QED XT Evolution Speaker Cable

[RobbieGong]

Hi guys, I'm looking to upgrade my XT Silver Anniversary single run speaker cable (which I've actually quite liked to be honest) clear, lots of detail etc - yes a tad brittle in the treble but ....... I'd now like to try the XT Evolution which suits my budget budget (yes budget budget lol :lol: )if you get my jist. Just would like to hear from anyone who has experience of the XT Evolution and anyone who's had both Evolution and Anniversary - Cheers all :)

[worthingpagan]

Hi guys, I'm looking to upgrade my XT Silver Anniversary single run speaker cable (which I've actually quite liked to be honest) clear, lots of detail etc - yes a tad brittle in the treble but ....... I'd now like to try the XT Evolution which suits my budget budget (yes budget budget lol :lol: )if you get my jist. Just would like to hear from anyone who has experience of the XT Evolution and anyone who's had both Evolution and Anniversary - Cheers all :)

I've had those cables and wish i hadn't wasted my time and money. Supra cables are far better. Don't get hung up on those big brand names, there's a lot of hype about.

[RobbieGong]

I've had those cables and wish i hadn't wasted my time and money. Supra cables are far better. Don't get hung up on those big brand names, there's a lot of hype about.

Hi Mark, Thanks for getting back and thanks for the recommendation. I've not heard of the Supra cable, what did you find better over the QED's you tried ? How would you describe the Supras for my benefit. Thanks again :)

[worthingpagan]

Hi Mark, Thanks for getting back and thanks for the recommendation. I've not heard of the Supra cable, what did you find better over the QED's you tried ? How would you describe the Supras for my benefit. Thanks again :)

Hi Robbie

I found the Supra cables to have better levels of detail, better shielding, all over more open and more exciting sound. The QED's sound ok untill you start comparing them in listening tests. But it's a personal thing, much dependant on kit, listening environment and music being played. If you've got on with the Silver Anniversary then you'll probably be ok with the XT Evo, but from my own perspective i much prefer the sound of the "Supra Classic" speaker cables, I listen to mostly heavy metal so perhaps it has more of a slightly brighter edge to the sound compared to the QED. The classic is available from around £5 a metre and is really easy to bend and terminate, also it's tinned copper, which is less likely to corrode as fast as ordinary cables. But as I say, try some out and compare them. personally i think most of the big names brands are overpriced for the small, if any "improvement" that's on offer. All my cables, mains, speaker and i/c's are now Supra. I'm very impressed and happy as i listened to solid silver cables for about 3 years and prefer what i have now. This after trying the XT Evo and other cables. :)

[DSJR]

Trouble is, if you've got your head round any QED speaker cable, anything "normal" will at first sound flat, thick and apparently lacking in detail. After a while, you may begin to realise that this latter sound is actually unexaggerated and the QED is hyping everything in an unnatural way..

Just my thoughts which you're more than welcome to ignore (many do :))

My suggestion is to wean yourself onto the likes of this stuff -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fisual-Super-Pearl-2-5mm-Speaker-Cable-White-/380169878365?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item5883e3fb5d

- or the flexible equivalent -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fisual-S-Flex-Studio-Grade-Speaker-Cable-2-x-2-5mm-/380337531591?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item588de22ac7


Either of the two above should be fine for the majority of cases - why pay more??? Live with this kind of stuff for a few months and THEN look for something flashier. Remember, speaker cables can be the foo-iest of the foo, dealers make shedloads of profit on them (often more per metre than the manufacturers..) and X-tube or whatever is really shutting the door after the music has bolted - IMO of course :lol:

All I can say finally is that I suspect there's a whole dynamic range you haven't heard yet ;)

[RobbieGong]

Hi Robbie

I found the Supra cables to have better levels of detail, better shielding, all over more open and more exciting sound. The QED's sound ok untill you start comparing them in listening tests. But it's a personal thing, much dependant on kit, listening environment and music being played. If you've got on with the Silver Anniversary then you'll probably be ok with the XT Evo, but from my own perspective i much prefer the sound of the "Supra Classic" speaker cables, I listen to mostly heavy metal so perhaps it has more of a slightly brighter edge to the sound compared to the QED. The classic is available from around £5 a metre and is really easy to bend and terminate, also it's tinned copper, which is less likely to corrode as fast as ordinary cables. But as I say, try some out and compare them. personally i think most of the big names brands are overpriced for the small, if any "improvement" that's on offer. All my cables, mains, speaker and i/c's are now Supra. I'm very impressed and happy as i listened to solid silver cables for about 3 years and prefer what i have now. This after trying the XT Evo and other cables. :)

