Another great sounding QED USB A-B Hi Res cable. Bought New. Compared it with many other expensive cables like Curious Evolved, QED Signature, Wireworld Starlight 8, Audioquest Carbon USB cables with not much difference.
Length: 0.6m
Standard Postage: $15 to metropolitan areas within Australia
WARRANTY INFORMATION (Private Seller)
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
User reviews and community discussions praise the QED Reference Hi-Res USB Cable for its superior sound quality over stock cables, exceptional build quality, and neutral transparency, though some note initial burn-in needs and stiffness in older versions.
### Sound Quality
Reviewers consistently report significant improvements compared to stock USB cables, including:
- Wider, more open soundstage and better stereo imaging, especially for classical and live music, with a "black background" reducing floor noise.
- Enhanced detail, clarity, and midrange retrieval after 10-15 hours of burn-in; initially, it may sound muffled or congested in mids.
- Tight, warm mid-bass with solid impact and extension; overall balanced, punchy, dynamic presentation without coloration, accurately reflecting the source DAC's signature.
- Tracks "come to life" with more detail, similar to upgrading from basic to high-end DACs like HA-2 to Mojo.
Skeptical views from audio science communities question audible differences in USB cables under 3m if bit-perfect, but enthusiasts strongly disagree based on subjective listening.
### Build Quality
- Outstanding shielding, thickness, and connectors create a "tank-like," durable, interference-resistant design that feels weighty and long-lasting.
- Robust plugs and outer cover praised for premium finish; older versions criticized as stiff and inflexible, especially short 30cm lengths, though a slimmer, more flexible update addresses this.
### Reliability
- High confidence in longevity due to solid construction and shielding; no widespread failure reports, with effective noise isolation via aluminium/mylar wrap, braid, and ferrite jacket.
- Performs reliably on desktops despite stiffness; users note it outperforms pricier £100-500 cables.
### Strengths
- Punches above its weight in sound quality for the price (£75+), neutral and transparent without altering DAC signature.
- Excellent value upgrade over stock cables, with strong shielding and low jitter design.
### Weaknesses
- Requires burn-in for optimal mids and clarity; out-of-box sound can disappoint.
- Older models too stiff for flexible use; higher price relative to basic cables.
### Overall Reputation
Enthusiasts on Head-Fi and similar forums view it as a revelation and top performer for the money, far superior to stock options, with broad acclaim for build and sonics despite minor ergonomic gripes. More objective reviews confirm neutrality and solidity. An updated version improves flexibility and jitter performance.
### Sound Quality
Reviewers consistently report significant improvements compared to stock USB cables, including:
- Wider, more open soundstage and better stereo imaging, especially for classical and live music, with a "black background" reducing floor noise.
- Enhanced detail, clarity, and midrange retrieval after 10-15 hours of burn-in; initially, it may sound muffled or congested in mids.
- Tight, warm mid-bass with solid impact and extension; overall balanced, punchy, dynamic presentation without coloration, accurately reflecting the source DAC's signature.
- Tracks "come to life" with more detail, similar to upgrading from basic to high-end DACs like HA-2 to Mojo.
Skeptical views from audio science communities question audible differences in USB cables under 3m if bit-perfect, but enthusiasts strongly disagree based on subjective listening.
### Build Quality
- Outstanding shielding, thickness, and connectors create a "tank-like," durable, interference-resistant design that feels weighty and long-lasting.
- Robust plugs and outer cover praised for premium finish; older versions criticized as stiff and inflexible, especially short 30cm lengths, though a slimmer, more flexible update addresses this.
### Reliability
- High confidence in longevity due to solid construction and shielding; no widespread failure reports, with effective noise isolation via aluminium/mylar wrap, braid, and ferrite jacket.
- Performs reliably on desktops despite stiffness; users note it outperforms pricier £100-500 cables.
### Strengths
- Punches above its weight in sound quality for the price (£75+), neutral and transparent without altering DAC signature.
- Excellent value upgrade over stock cables, with strong shielding and low jitter design.
### Weaknesses
- Requires burn-in for optimal mids and clarity; out-of-box sound can disappoint.
- Older models too stiff for flexible use; higher price relative to basic cables.
### Overall Reputation
Enthusiasts on Head-Fi and similar forums view it as a revelation and top performer for the money, far superior to stock options, with broad acclaim for build and sonics despite minor ergonomic gripes. More objective reviews confirm neutrality and solidity. An updated version improves flexibility and jitter performance.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
Based on available market data, the fair AUD market price for the QED Reference Hi-Res USB Cable ranges from approximately AUD $179.99 to $209, with pricing varying by cable length and retailer.
## Price by Length
The most commonly listed price point is AUD $209 for the standard configuration, though a Canadian retailer lists the cable at CAD $179.99 (approximately AUD $275–290 depending on exchange rates). The UK pricing starts from £74.95 (approximately AUD $135–145) for the 0.6m length, scaling up to £99.95 (approximately AUD $180–195) for the 3m version.
## Key Pricing Factors
Cable length significantly affects price, with longer cables commanding higher prices due to increased material costs. The 0.6m variant starts at the lowest price point, while the 3m length represents the premium offering within the range.
Retailer location creates notable pricing variations, with Australian retailers showing different markups compared to UK or North American sources. The AUD $209 listing from an Australian retailer likely reflects local import costs and distribution margins.
Product condition data is limited in available listings, though all prices cited appear to be for new, unused stock. Used market pricing for this specialist audio cable is not documented in current search results.
Market positioning as a mid-to-premium audio cable (representing QED's "state-of-the-art offering") supports pricing in this range, as the cable incorporates specialized features including impedance-controlled twisted-pair geometry and ferrite jacket technology.
For conservative estimate purposes, AUD $195–$210 represents a fair current market price for standard lengths (1–2m) in new condition from Australian retailers.
## Price by Length
The most commonly listed price point is AUD $209 for the standard configuration, though a Canadian retailer lists the cable at CAD $179.99 (approximately AUD $275–290 depending on exchange rates). The UK pricing starts from £74.95 (approximately AUD $135–145) for the 0.6m length, scaling up to £99.95 (approximately AUD $180–195) for the 3m version.
## Key Pricing Factors
Cable length significantly affects price, with longer cables commanding higher prices due to increased material costs. The 0.6m variant starts at the lowest price point, while the 3m length represents the premium offering within the range.
Retailer location creates notable pricing variations, with Australian retailers showing different markups compared to UK or North American sources. The AUD $209 listing from an Australian retailer likely reflects local import costs and distribution margins.
Product condition data is limited in available listings, though all prices cited appear to be for new, unused stock. Used market pricing for this specialist audio cable is not documented in current search results.
Market positioning as a mid-to-premium audio cable (representing QED's "state-of-the-art offering") supports pricing in this range, as the cable incorporates specialized features including impedance-controlled twisted-pair geometry and ferrite jacket technology.
For conservative estimate purposes, AUD $195–$210 represents a fair current market price for standard lengths (1–2m) in new condition from Australian retailers.
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