By increasing the separation of the conductors inside the cable, and therefore the amount of air between them, QED has created a low-loss Air Gap dielectric. This technology halves the dissipation and capacitance characteristics of the cable, and results in numerous audible improvements - particularly where timing and rhythmic accuracy are concerned. Despite this increased separation, though, XT40i retains the sort of cross-sectional area that makes it ideal for long cable runs. Forming the cable conductors into a tube-like shape around a hollow insulating rod in the centre of the cable equalises current densities, delivers very low inductance and presents a consistent, even load to an amplifier. The result is a cable that retains more of the finest musical details, that handles rhythms and tempos in the most natural and musically satisfying way, and that outperforms rival designs costing far more.