How much better is a QED Digital Audio 40 likely to be?

[CageyH]

Choices are a Mogami, a Belden or the QED 40 coaxial cables.
Each have 75 ohm RCA connectors, so is the QED worth the extra money over a well made Mogami or Belden based cable?

[Opti-cal]

Uses Belden and sounds great for the money. I don't have any experience with the QED 40 but I'd be surprised if it bested this.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Coax-cable-1-5m-Belden-1694a-Canare-true-75ohm-RCA-Highly-specified/401308447340?hash=item5d6fd8f26c:g:2I4AAOSwXshWrkn i

[CageyH]

I am not sure there is a massive difference, other than price, hence asking if anybody has any experience.

[Opti-cal]

Having said that (again not strictly relevant to your question, apologies) but I did do a comprehensive test of USB cables a while ago and the QED graphite came out on top vs some much more expensive competition. Different cable I know but I was surprised how much better it was in my system. Maybe they do know more than a thing or two about digital cables . . . .

Looks a very well made cable anyway, if you could get one on loan or possibly through Amazon there would be no risk . . . . In fact you've got me thinking about it now . . .

https://www.amazon.co.uk/QED-QE3212-Reference-Digital-Audio/dp/B076Q4DNPV/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=QED%2B40&qid=1579256642&s=electronics&sr=1-14&th=1

Do you have Amazon Prime En Français??

[CageyH]

Yes. I have also seen RiCable do a well shielded cable that looks interesting as well.

[CageyH]

I have ordered a Ricable HD1 from Amazon.
If it is crap, it is going back....

[Opti-cal]

Just to update - I have been using the QED Reference 40 for the last few days in my system.

Initially things were looking up as my soundstage improved without question and some instruments were more accurately placed within it. It's certainly a good cable.

However it slightly recessed the mid-range even after a good burn in period it stayed a bit laid back. In a system that is a bit forward it could certainly help.
Vocals were no longer special or haunting and had moved a couple of feet back behind the speakers. Singers and some instruments were no longer 'in the room'.

I swapped back in my trusty Belden Canare and the mid-range came flooding back, which as a tube lover I definitely prefer.

With the QED in my system the music, although spectacularly staged now, lost a bit of soul. I'm more than happy to put my usual cable back in (especially considering it's 4 X cheaper than the QED).

How are you getting on with the HD1 Kevin?

[CageyH]

The HD1 is still plugged in and working well. I did buy a Belden/Canare cable, but that is still sat in the bag it came in.

[nbaptista]

Just to update - I have been using the QED Reference 40 for the last few days in my system.



With the QED in my system the music, although spectacularly staged now, lost a bit of soul.

I want to buy the ref 40, but your experience put me off!Really the music lost soul?

[Opti-cal]

I want to buy the ref 40, but your experience put me off!Really the music lost soul?

That's how I would describe it yes. It may just the difference between moving instruments around in the soundstage a bit. The acoustics in my room play an important role and the QED upset the balance a bit. In other systems it may improve things. I know a lot of people really like the cable and soundstaging and imaging improved without question but synergy between all the links in the chain is important and my system just sounds more organic (to me) with the canare cable in there.

[nbaptista]

Well, at the moment I have the Qed Performance Audio 2 in my system.You are right, it depends of system synergies. I did a few experiences, and some cables play better with the CD player and others with the turntable. For exemple, the Audio 2 with the turntable is not so good, but with the cd player is fine!I guess I will keep the Audio 2, the Reference is a bit expensive and may not suit my system. The dealer told me that the main difference between the Audio 2 and the Reference 40 were the resolution, which the Reference has more.

[Opti-cal]

Reference 40 is a digital cable (in this instance). I'm assuming the Audio 2 you refer to is an analogue cable. Although its probably a decent clue as to how the more expensive ranges will perform, I'd treat them separately for the purpose of a comparison. For example just because you don't like the sound of the digital 'Reference 40' cable doesn't mean you won't like its analogue equivalent in the range.

No one sets out to make a bad cable but they certainly can have very different effects on different systems. As you point out also depending on where you place them.

For example you will want a very neutral cable between pre and power amplifier, however you may want a slightly darker/more laid back cable between CD player and preamp, especially if your CD player is a bit bright or 'digital' sounding.

[nbaptista]

For example you will want a very neutral cable between pre and power amplifier, however you may want a slightly darker/more laid back cable between CD player and preamp, especially if your CD player is a bit bright or 'digital' sounding.
Sorry, I was thinking you were refering to the Qed Reference 40 analogue. Well, at the moment I´m trying two cables between the cd player and the amplifier, the Qed Performance Audio 2 and the Audioquest Coral.The Audioquest Coral is a slightly darker/more laid back cable as you refer, but as I have a Rega cd player and the sound is more to analogue, I prefer the Qed, which is more forward and open.That´s my impression, but the Audioquest is a fine cable, the resolution is better, and costs 2 * the Qed.