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UK 3 Pin Mains

Merlin Tarantula MK6 UK Mains Power Cable

As low as £69.99 £58.32
SKU
Merlin Tarantula UK
Lifetime
New
24 hours
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Please select from the available options for plug terminations.

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Select the desired length for your cable from the drop-down menu.

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SPEAKER CABLES:

A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.

OTHER CABLES:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.

NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.

Available

Need help? Call us on 0800 772 3688 or 0208 905 1555

Prefer email? Contact us via sales@futureshop.co.uk

The Merlin Tarantula MK6 is a UK-designed power cable that delivers enhanced audio fidelity. It features high-purity copper conductors for superior current flow, ECG technology to reduce electrostatic interference, and natural cotton with Ali/Mylar shielding to block noise. With advanced XLPE insulation, it offers a purer soundstage, maximising your hi-fi system’s performance in a noisy environment.

Merlin Tarantula MK6 UK Mains Power Cable

 

The Tarantula MK6 from Merlin is specifically engineered for the UK mains, enhancing audio fidelity with advanced design features. The cable utilises three twisted strands of high-purity, oxygen-free copper conductors, ensuring excellent electrical flow and minimal resistance, leading to superior current handling. Merlin's proprietary ECG (Energy Control Ground) technology is incorporated within the cable, which is instrumental in mitigating electrostatic build-up, a common detriment to sound quality.

Merlin's innovative approach includes natural cotton within the cable to suppress microphonic noise, while the Ali/Mylar shield with an accompanying drain wire is an effective barrier against external interference. This rigorous construction is complemented by superior XLPE dielectric insulation, far surpassing the usual PE in standard mains cables, contributing to an even more refined sonic purity.

The Tarantula MK6 represents the culmination of Merlin's commitment to audio excellence, providing a cleaner, smoother soundstage by effectively filtering extraneous noise from your system. This latest iteration of the award-winning power cable not only preserves the integrity of your audio but enhances it, allowing you to discover the untapped potential of your hi-fi setup amidst the noise-polluted modern home environment.

Note: This product is compatible with UK mains outlets only.

 


"The company’s MK6 version is a spectacular improvement. Plug it into hi-fi electronics and, compared with your standard kettle lead, the Tarantula helps your system produce a much cleaner, smoother sound. The lack of noise allows more detail to seep through into the soundstage, with greater separation between instruments and vocals. But the benefits aren’t just hi-fi based: plug the cable into a TV, and images appear crisper, while there’s greater punch to the overall picture."

Best Mains Cable - What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Awards 2010 

Merlin Tarantula What Hi-Fi? 5 Star Review

"Plug it into your hi-fi electronics and, compared with your standard kettle lead, the Tarantula produces a much cleaner, smoother sound." (Read more)

What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision - November 2010

 

 

 

Specification

  • Conductor Material: 3 x 2.5 mm twisted high purity oxygen-free copper conductors ensure low resistance and greater current handling for a superior sound profile.
  • Dielectric: Extremely high-grade XLPE with anti-electrostatic properties, which has a much better dielectric constant than the regular PE used on most mains cables.
  • Shielding: Ali/Mylar screen with drain wire 
  • Grounding: The earth conductor uses a uni-lay construction screened with compounds to dissipate electrostatic energy.
  • Fillers: Natural cotton fillers are used to dampen microphonic noise in the cable
  • Cable Length: Customisable
  • Outer Diameter: 9 mm
  • Outer Jacket: Flexible Polyurethane
  • Plug: Re-wireable UK plug

 

 

About Merlin Cables Made in United Kingdom

Established in the early 2000s, Merlin Cables emerged with a singular mission: to deliver consistent, outstanding performance at an exceptional value. Guided by a distinct design philosophy, Merlin endeavours to minimise system noise, preserving the integrity of the original signal and allowing any audio system to shine at its optimum capacity.

Every product under the Merlin Cables banner embodies this philosophy. They universally employ high-purity copper as the conductor material, ensuring that as one navigates up the range, the performance characteristics remain consistent, only elevating in quality at each tier.

In an age where ambient noise is omnipresent and often compromises system performance, Merlin Cables stand out. Their designs deftly integrate superior materials, from high-purity copper to cross-linked polymer dielectrics and even custom noise-reducing compounds intrinsic to the materials. This harmonious blend minimises the detrimental impact of external noise on any system.

At Merlin, the pursuit of perfection is ceaseless. Despite receiving accolades and being hailed as best in class by independent reviewers, the drive to push the performance envelope remains unabated. However, change is never arbitrary. Modifications are only introduced when they offer tangible performance enhancements.

In conclusion, Merlin Cables isn’t just a brand; it’s a promise. A promise of custom-made cables, designed to exacting specifications, always pushing boundaries while staying rooted in its foundational principles of exceptional quality and value.

