Description
When a brand turns half a century old, it either releases a commemorative souvenir or proves that the whole experience was worth it. QED has chosen the latter path: the Golden Anniversary XT, a speaker cable that embodies five decades of research, engineering and audio expertise from the company, founded in 1973 by Hi-Fi enthusiasts Bob Abraham and Ian Vine. It's a cable for those who want the sound of expensive speaker wiring without the price tag.
The cable is based on QED’s proprietary X-Tube™ Plus, which combines two of the brand’s patented technologies. X-Tube™ places the conductive material around a central hollow insulating core, eliminating the skin effect that would otherwise push high-frequency analog signal components to the outer surface of the conductor. It is paired with Aircore™ technology, which reduces the proximity effect that can disrupt the even distribution of current in an acoustic cable. Together, these solutions ensure uniform, stable signal transmission throughout the audible frequency range.
Golden Anniversary XT uses a unique hybrid blend of 99.999% pure oxygen-free copper (OFC) and ultra-pure continuous-cast Ono copper (UP-OCC), which provides an improved signal path and excellent signal retention characteristic of ultra-pure copper conductors - but at a much more affordable price. Each conductor is constructed with 9 strands of 19/0.13mm OFC and 1 strand of 19/0.13mm UP-OCC, 14 AWG.
The insulation is made of a specially developed low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which works in conjunction with the X-Tube Plus configuration to provide high cable efficiency and virtually zero loss. The outer jacket is covered with a 100% gold/mylar tape, and the overall diameter is 11.5mm.
This is an ideal option for those who are fed up with budget speaker wiring and want to hear how a system sounds with a cable designed according to the principles of QED's top-of-the-line lines - without overpaying for the brand for the sake of the brand.
