Performance sits at the heart of the QED range, above the entry-level Connect series and below Reference and Signature. Performance Digital Audio is the coaxial S/PDIF cable in that range, carrying a digital audio signal over a single phono (RCA) connection between a source and a DAC. It is one of the 13 models in the Performance range QED introduced on 1 October 2026, alongside matching speaker, analogue, subwoofer, optical, Ethernet and USB cables.
True 75 Ω Geometry
S/PDIF transmission expects a 75 Ω transmission line from end to end. Performance Digital Audio is engineered with a true 75 Ω characteristic impedance to match that requirement, because impedance mismatches can create signal reflections that contribute to timing errors, or jitter. Holding the correct impedance throughout the cable helps preserve signal integrity between source and DAC.
Conductor and Dielectric
At the centre is a single solid-core conductor of 99.999% oxygen-free copper, 1 × 1/0.58 mm (23 AWG), surrounded by an extruded foamed polyethylene dielectric. The combination is chosen to minimise insertion loss and support accurate signal transfer, with a quoted loop resistance of 0.075 Ω/m, a parallel capacitance of 58 pF/m and a dissipation factor of 0.0090 at 10 kHz.
Screening
Modern homes are electrically noisy places: Wi-Fi routers, televisions, games consoles, power supplies and smart devices all generate interference that can affect nearby cables. Performance Digital Audio uses dual-layer shielding, an aluminium/Mylar foil wrap together with a close-weave tinned copper shield braid, to provide 100% electromagnetic coverage and help keep that interference out of the signal path.
Build and Installation
The 6 mm outer jacket is an ultra-flexible TPE in a stone grey finish, so the cable routes easily behind equipment while resisting day-to-day mechanical stress. Gold-plated phono connectors terminate each end; across the new Performance range the contacts are 24K gold-plated, with only the USB models using nickel-plated connectors.
Where It Fits
QED recommends Performance Digital Audio for connecting streamers to DACs, CD transports to DACs, network audio players to external DACs, and any digital music source with a coaxial S/PDIF output. It is supplied as a single run and is also offered in 1.5m and 3m lengths.