 

Specification

 

  • Conductor Material: 3 x 2.5 mm twisted high purity oxygen-free copper conductors ensure low resistance and greater current handling for a superior sound profile.
  • Dielectric: Extremely high-grade XLPE with anti-electrostatic properties, which has a much better dielectric constant than the regular PE used on most mains cables.
  • Shielding: Ali/Mylar screen with drain wire 
  • Grounding: The earth conductor uses a uni-lay construction screened with compounds to dissipate electrostatic energy.
  • Fillers: Natural cotton fillers are used to dampen microphonic noise in the cable
  • Cable Length: Customisable
  • Outer Diameter: 9 mm
  • Outer Jacket: Flexible Polyurethane
  • Plug: Re-wireable UK plug

UK Delivery

 

1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option

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:

  • Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
  • 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 next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
  • Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
  • You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
  • We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
  • FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.

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.

 

Royal Mail 1st Class Shipping DPD Next Day Delivery

 

2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day

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.

 

Royal Mail Special Next Working Day Delivery

 

3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland

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.

 

European Countries

Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
  • Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours

 

Royal Mail International DeliveryRoyal Mail International Tracked DeliveryFedEX Express Economy International DeliveryFedEX Express Priority International DeliveryDHL Worldwide Express International DeliveryDHL Econmy Select International Delivery

 

Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe

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:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
  • Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.

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.

 

Royal Mail International DeliveryRoyal Mail International Tracked DeliveryFedEX Express Economy International DeliveryFedEX Express Priority International DeliveryDHL Worldwide Express International DeliveryDHL Econmy Select International Delivery

 

Customer Reviews
97%
4.9 /5.0 of 50 Reviews
5 stars 44 (88%)
4 stars 4 (8%)
3 stars 2 (4%)
2 stars 0 (0%)
1 star 0 (0%)
5
Power cable upgrade
26 Jul 2024
Verified Buyer
This was a worthwhile upgrade to the standard power cable supplied with my Rega amplifier.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Richer, clearer sound. Better than some expensive cables.
13 Jul 2024
Verified Buyer
I tried one of these cables some years ago, and the improvement in tone and clarity was immediately apparent compared to the cables provided. It has a wider soundstage and sharper, more defined, less woolly bass.

I once paid silly money for a "highly recommended" well-known branded mains cable and thought the sonic improvement was not worth the hefty price difference compared to the Merlin.

Since then, I have bought six more of these cables (though not all at once) in a variety of lengths for the two systems I have. So, I guess I must rate them. I always change the fuse to a better-quality one, improving the sound.

In my opinion, this cable is a very good upgrade if you want a significant improvement in sound without breaking the bank.

As always, Futureshop provides fast service with each purchase.
Was this review helpful? 0
3
Does the Merlin PSU make a difference?
11 Jun 2024
Verified Buyer
Having used the Tarantula PSU with their 6-way gang for some time, I considered buying another two for the amp and streamer.

Did it make any appreciable difference to the sound? It's hard to say. Possibly, the treble was tighter, and the bass was less muffled. All in all, in my setup, it was not worth the investment. It may have been more cost-effective to use 2 PSU cables directly from the wall.

I can't fault the service from Future Shop, though. As a returning customer, I'm still very impressed.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Open the sound stage of my system
10 Jun 2024
Verified Buyer
I have long heard that power supply cords affect sound quality, but I have never experienced an improvement when I try some other unbranded thickened power cords on the market. Normally, they become thicker and more base in sound quality until I tried this awarded power supply cord, which was originally out of my budget as it is not cheap.

I know the audiophile guy said this is entry-level only, but when I plugged in and played the first CD, it surprised me that it provided a very clear and big sound stage. It really impressed my wife and me. How come a power cord can have such an improvement?

So my next action will be to purchase another one soon. I will recommend this power supply cord to others as a good starting point for showing your system a new sound stage.

Thank you.
Was this review helpful? 0
4
Repacement mains power cable
14 May 2024
Verified Buyer
Bought this product as an upgrade to the standard mains cable attached to my Rotel T14 streamer/tuner.

It's not cheap, but it's a good fit. The jury is still out on how much it lowers noise and interference in my audio system.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Well made quality cable.
13 Apr 2024
Verified Buyer
Well-made quality cable. Great service, great product. Built with care and attention.

Great stuff Futureshop!
Was this review helpful? 0
5
An affordable upgrade
7 Jan 2024
Verified Buyer
When compared with the bog standard kettle cords that seem to come as standard with most audio equipment, this is an obvious upgrade.

The difference was noticeable from the start, with the sound becoming less ‘pinched’ & more relaxed, which is why this cable won me over immediately. The noise floor is audibly lower, and the imaging is a bit better.

I would recommend this to anyone as an affordable component to improving an already well-matched hi-fi system.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
I was a sceptic but now a believer
9 Nov 2023
Verified Buyer
I have for many years questioned if power cables truly make a difference to Hifi equipment, so I thought I would give these already well-reviewed leads a go.

My system consists of the Kef LS50 Wii active speakers and the Kef KC62 Sub, a setup I was already very happy with.

On connecting things up and running through some Tidal recordings, I was stunned by the result. The change seemed to unearth a little more detail and made for a smoother sound.

I am extremely happy with my purchase.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Solid and successful upgrade
3 Nov 2023
Verified Buyer
As an improvement on the out-of-the-box wire for a Marantz CR612 one-box system, I’m not sure what I was expecting, as my speakers are an old-fashioned design (and age).

The connector is a tight fit, and the thick cable needs space as it is not super flexible. However, the sound … well, to my surprise, and we replaced the wires and power blocks over a few tracks, and it was clearly this Tarantula cable making a difference. A bit cleaner, sweeter, warmer and ever so slightly deeper sound due to the power cable.

I bought it to try … and am really glad I did.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Incredible difference!
12 Mar 2023
Verified Buyer
I read some reviews and did a little research, and I thought I'd try a Merlin Tarantula MK6 into my sub...OMG, what a sonic improvement...I was stunned!

Great product. I would highly recommend it, and I will repurchase it.

Thanks, Futureshop.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Upgraded my system
21 Feb 2023
Verified Buyer
Initially got one cable, and switching it between the digital source and amp found in each case, a little more definition to the soundstage.

A second cable seemed to complement this improvement, which proved so. The MK6 now powers both the amp and source.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Nice entry-level power cable
11 Feb 2023
Verified Buyer
It gives you what you need at this price.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Solves Flickering on Mac Mini 2014
8 Jan 2023
Verified Buyer
I bought another one of these to replace the standard power cord which came with the Mac mini 2014.

It has removed the slight flickering which would occur on the tv display with the previous cord.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Great Product & Service
8 Jan 2023
Verified Buyer
Good product at a good price, speedily delivered, recommended.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Significant Reduction of TV Grainy Image
30 Dec 2022
Verified Buyer
I bought the IEC C7 figure 8 version.

I didn't notice any change in the audio I experienced, but there was a significant reduction in the "grainy" picture image.

It's a well-built cable. The only small drawback is that the 3-pin UK plug has 13A moulded on the plug, so I assume that the 2.5amp fuse plug has been correctly fitted within.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Excellent product
6 Sep 2022
Verified Buyer
Excellent product

Honestly, this is one of the best audio purchases I have made. This cable is doing an amazing job. I highly recommend it, and I think it is a very good upgrade from the stock cables.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Incredible difference
21 Aug 2022
Verified Buyer
For the money, this power cable is a no-brainer for any system.

I use it with my new £2400 tube amp and my £150 off eBay technics and all sources. My friend has the AudioQuest NRG-Z2, which wasn't fully run either, but at that point, I'd take the MK6 every time.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Just do it!
8 May 2022
Verified Buyer
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!





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5
Upgrade your mains cable
5 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
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.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Clean power
30 Dec 2021
Verified Buyer
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.
Was this review helpful? 0
4
First class power connect
2 Aug 2021
Verified Buyer
British hifi quality build product excellent
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5
Well made
10 Jul 2021
Verified Buyer
Very well made cable.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Pleasantly surprised
21 Jun 2021
Verified Buyer
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.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Outstanding quality
7 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
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.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Excellent cable
29 Nov 2020
Verified Buyer
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.
Was this review helpful? 0
5
Great upgrade
27 Nov 2020
Verified Buyer
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.
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5
Use it for my CD player. Less noise with cleaner sound
30 Oct 2020
Verified Buyer
Delivery as expected with good packaging. Noticed cleaner sound with less noise.
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5
GREAT UP GRADE FOR NEUTRAL TONE
29 Jun 2020
Verified Buyer
Really happy with this 2019 version of the Merlin Tarantula power cable. I use this on the latest Merlin Black Widow Mains block & it’s a great combination! The sound is very neutral & with natural midrange.
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5
Epic improvement
14 May 2020
Verified Buyer
This Merlin Tarantula MK6 is brilliant!

It has delivered stark improvements to areas that I did not believe were possible to such an extent.

I now have a big cohesive soundstage, fantastic mids, a more detailed, sweet and intricate treble and a nice deep, tight, textured bass. Great dynamics, sound is visceral, live and 3D. Ace.
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3
No difference compare to my standard cable
28 Mar 2020
Verified Buyer
I can’t experienced the difference compare with the factory supplied cable, I use it no matter on my stereo amplifier, streamer, or dac, I can’t experience any difference at all, although the price is low, however I expect there should have some difference with standard cable
Was this review helpful? 4