Merlin Mozart review

An excellent all-rounder that should work well in a wide range of systems

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If you’re after an interconnect that will convey all the energy of your CD player, this is it

Pros

  • +

    Clear vocals

  • +

    tight presentation

  • +

    fluid, open way with rhythms

Cons

  • -

    Lacks warmth overall

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

In a market dominated by Chord’s mighty CrimsonPlus interconnect at this price, Merlin’s Mozart has its work cut out. Can it do enough to enchant us?

Well, it certainly does a nice line in sparkle. Hooked up between our reference Cyrus CD6 SE CD player and Roksan Caspian M2 integrated amp, with a pair of ATC SCM11s pumping out the sound, the Mozart conveys an open, fluid performance.

Jimi Hendrix’s Castles Made of Sand, will show up any lack of groove in a cable’s performance, but the Mozart copes admirably with the nuances of the guitar part. Vocals, likewise, are clear thanks to deft midrange handling.

Why four stars, then? For all that openness and exuberance, there’s a lack of warmth that can cross over into hardness when the going gets boisterous. But that’s a minor complaint, really. The choice between the Mozart and the CrimsonPlus really comes down to whether you value openness or precision the most.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test