Merlin Tarantula RCA review

After reviewing Merlin’s excellent new Tarantula speaker cable earlier this year, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a listen to the partnering interconnect.

Having spent some time in its company, we’re glad we did. While the Tarantula RCA may not be the pinnacle of performance for interconnects at its price, it is still fine value and is based on solid engineering principles.

Build & design

The Merlin Tarantula RCA uses a four-core, opposing pair geometry (normally found in balanced designs) rather than a basic coaxial two-conductor build, as most rivals do. Merlin’s approach should lead to reduced noise levels and improved sound.

Each of the 99.99% pure oxygen-free copper conductors is wrapped in an XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) dielectric, which is generally recognised as offering lower losses than the more common PVC alternative.

That conductor core is shielded with a combination of an aluminium/Mylar foil and tinned-copper braid to minimise the effect of external electrical noise. The shield is connected at the source end, making the cable directional. The Tarantula RCA’s correct signal orientation is indicated by the blue bands at the source end, but also by the direction of the writing on the outer sheath.

Any internal vibrations are damped by what Merlin describes as ‘natural fillers’. Dealing with such mechanical issues may seem trivial, but the company claims it makes a significant difference when signal levels are small. Finally, the cable is hand-terminated with in-house RCA plugs that feature silver-plated contacts and PTFE insulation.

The Tarantula RCA makes a great first impression as we unpack it. It feels nicely made, and the RCA plugs are finished to a high standard. There is an XLR version of this cable available for those who need a balanced lead.

We try these Merlin interconnects in a range of systems from a Cyrus CDi CD player, Arcam A15+ amplifier and Epos ES-7N speakers to a Naim ND 555/555 PS DR streamer feeding PMC’s Cor integrated and driving a pair of ATC SCM50.

Our main cable comparison is the similarly-priced Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY Analogue RCA, a multiple Award-winning interconnect that has been the benchmark for a number of years now.

Sound

There are many people who don’t think cables make a difference, but that hasn’t been our experience. Even the best of the breed can’t improve the signal, but in our opinion they do preserve its integrity better. While we don’t feel that the Tarantula RCA is quite a class leader, it isn’t far off.

The character of this Merlin interconnect cable remains consistent as we swap it between our systems. By general price standards, it helps them deliver a clear, clean and balanced sound.

As we listen to Arvo Pärt’s Passio, we can’t help but be impressed by the scale of the presentation. There is certainly a greater sense of space compared with using the Chord ClearwayX, and the results are more tonally even.

The Tarantula RCA is a well-balanced design that doesn’t lend undue emphasis to any particular part of the frequency range. It is refined too; our systems’ highs retain plenty of bite but, once given a little time to settle, the Merlin cable avoids introducing any hint of harshness or edge, even with aggressive recordings.

We are impressed with our system’s midrange clarity and the unforced way the choir in this choral piece is reproduced when using the Tarantula RCA interconnect. There is a natural sense of dynamic flow and the ability to keep track of low-level instrumental strands, even when the music becomes dense.

The good news continues when we switch genres to Janet Jackson’s The Velvet Rope set. Here, we find our systems have plenty of punch and decent rhythmic drive. The song’s rich bassline has plenty of heft and decent agility while Jackson’s voice comes through with attitude intact.

Swapping the Merlin for its Chord Company rival reveals a little more midrange verve and greater grip over the lows. There is a slightly improved sense of musical momentum, too. Add these qualities together, and it is enough for the ClearwayX to remain our cable of choice at this level.

Verdict

That said, there remains much to like about the Tarantula RCA interconnect.

Merlin has designed a balanced and unfussy interconnect that will work well in a wide range of systems. Partner it with the excellent Tarantula speaker cable, and you will have a lovely consistency of sonic character through the system’s signal path. This interconnect is a solid effort that shouldn’t be ignored.

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Build 5
• Compatibility 5

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Also read our Chord Company ClearwayX ARAY Analogue RCA review

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