Again, Thanks for sharing experience, appreciated. How much different or improvement if any did you find the Evo over the Anniversary ? btw I like the detailed sound of the Anniversary. On the negative (not necessarily in my experience) I've read some say they found it leaning to the bright side (You find the Supra has an even brighter edge still) a tad brittle in the treble and slightly bass shy. Apparently the Evo is supposedly better in most of those areas ? On the plus again I find the Anniversaries clarity/transparency,detail and seperation of instruments pretty good with it. Incidently I listen to lots of old school classic 70's soul ie: Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Billy Paul, Al Green, O'Jays, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, Randy Crawford, Chaka Khan, Gwen Guthrie etc, and Classic 70's reggae, Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Israel Vibration, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor etc sorry for the long list, can't stop once i get started :lol: :doh: - Again Cheers for your time :)

[wee tee cee]

Robert,
Why not try some of the BELKIN offerings on amazon/e bay.I have tried both the flat/copper ribbon cable and the terminated shielded stuff that has a thread on here.Both are very good,but need a bit of running in.
Daves right,try something else but give it a few weeks the SA has a particular set of positives ,but maybe your missing else where but dont know it yet.
Regards Tony.

[RobbieGong]

Robert,
Why not try some of the BELKIN offerings on amazon/e bay.I have tried both the flat/copper ribbon cable and the terminated shielded stuff that has a thread on here.Both are very good,but need a bit of running in.
Daves right,try something else but give it a few weeks the SA has a particular set of positives ,but maybe your missing else where but dont know it yet.
Regards Tony.

Yeah, thanks Tony, will try and keep an open mind, pity like all things hifi you dont get to try a good few different things before deciding (or you can when or if 6 numbers come I guess :lol:)

[Zoidburg]

I recently changed from the QED Silver Aniversary biwire stuff that Id been using for a couple of years (What Hi Fi award winner so i had to have it lol). Based on what people were saying on here and the cost I thought id give the ebay belkin cable a go. For £20 odd quid its well worth a punt in my book. Even if you dont like it (will sound quite tame after the QED) what have you lost?!

[DSJR]

For £20 odd quid its well worth a punt in my book. Even if you dont like it (will sound quite tame after the QED) what have you lost?!

Flattened dynamics, a two dimensional soundfield, excess treble grit and hash and a rather "mechanical" feel to practically all their fancy wires... :eyebrows: :lol:

May take some weaning off as I said above somewhere :)

[wee tee cee]

Yeah, thanks Tony, will try and keep an open mind, pity like all things hifi you dont get to try a good few different things before deciding (or you can when or if 6 numbers come I guess :lol:)

Robbie,
I think I paid about £5 for the ribbon stuff,sounds pretty good with a bit of burn in,even comes with mini banana plugs.Without having to get the 6 numbers... PM me,I have an unopened run sitting in the garage.My son rated it higher than van damme 2.5mm stuff in his modest cast off system.
Regards Tony.

[RobbieGong]

Hi guys, Really appreciate the responses, as always very helpful as I've come to expect with AOS - excellent :) Some very interesting comments indeed with regard to that sound I've possibly become accustom to. I have sensed for a while that maybe I can do better and yes may well need to wean myself off what I've had for some years and try something 'better' and more natural. Not sure where to start though as lots of choice - I really must have lots of detail, clarity and the right balance of transparency and weight, texture, timbre, 3D, realism of instruments and intimacy of vocals ! (Lord I want it all :lol: ) with that overall 'natural' presentation for up to £4/5 per metre max ?? Is that possible ? It might be out there somewhere but where to find it ? - what do you reckon guys ?? :scratch: :)

[The Grand Wazoo]

Don't let yourself think you have to spend a lot to get what you describe. I think many of the suggestions made above will come in at way below that.

