Need help? Call us on 0800 772 3688 or 0208 905 1555
Prefer email? Contact us via sales@futureshop.co.uk
Need help? Call us on 0800 772 3688 or 0208 905 1555
Prefer email? Contact us via sales@futureshop.co.uk
Revive your mid-level or ageing audio system with the Atlas Equator 2.0 Speaker Cable, designed to deliver neutral sound without exaggerated treble details often found in cables at this price range. With a 2mm² core made of Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC), this cable ensures efficient signal transmission. It's enveloped in a high-density PEF dielectric, outclassing traditional PVC or polyethylene insulators for greater dynamics and measurable performance enhancements. Wrapped in a cotton yarn to minimise microphony and encased in a chic pearl white finish, the Atlas Equator 2.0 is not just a cable but a comprehensive upgrade for your audio system.
Atlas Equator 2.0 Speaker Cable offers an essentially neutral performance with none of the exaggerated treble detail frequently found at this price point.
Atlas Equator 2.0 is a 2mm² cable using OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) conductors in a high-density PEF dielectric (insulation layer) far more efficient than PVC or polyethylene. The superior dielectric offers both a better-measured performance and an audible improvement in dynamics. The core assemblies are contained in a cotton yarn to reduce microphone, and the outer sheath is in a pearl white finish.
The Atlas Z plug has stood the test of time. Using beryllium copper for the contact area, It's designed to make a 100% contact within the 4mm female socket. The body is made from copper and it's available for home assembly with grub screws to make contact with the conductors. When factory-fitted or fitted by an Atlas-appointed custom cable centre, they're cold welded under pressure to amalgamate the conductors to the plug in an air-tight seal. The outer sleeve is finished in black coloured ABS or in a turned brass with a fine oven-applied powder coat finish. The Atlas Z plug is justifiably considered to be one of the best 4mm plugs available.
Atlas’s expert electro-mechanical knowledge has led to the innovation of the next generation of banana plugs known as the ‘Atlas Achromatic Z Plug’, Atlas has focused on improving performance to create a higher performance starting point for their speaker cables as well as eliminating variability in performance. This has been achieved by refocusing on materials and the assembly processes.
Atlas has made 4 key changes with the Achromatic Z plug. Firstly, the barrel of the Achromatic Z plug features a high stability ABS material. This is strong, stable and of superlative surface quality.
In addition, there is also an improvement to the plug's contact resistance achieved by improving the compliance of the beryllium copper contact leaves featured on the Achromatic Z plug. Beryllium copper offers excellent conductivity of signals.
The third change was to upgrade the manufacturability of the plug for pneumatic tool processing.
Finally, there is a reduction in the overall mass of the Z-Plug by 35% which has shown to improve signal transmission.
The above changes mean a solder-free, low mass, self-cleaning, recyclable Z-plug with a non-conductive body.
OFC is produced through an extrusion process which takes place in an oxygen-free-inert-gas atmosphere. This leads to a reduced oxygen content (10 ppm) when compared to Tough Pitch Copper (TPC) and an improvement in conductivity which typically measures in at between 0.5% and 2% greater than TPC. The OFC process therefore produces a much higher quality audio cable than the TPC process. High purity conductors sound clearer than their unprocessed (TPC) counterparts because there are fewer crystal boundaries present to cause signal degradation.
Copper Purity Comparison (0.3mm Diameter) | ||||
TPC | OFC | OCC | ||
Purity | >99.9% | >99.99% | >99.999% | |
Specific Gravity | 8.75 | 8.926 | 8.938 | |
Gas Impurities (ppm) | ||||
O2 | 200~500 | <10 | <5 | |
H2 | <0.5 | <0.5 | <0.3 | |
Average Crystal Size (Metre) | 0.007 | 0.02 | 125.00 | |
Crystals Per Metre | 150 | 50 | 0.008 |
PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) is cheap to produce and, as such, is the most commonly used insulation in AV cables. However, PVC is the worst quality insulation a Hi-Fi or AV signal can encounter as its high loss causes a significant reduction in signal velocity. PVC is better suited to power cables and should be avoided in Hi-Fi and AV signal cables.
Other dielectrics in common use are Polyethylene, Polypropylene and Polytetrafluoride Epoxy (better known as PTFE (Teflon™) or Teflon,) and the new and unique Atlas (PTFE).
The foaming process uses a blowing agent, of which there are two types. Atlas use the gas-foamed method which creates a more inert, consistent and higher quality product.
The table below shows the properties of a selection of dielectrics. Though not used as a dielectric in Atlas' cables, PVC is included for comparison purposes.
Dielectric Material Comparison (0.3mm Diameter) | |||||
Property | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
Foamed Polyethylene (PEF) |
Polypropylene (P.P) |
Teflon (FEP or PTFE) |
PTFE |
Dielectric Constant (@ 50 -106Hz) |
4-8 | 2.3 | 2.25 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
Dielectric Strength (kV mm-1) |
23-30 | 30-50 | 30-50 | 20-25 | N/A |
Loss Tangent (% @ 50 - 106Hz) |
8-15 | 0.02-0.05 | 0.02-0.06 (@ 106Hz) |
0.02-0.07 | N/A |
Volume Resistivity (Ohms.cm @ 20°C) |
1012-15 | >1017 | 6.5x1014 | >1016 | N/A |
Tensile Strength (Kg mm-2) |
1.0-2.5 | 1.0-2.0 | 3.0-4.0 | 1.9-2.2 | 1.0 |
Melting Point (°C) |
-130 | 112-120 | 155-160 | 275 | 275 |
Max. Continuous Operating Temp. (°C) |
60 | 75 | 90 | 200 | 260 |
Min. Operating Temp. (°C) |
-15 to -40 | <-60 | -5 to -45 | <-60 | -250 |
A pair of identically matched conductors (one for signal path, the other acts as the return conductor) enclosed within a non-conducting screen.
