Reviews for Merlin Tarantula MK6 UK Mains Power Cable

If I may tell you a short story… I’d been wondering whether an upgrade such as this would really be worthwhile for quite some time. A while ago, I purchased an ifi DC blocker in an attempt to stop transformer hum on my Cambridge Audio CX81 amp, it didn’t, but I did notice an improvement in sound quality. While buying some CDs on Amazon, I recently remembered someone mentioning ferrite cores, and I purchased a bag full for £12. The ferrite cores made a noticeable improvement in smoothness but destroyed the bass and dynamics. This made me think that a proper Hi-Fi power cord might improve.

I purchased two 1.5 meter cables for my amp and CD transport. As usual, Futureshop delivered ASAP. I’ve been listening for a few days, and the difference is noticeable. Vocals are more precisely positioned, and everything sounds more relaxed, smoother, less forced and more realistic. The acoustic guitar has more bite, and the violins sound crisper and more believable. Background sounds are clearer, and live recordings have a greater sense of atmosphere. My system often sounds a little harsh or hard-edged, which has been reduced. I wouldn’t describe the change like night and day, but I wouldn’t call it subtle either. It’s unquestionably better and noticed straight away. I often get static shocks off my equipment, and I don’t know!

I replaced both OEM cables at the same time, so I cannot say whether the CD transport or the Amp showed the most significant improvement. I have tried the cable I bought for the CD transport on my CXN V2 Streamer. I’m a cheapskate and only bought two cables; the difference in sound quality with the streamer was easily the most profound improvement. I’ve never been happy with the streamer, it’s way behind the CD transport for clarity, pace and dynamics, but it’s closer now.

I am going to have to upgrade my Ethernet cable now!

Using the Merlin Tarantula to feed a laptop. The screen is cleaner colours are; brighter edges are sharpened up, sound has more depth and punch and definition. A worthy upgrade on the out of the box mains cable. Good value for money. They are made in England. Recommended.

Having decided to replace cabling throughout my current system, I thought I'd get a mains conditioner and some decent cables to feed it with. I opted for Merlin Black Widow block and the same cable to supply juice to it. Then I got another Black Widow mains cable for my Denon AVC3700.

This time I went for the Tarantula mains cable to feed my Linn Komponent Sub mounted vertically on the wall behind my TV. The sporadic hum from it has disappeared completely. The depth and weight are noticeably better.

I never really thought that power cables and conditioners would make such a difference, but there you go, it most certainly does. Highly recommended.

British hifi quality build product excellent

Very well made cable.

I have a Bluesound Powernode 2i with a pair of Shure SRH1540’s. With the factory supplied power cable, the sound was OK but the bass always seemed a little lacking.

However, with this 2-meter Merlin Tarantula MK6 UK Mains Power Cable (2019), it makes the Powernode 2i sound like a whole new, better, machine. After plugging it into my regular 6 gang extension cable, the overall sound is far more realistic & accurate, with the Bass notes really kicking in where it should be.

I was very sceptical about spending so much money on a single cable, but personally I have found the improved quality of the music so great, it was well worth it. I can only recommend other Powernode 2i users do the same.

Does it need ‘Run in’? Personally, I would say yes. At first the bass was a little too much, but after a few days it seems to have settled down and now sounds really good overall.

I use them to my amplifier, CD transport and even my Sky q box. Everything sounds clearer and bass deeper and better defined. The sound and picture from the SKY Q box is better defined and clearer. The normal TV looks like HD. I have used other mains leads in the past but these seem to be a big step up. Highly recommended. Unbelievable upgrade for a very reasonable price.

I thought that it was a lot of money to spend on a power cable for my Sky Q box. I decide to try it out and if there was no improvement send it back for a refund. I could not believe the difference!

The picture was much clearer. I could hardly tell the difference when watching a uhd film before, now it is so much better. The sound is also better, clearer, with cleaner treble and the bass is clearer and deeper. This cable is most differently not going back. Highly recommended.

This cable cleared up the sound. More detail and more power behind the bass. Only one problem. It has exposed the limits of my amp. Just bought a Rega Brio.

Tried it with the standard cable and then the Tarantula. Same effect as with my previous amp but sonically much better.

Delivery as expected with good packaging. Noticed cleaner sound with less noise.