[DSJR]

Hey chris - to misquote your signature - music should NEVER be harmless, but the bloomin' playback gear should be :ner:

[Spectral Morn]

Trouble is, if you've got your head round any QED speaker cable, anything "normal" will at first sound flat, thick and apparently lacking in detail. After a while, you may begin to realise that this latter sound is actually unexaggerated and the QED is hyping everything in an unnatural way..

Just my thoughts which you're more than welcome to ignore (many do :))

My suggestion is to wean yourself onto the likes of this stuff -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fisual-Super-Pearl-2-5mm-Speaker-Cable-White-/380169878365?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item5883e3fb5d

- or the flexible equivalent -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fisual-S-Flex-Studio-Grade-Speaker-Cable-2-x-2-5mm-/380337531591?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item588de22ac7


Either of the two above should be fine for the majority of cases - why pay more??? Live with this kind of stuff for a few months and THEN look for something flashier. Remember, speaker cables can be the foo-iest of the foo, dealers make shedloads of profit on them (often more per metre than the manufacturers..) and X-tube or whatever is really shutting the door after the music has bolted - IMO of course :lol:

All I can say finally is that I suspect there's a whole dynamic range you haven't heard yet ;)

Not true of QED Genesis speaker cable or interconnects, which have excellent detail, midrange and bass weight and a natural presentation.

QED Silver Anniversary does do the things you say as do a few of the other QED cables but to a much lesser extent. So a sweeping damnation of all QED cable is uncalled for in my opinion and experience.




Regards D S D L

[Spectral Morn]

Flattened dynamics, a two dimensional soundfield, excess treble grit and hash and a rather "mechanical" feel to practically all their fancy wires... :eyebrows: :lol:

May take some weaning off as I said above somewhere :)

Again a sweeping damnation Dave and in my opinion uncalled for. It has become trendy to bash all QED cables and in my opinion that is uncalled for, as a number of the cables represent good value for money, if they suit your system and that with all things is the key.

I will say that QED Anniversary is a poor cable (imho/e) and overly bright, edgy and lacking in weight scale etc and inner detail however the other cables from XT upwards are worth trying, though equally good or better cables can be had for similar money and in some cases a bit less.

However Genesis is an excellent higher end cable and was my reference cable for many years until I moved on to Atlas Mavros. I have kept the Genesis cables as they come in handy from time to time.


Regards D S D L



Regards D S D L

[worthingpagan]

The problem being that the Genesis cables are way beyond the op's budget. I haven't heard the Genesis so can't comment, but I have owned a number of QED cables and in comparison wasn't overly impressed. For equivalent money (@£5 ish a metre) Supra cables sound more natural in my opinion, in my system, in my listening room, with the music I listen to. I continue to happily recommend the Supra, which has been proven in reviews in various magazines and tests to outperform cables costing more money, which I tend to agree with. ;):cool:

[RobbieGong]

Hi guys, Good healthy debate and I like that, at the end of the day this is how people like me and other members learn things so thanks. I'll look further into the Supra cables (which particular version do you personally recommend 'worthingpagan') ?
With regard to Neils comments regarding the Anniversary presenting with characteristics of brightness, edgy and lacking in weight scale, I would agree now in my experience and really looking at it, although there are things I've liked about the Anniversary. That said It's definately time to move on and away from the negative aspects of that cable. I'll also look into the Genesis too as I wasn't aware of it maybe because of it's price, the Evolution caught my radar. I think this thread could run for a long time so the more the better -so many experiences out there so thats good !
70's Soul and Reggae has some wonderful rythm, horns, percussion, vocals etc maybe a bit like jazz it requires a cable that is natural and good at separating the parts and expressing them with their right timbre and texture a bit like my Ortofon 2M black cartridge (and the Jubilee) are known to do -A cable like that would be right up my street :eyebrows:) Again, cheers guys for all you are bringing to this - appreciated, more please :) !

