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

  1. #1
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

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

    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?
    Kevin

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  2. #2
    Join Date: May 2018

    Location: Woking

    Posts: 803
    I'm Chris.

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    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-C...4AAOSwXshWrkni
    System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
    - Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
    - Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -

    System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
    - Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
    - Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -

  3. #3
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

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

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  4. #4
    Join Date: May 2018

    Location: Woking

    Posts: 803
    I'm Chris.

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    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-...s&sr=1-14&th=1

    Do you have Amazon Prime En Français??
    System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
    - Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
    - Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -

    System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
    - Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
    - Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -

  5. #5
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

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

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  6. #6
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

    Default

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

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  7. #7
    Join Date: May 2018

    Location: Woking

    Posts: 803
    I'm Chris.

    Default

    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?
    System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
    - Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
    - Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -

    System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
    - Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
    - Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -

  8. #8
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

    Default

    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.
    Kevin

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  9. #9
    Join Date: Mar 2008

    Location: Portugal

    Posts: 265
    I'm Nuno.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Opti-cal View Post
    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?

  10. #10
    Join Date: May 2018

    Location: Woking

    Posts: 803
    I'm Chris.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by nbaptista View Post
    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.
    System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
    - Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
    - Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -

    System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
    - Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
    - Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -

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