QED XT25 Pre-Terminated Speaker Cable (5m Pair)

The QED XT25 sits within QED’s Performance range of speaker cables, positioned above the entry-level Original and Classic 79 Strand and below the XT40. It applies the same X-Tube conductor geometry first developed for the Silver Anniversary XT — a cable that won What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year three consecutive years — in a 2.5 mm² format suited to both hi-fi and home cinema systems.

X-Tube Conductor Geometry

The XT25 arranges its ten conductor bundles around a central hollow insulating rod, forming a tubular geometry rather than a conventional solid core. This addresses two frequency-dependent phenomena: the skin effect, where higher-frequency signals migrate towards the outer surface of a conductor, and the proximity effect, where eddy currents in adjacent same-direction conductors push current towards one side. By removing material from the centre and distributing the conducting cross-section around the perimeter, the X-Tube design maintains a more uniform current density across the audio band.

Conductor and Insulation

Each cable uses ten bundles of 19/0.13 mm oxygen-free copper strands, giving a total cross-sectional area of 2.5 mm² (14 AWG). The insulation is low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with a 100% aluminium Mylar tape wrap. QED specifies LDPE rather than PVC because polyethylene stores and releases less energy during dielectric charge–discharge cycles, reducing signal loss at higher frequencies.

Airloc Forte Termination

The pre-terminated XT25 is supplied with QED’s Airloc Forte banana plugs factory-fitted at both ends. The Airloc system uses a cold-weld connection between plug and cable, avoiding solder joints or screw terminals. This provides a gas-tight, low-resistance bond that will not degrade over time. The Forte plug uses a spring-loaded contact pin for a secure fit in all standard 4 mm speaker binding posts.

Practical Considerations

With a jacket outside diameter of 3.96 mm, the XT25 is slim enough for discreet installation along skirting boards or through conduit. The 2.5 mm² cross-section keeps loop resistance low at 13.4 mΩ/m, making it suitable for longer cable runs without significant signal loss. Pre-terminated lengths eliminate the need for on-site stripping and termination, ensuring consistent performance across both channels.

What the Press Says

• “Unmatched levels of clarity and space.” — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★★ (February 2018)