[Spectral Morn]

Hi guys, Good healthy debate and I like that, at the end of the day this is how people like me and other members learn things so thanks. I'll look further into the Supra cables (which particular version do you personally recommend 'worthingpagan') ?
With regard to Neils comments regarding the Anniversary presenting with characteristics of brightness, edgy and lacking in weight scale, I would agree now in my experience and really looking at it, although there are things I've liked about the Anniversary. That said It's definately time to move on and away from the negative aspects of that cable. I'll also look into the Genesis too as I wasn't aware of it maybe because of it's price, the Evolution caught my radar. I think this thread could run for a long time so the more the better -so many experiences out there so thats good !
70's Soul and Reggae has some wonderful rythm, horns, percussion, vocals etc maybe a bit like jazz it requires a cable that is natural and good at separating the parts and expressing them with their right timbre and texture a bit like my Ortofon 2M black cartridge (and the Jubilee) are known to do -A cable like that would be right up my street :eyebrows:) Again, cheers guys for all you are bringing to this - appreciated, more please :) !

You should be able to find Genesis on Ebay. When I bought mine (new) it was £30 per m, which while expensive is not anywhere near as expensive as many cables out there.


Regards D S D L

[worthingpagan]

Perhaps you could cut the op a deal on the Genesis cables you've kept DSDL?

If you pm me your address Robbie I can send you, free of charge, 2x1.5 metre lengths of QED XT Evo to try and if you don't like, you can send them on to someone else to try? I used them in my kitchen micro system which is why they're not that long.

I've also had the Chord Odyssey and Chord Signature speaker cables which were also very good, but now we're going into cricket score funding :stalks: At the end of the day Robbie, only you can decide what's right for you. Without a detailed analysis of your kit, your listening environment and other variables, all we can do is make suggestions, and even then it's still only suggestions as we can't be sure exactly what you like best. The final coup de grace has to be yours ;)

I would still plumb for the "Supra Classic" and go for the "4" as it is easier to find plugs to fit that gauge without too much hunting around. I use Silver Plated 4mm plugs I bought from a guy on ebay called Peter N from Glasgow, double screw termination, no soldering required, excellent service and plugs. ATB, Mark :cool:

[RobbieGong]

Perhaps you could cut the op a deal on the Genesis cables you've kept DSDL?

If you pm me your address Robbie I can send you, free of charge, 2x1.5 metre lengths of QED XT Evo to try and if you don't like, you can send them on to someone else to try? I used them in my kitchen micro system which is why they're not that long.

I've also had the Chord Odyssey and Chord Signature speaker cables which were also very good, but now we're going into cricket score funding :stalks: At the end of the day Robbie, only you can decide what's right for you. Without a detailed analysis of your kit, your listening environment and other variables, all we can do is make suggestions, and even then it's still only suggestions as we can't be sure exactly what you like best. The final coup de grace has to be yours ;)

I would still plumb for the "Supra Classic" and go for the "4" as it is easier to find plugs to fit that gauge without too much hunting around. I use Silver Plated 4mm plugs I bought from a guy on ebay called Peter N from Glasgow, double screw termination, no soldering required, excellent service and plugs. ATB, Mark :cool:

Yes all points valid for sure. I know in this game that kit and the other factors expressed definately play their part AND yes ultimately what one might like is not necessary gonna be anothers cup of tea so to speak and applies to any component part, cabling or otherwise. Many thanks for the kind gesture of the Evo cable for sample, I'll pm you for sure and keep looking at what you guys have suggested and any others that come through. Would like to try the Genesis but £30.00 a metre :eek: whilst a lot less than what some people pay way out of my budget at the mo - :)

[Spectral Morn]

Perhaps you could cut the op a deal on the Genesis cables you've kept DSDL?

If you pm me your address Robbie I can send you, free of charge, 2x1.5 metre lengths of QED XT Evo to try and if you don't like, you can send them on to someone else to try? I used them in my kitchen micro system which is why they're not that long.

I've also had the Chord Odyssey and Chord Signature speaker cables which were also very good, but now we're going into cricket score funding :stalks: At the end of the day Robbie, only you can decide what's right for you. Without a detailed analysis of your kit, your listening environment and other variables, all we can do is make suggestions, and even then it's still only suggestions as we can't be sure exactly what you like best. The final coup de grace has to be yours ;)

I would still plumb for the "Supra Classic" and go for the "4" as it is easier to find plugs to fit that gauge without too much hunting around. I use Silver Plated 4mm plugs I bought from a guy on ebay called Peter N from Glasgow, double screw termination, no soldering required, excellent service and plugs. ATB, Mark :cool:

I like to keep an arsenal of odds and ends for future situations where what one normally has/uses might not be fully compatible. My Genesis cable falls into that category...


