QED Performance Graphite Optical Cable (5m Single)

The QED Performance Graphite Optical sits within QED's Performance range — the mid-tier of a four-level hierarchy that runs from Connect through Performance and Reference up to Signature. Within the optical cable lineup, the Performance Graphite occupies the step between QED's entry-level options and the Reference Optical Quartz, which uses a glass-core fibre and targets ultra-low jitter for high-definition multi-channel audio above 12 MHz.

Optical Fibre Construction

The cable uses a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic glass optical fibre — the same medical-grade core material used in demanding fibre-optic applications. QED specifies that this fibre delivers half the signal attenuation per metre of the previous Performance model, bringing measured loss to less than 0.15 dB/m at 650 nm. The practical effect is that the Performance Graphite comfortably handles the higher bandwidth demands of multi-channel digital audio formats.

A stepped refractive index core works in concert with fluorinated polymer cladding to minimise both light absorption and modal dispersion at the fibre boundary. QED explains that this combination reduces the angle of incidence at which total internal reflection occurs, allowing more rays to propagate along the cable. The result is decreased jitter — typically 50 ps — and cleaner audio data transmission with improved dynamics and a wider soundstage.

Connectors & Build

Both ends are terminated with 24K gold-plated Toslink connectors. The cable body is finished in QED's signature graphite-grey PVC jacket, providing a durable and flexible outer layer that protects the optical core from physical damage while maintaining a tight minimum bend radius of just 9 mm.

What the Press Says

• "Accurate and competent." — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★★
• Best Optical Digital Cable — What Hi-Fi? Awards 2012