Reference XLR 40 – Superior Build and Sonic Performance

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. This has a beneficial effect on audio signal micro-timing, reducing digital jitter and timing errors to an ultra-low level.

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 or high end streamers to DACs using digital XLR AES/EBU.

Our Review

The QED Reference Digital XLR 40 is one of those cables that feels like it was made for people who simply want to sit back and enjoy their music at its best. Built on the award-winning Audio 40 range and paired with professional-grade Neutrik connectors, it’s got that reassuring mix of rugged reliability and refined performance. Hook it up and you’ll notice the experience feels tighter, cleaner, and just that bit more immersive, like the music flows with an effortless precision. It’s the kind of cable you don’t think about once it’s in place - you just hear the difference and enjoy every moment.