Regards D S D L

[Spectral Morn]

Yes all points valid for sure. I know in this game that kit and the other factors expressed definately play their part AND yes ultimately what one might like is not necessary gonna be anothers cup of tea so to speak and applies to any component part, cabling or otherwise. Many thanks for the kind gesture of the Evo cable for sample, I'll pm you for sure and keep looking at what you guys have suggested and any others that come through. Would like to try the Genesis but £30.00 a metre :eek: whilst a lot less than what some people pay way out of my budget at the mo - :)

You can/should be able get it cheap on Ebay, sorry I didn't make that clear.


Regards D S D L

[RobbieGong]

BTW guys, I've come across this searching the net: VAN DAMME BLUE SERIES STUDIO GRADE SPEAKER CABLE 4.0mm. It is said to be very good for not silly money £4.75per mtr. Not sure if anyone knows much about it here, then again I bet someone does :eyebrows:. Also there's 0.75 mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.0mm and 6.0mm ... now which mm thickness is best in terms of sound ? etc, why different thicknesses ? - sorry but I like to learn :scratch:

[Alex_UK]

Can't explain the different gauges I'm afraid, but I do know Mark Grant sells the 2.5mm as his speaker cable of choice: http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46_21&products_id=169

[RobbieGong]

Can't explain the different gauges I'm afraid, but I do know Mark Grant sells the 2.5mm as his speaker cable of choice: http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46_21&products_id=169

Thanks Alex, The knowledge you guys have never ceases to amaze me ;) I guess 2.5mm is probably the best for most hi fi applications - although still curious with regard to if or what baring different mm has ? :)

[DSJR]

2.5mm is a great allrounder for sub 10m runs, but the blue outer jacket may or may not be a colour problem, hence my suggesting the white Fisual equivalent......

[RobbieGong]

2.5mm is a great allrounder for sub 10m runs, but the blue outer jacket may or may not be a colour problem, hence my suggesting the white Fisual equivalent......

Hi Dave, You guys are mind readers too :lol: cause I was kinda thinking that the blue wouldn't work too well AND I could just hear the Mrs :eek:. Doin a lot of thinking at the mo and weighin up options :scratch:

[RobbieGong]

Hey guys, Been a few weeks or so and I can update as follows. After reciving the kind offer of some free QED XT Evolutiion to try I went and got myself two lengths for my system. This is after deciding it was time to upgrade the silver anniversary I've had for over three years and enjoyed for the best part to be honest. So what have I found ? :eyebrows: I've definately noticed or decerned the signature that some of the QED cable in the XT Evolution ie: a little hard sounding sometimes, can be a tad brittle in the treble and presentation leaning over to the bright side. Ok! Every coin has two sides ;) So.... It's positives over the SA are oodles of detail and nuance retrieval (remember the SA has plenty of that too) but the Evolution draws even more ! :) Bass ?! - Now I knew the SA was a tad on the lean side sometimes but the Evolution not only gives more tighter and fuller bass but it also is a more defined bass in regard to notation and goes deeper too, playing deep notes the SA wouldn't present) The icing on the cake is the way in which all the information being revealed is seperated in a way that the SA just does not match. As well as hearing more, I can literally follow all the seperate musical parts :)
The cable looks like quality too (considered the Van Damme Blue but the blue colour aint Mrs friendly :eek: The cable has opened up my Mission 752 Freedoms more than the SA's with a sound that covers the frequency range better and more of it in respect of what is being delivered through them. Undoubtedly the combo of the Ortofon 2M Black which is renowned for amazing retrieval of detail from the grooves and this cable means I'm hearing soooo much :)
Nothing is perfect hence foremention negatives, however all things considered the positives for me FAR outweigh these in my system. £4.00 a metre is nothing IMHO considering what I am getting, you know!, when an upgrade to the ears actually genuinely feels like one ;) Very very pleased indeed - Have you guessed ?! :thumbsup: