The QED Performance USB A–B Graphite sits within QED’s Performance range — above the entry-level Connect series and below the Reference line. It is designed specifically for the transmission of high-definition digital audio between a computer or network streamer and a USB DAC, where signal integrity and low jitter are critical to sound quality.
Construction
The signal path uses a twisted pair of 99.999% oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors at 26AWG (7/0.127mm stranding), insulated with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) — a dielectric chosen for its low signal absorption compared to standard PVC. The separate power and ground conductors are heavier-gauge 22AWG (7/0.2mm), also in 99.999% OFC, ensuring a clean and stable power feed to the receiving device.
All four conductors are protected by a dual electromagnetic screen comprising an aluminium/Mylar wrap and a 90% coverage braid of five-nines purity copper. This triple-layer screening approach minimises radio-frequency interference and crosstalk between the power and data lines — a common source of jitter contamination in USB audio connections.
The outer jacket is a flexible pearlescent graphite PVC, giving the cable a distinctive appearance while remaining easy to route behind equipment.
Performance
The Performance USB A–B is designed to meet the USB 2.0 specification with a characteristic impedance of 90Ω ±15Ω and delay skew below 100ps/m. QED quotes a typical jitter figure of 21ps RMS — low enough for transparent playback of high-resolution audio up to 24‑bit/192kHz from sources such as computers, laptops and network-attached storage devices.
Connectors at both ends are 24-karat gold-plated and individually shielded, maintaining signal integrity right through to the contact interface with the source and DAC.
What the Press Says
- “Cannot be faulted for build, technical parameters, sound or value.” — Hi-Fi News, Editor’s Choice
| Cable Type | USB A to USB B |
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| Standard | USB 2.0 |
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| Signal Conductors | 99.999% OFC, 26AWG (7/0.127mm), LDPE insulation |
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| Power & Ground Conductors | 99.999% OFC, 22AWG (7/0.2mm), PVC insulation |
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| Screening | Al/Mylar wrap + 90% OFC braid (triple electromagnetic screen) |
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| Impedance | 90Ω ± 15Ω |
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| Delay Skew | <100ps/m |
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| Attenuation | 5.8dB at 400MHz |
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| Insulation Resistance | >100MΩ |
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| Jitter | Typically 21ps RMS |
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| Max Audio Resolution | 24-bit/192kHz |
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| Connectors | 24k gold-plated, shielded |
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| Outer Jacket | Flexible pearlescent graphite PVC |
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| Length | 1.5m |
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| Also Available As | 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m |
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