The Merlin Tarantula RCA Analogue Interconnect was developed to provide high-quality analogue performance at a sensible price, using carefully selected materials and a cable architecture normally associated with balanced interconnect designs.

Unlike many conventional RCA interconnects that use a coaxial or simple two-conductor construction, the Merlin Tarantula RCA uses four individually insulated conductors arranged as opposing signal and return pairs. This symmetrical internal geometry helps maintain consistent conductor spacing and reduce susceptibility to induced noise, while the separate foil and braided shields provide additional protection from external interference.

Each of the four conductors is made from 4N oxygen-free copper and insulated individually with XLPE. XLPE offers excellent electrical stability and a lower dielectric influence than many conventional plastic insulation materials, helping preserve clarity, timing and tonal balance.

Natural fibres help support the internal structure, while an aluminium/Mylar foil shield and high-coverage tinned-copper braid provide two layers of protection from radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference. The cable is finished in Merlin’s distinctive pearlised white PVC jacket.

The RCA version uses custom Merlin connectors with silver-plated signal contacts and PTFE insulation. The outer connector barrel is electrically isolated from the internal signal structure, helping prevent unwanted contact between adjacent plug barrels.

The shield is connected at the source end only, creating a directional cable arrangement designed to drain interference away from the signal path. The cable should therefore be installed with the arrows pointing from the source component towards the amplifier or receiving component.

The resulting presentation is full-bodied and substantial, with strong tonal weight, good vibrancy and a natural sense of scale. Each cable is hand-terminated and tested in the UK before dispatch.

Conductor Material:

4 x 24AWG conductors of 4N oxygen-free copper, arranged in opposing pairs to ensure low resistance and a clean, accurate signal path.

Dielectric:

XLPE Dielectric Insulation – Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) offers strong electrical insulation and lower dielectric losses compared to standard PVC, a material favoured in many performance-focused designs.

Internal Damping:

Cotton yarn fillers help stabilise the internal structure, reducing vibration and preserving the integrity of the signal path.

Shielding:

A dual-layer shield combines an aluminium/Mylar foil (125% overlap) with a tinned-copper braid (85% minimum coverage), connected at the source end only to minimise noise and interference without introducing ground loops.

Premium Jacket:

Finished in a pearl white PVC outer jacket, the cable is flexible, durable, and visually elegant — designed to integrate easily into domestic and studio environments.

Connectors:

Silver-plated RCA pins with PTFE insulation and an electrically isolated metal barrel, hand-terminated in the UK for a secure, low-loss connection. Red and white connector identification ensures correct channel matching, and directional arrows guide correct signal-flow orientation from source to destination.

Specifications:

Conductor Material: 4N OFC (99.99% Oxygen-Free Copper)
Conductor Size: 4 x 24AWG
Dielectric: XLPE
Insulation: Cotton Yarn
Shielding: Aluminium/Mylar Foil (125% overlap) + Tinned-Copper Braid (85% min.)
Outer Jacket: PVC (Pearl White)
Outer Diameter: 7.15 ± 0.15mm
Conductor Resistance: 88.8Ω/km max at 20°C, per conductor
Geometry: Opposing-pair, stereo twin
Design & Testing: UK
Termination: Hand-terminated silver-plated RCA, PTFE insulated

Why Choose Tarantula Speaker Cable?:

• Designed by a team with decades of specialist experience
• Directional construction and source-end shield termination for a quieter signal path
• Built with high-spec materials found in many premium cables
• Hand-terminated and tested in the UK for consistent quality
• Exclusive to Future Shop and the Merlin Cables range