The QED Classic 42 Strand is the cable that started it all. First launched in 1975, it was QED’s original speaker cable and remains in production as the entry point to their speaker cable range. Sitting below the Classic 79 Strand in the Classic series, the 42 Strand uses a simpler conductor arrangement suited to shorter cable runs and compact systems where low-profile routing is a priority.
Construction
The cable uses 42 strands of superior-grade copper in a figure-of-8 twin-conductor configuration. The compact 2.7mm outer diameter and flat profile make it particularly easy to route along skirting boards, under carpet, or through narrow cable channels. Supplied unterminated, it can be cut to any required length and terminated to suit — QED’s own ABS, Metal, and Mini Airloc connectors are all compatible.
Performance
With a cross-sectional area of 0.75mm² and a loop resistance of 0.046Ω/m, the 42 Strand is best suited to moderate cable runs where its modest conductor gauge keeps resistance within acceptable limits. Capacitance is rated at 49pF/m and inductance at 0.75µH/m, with a dissipation factor of 0.0500.
Applications
The white jacket makes this cable a natural choice for installations where the cable needs to blend with white walls, skirting, or ceiling-mounted speaker runs. Sold per metre, it allows precise lengths to be ordered without waste — ideal for both custom installations and straightforward home hi-fi or home cinema setups.