Speaker Cable Reviews
QED X-TC
QED X-TC
Price £4 per metre
Rating 9.4/10
Firmly established in the Hi Fi accessory market, QED are well known for producing excellent value for money and the X-TC is no exception. With an even tonal balance the QED produces detail that belies its budget price. Sitting at the bottom end of the budget range at only £4 per metre, the X-TC is extremely competitive yet exceptionally nimble performer. Complex intricacies are handled with ease whilst producing an even tonal balance. Lower frequencies are restrained however which brings the mid and top end slightly to the fore. Despite shortcomings however the QED must be worthy of commendation due to it being a very competent in all other areas.
Specifications
Biwire No
Directional Yes
Flat No
Termination cost n/a
QED Silver Anniversary XT
QED Silver Anniversary XT
Price £5 per metre
Rating 9.5/10
After enjoying many years being highly recommended the QED Silver Anniversary XT is seeing some stiff competition in the guise of Chord Carnival Silver Screen. With excellent transparency the QED presents an impressive soundstage full of detail. It can be a bit thin at times, a tad lean. With this being its only drawback the QED remains excellent value especially of partnered with equipment that is warm sounding. Still worthy of recommendation, the QED now must be looking over its shoulder, competition now is warming up.
Specifications
Biwire Yes
Diameter (mm) 3.3
Directional No
Flat No
Termination cost £96
Audioquest Rocket 33
Audioquest Rocket 33
Price £11 per metre
Rating 6.5/10
The Rocket 33 is well made and really looks the part, but suffers from a forward, in your face type of sound. What’s needed is more finesse in the delivery, and the brightness in the treble needs sorting out. It has plenty of enthusiasm and the bass is well presented, but needs careful system matching to perform at its best.
Specifications
Biwire Yes
Directional Yes
Flat No
Termination cost n/a
Russ Andrews Kimber 4PR
Russ Andrews Kimber 4PR
Price £7 per metre
Rating 8.7/10
Using braided design the Kimbre 4PR exhibits a commanding delivery. It lacks subtlety somewhat but is still capable of good results. The soundstage is well presented and convincing, Kinber being a well balanced cable. The detail that’s revealed is very satisfying to the ear. A pleasing cable that has few vices and is worth serious consideration.
Specifications
Biwire No
Directional Yes
Flat No
Geometry Braid
Termination cost n/a
Chord Company Carnival Silver Screen
Chord Company Carnival Silver Screen
Price £6 per metre
Rating 9.8/10
Highly recommended for some time now the Chord Carnival Silver Screen has won many awards and as a class leader will take on the best. In this price range the Chord is in direct competition with QED’s highly recommended Silver Anniversary. With this level of competition then how does the Chord compare? Extremely well is the answer, in fact it gives the QED a very good run for its money. Using high-purity copper for the conductor the Chord uses similar shielding used for their more expensive Epic and Signature cables. Presentation is extremely smooth coupled with excellent dynamics and clarity. A sophisticated and truly revealing sound, with an even presentation throughout the frequency range. Chord has come up with a market leader here that will really take some beating.
Specifications
Biwire No
Diameter (mm) 8
Directional Yes
Flat No
Termination cost £40