"For £7.25 per metre, you get a length of cable that’s nicely made: it’s sturdy and flexible enough to bend around tricky corners... As the tune bops merrily along, the edges of notes are neatly delivered, with a clean treble that has plenty of impact but still sounds smooth. Make sure you run the cable in for a night or two to get rid of some initial spikiness... If you think your budget/midrange hi-fi system could do with a sonic spring clean, but not sure what needs upgrading (and don’t want to spend too much), plug these Atlas speaker cables in. You might find it’s just what your system needs." (Read More) What Hi-Fi? - November 2018 |
"The first thing that hits you about the Equator 2.0 (besides its tactile and silky-smooth outer jacket) is the way it allows an impressive sense of weight nad power to music." What Hi-Fi? - 14th February 2014 (Read More) |
This cable is custom-made according to customer's specific requirements as selected by the various dropdown options above. Future Shop can terminate your speaker cable using the Atlas Achromatic Z Plugs (Banana/BFA), the Atlas’ Gold Plated 4mm banana/BFA Z-Plugs or gold-plated spade Plugs. Cables are professionally terminated using a cold-weld method by Future Shop's engineers and guaranteed for ten years. The plugs are put on using a cold weld method with an official tool supplied by Atlas. Cold-welding does not involve solder, which means the plug is crimped around the conductors at 360 degrees' under very high pressure to form an air-tight seal, which prevents the conductors from oxidising. This forms a better contact than soldering. Furthermore, the conductor is in full contact with the plug, which is in 360-degree contact with the binding post of your equipment, which means the signal flow is maximised from the cable into your equipment.
Ordering your cable from Future Shop is simple. Follow these simple steps to customise and secure your purchase:
Once these processes are complete and subject to Future Shop's Terms & Conditions and stock availability, your cable will be dispatched for delivery.
Please remember that the dispatch time may vary depending on the complexity of your custom cable and the stock availability. Future Shop is committed to ensuring a smooth ordering process and providing you with high-quality products that meet your audio needs.
Atlas Cables, a distinguished company headquartered in Scotland, embodies engineering excellence, showcasing an unwavering commitment to research, development, and quality manufacturing. The company's foundational ethos is rooted in an unyielding love for music, from which stems its innovative approach to designing and crafting audio cables and accessories.
What sets Atlas Cables apart from many other brands, often called 'assemblers,' is their control over the entire creation process. While many competitors settle for assembling products from 'off the shelf' components, Atlas delves deeper, ensuring that each element of their products - from core conductors to insulating materials and terminations - is precisely tailored to meet or exceed performance specifications. This control translates to consistency in assembly and a robust quality control system backed by a five-year guarantee.
Manufacturing primarily in Scotland, a region known for its longstanding tradition of engineering brilliance, Atlas Cables takes pride in building products unique to its brand. Their approach circumvents reliance on pre-existing components and instead focuses on original thinking and total control. This philosophy has led to the development of groundbreaking technologies like the low-mass/high-bandwidth Achromatic & Ultra RCA plugs and the more recent Metik connectors tailored for the personal audio market.
Atlas Cables' comprehensive in-house capabilities encompass everything from CAD concept drawings to listening room tests, ensuring synergy across their entire product range. This ability to innovate, paired with rigorous testing and attentive listening, is more than a business strategy; it's the company's unique 'DNA,' ensuring that every product reflects the love of music that fuels the brand.
In a market where others may settle for assembling existing parts, Atlas Cables continues to push boundaries, seeking better ways to design and build their products. Their insistence on originality and excellence allows them to offer advanced technology remarkably cost-effectively. The final result? A portfolio of cables, plugs, and accessories you'll not find elsewhere is truly unique to Atlas, reflecting a profound connection between engineering excellence and the deep love of music that inspired it all.
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.
Please take note of the following details regarding our cable burn-in service:
The Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in machine integrates three key functions into one operation:
The VIDAR employs a proprietary combination of composite and complex signals to condition the cables. These signals comprise ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies, extending beyond the range of video frequencies. The signal moves back and forth along the cable, penetrating deep into the core with ultra-low frequencies and traversing the surface with ultra-high frequencies. This transmission method generates beat harmonics between the two complex waveforms, which permeate all layers of the cable. The circuitry of the VIDAR also drives electrons from the conductor into the insulation area, neutralizing electrical charges.
The ultimate outcome of conditioning cables with the Nordost VIDAR is improved sound staging, increased detail, and an overall more musical presentation in your audio system.
Now, you may wonder why cable burn-in is necessary. During cable manufacturing, gasses become trapped as insulation is applied over the conductors. Additionally, new cables often possess high electrical charges, resulting in a brittle and bright sound that lacks the desired detail and depth for music production.
When cables undergo burn-in, the trapped gasses are dissipated, and small impurities in the conductor metals begin to exhibit diode-like behaviour, favouring current flow in a specific direction.
Here are the physical effects of the burn-in process:
When cables are properly burnt in, you can expect the following audible changes in your audio system:
At Future Shop, our goal is to maximise your satisfaction. That's why we offer a free burn-in service on all our cables before they arrive at your door, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the benefits of properly conditioned cables in your audio system.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT