Atlas Ailsa R1 Speaker Cable - Factory Terminated
Usage Guide
Amplifier
Speakers
Connection Guide
Spade
Banana
Our Hi-Fi specialists give free, honest advice — no commission, ever. Contact us by email or phone and we'll help you find the right cable for your system.
Item code: Ailsa R1 Speaker
Inc. VAT (20%) · Ex. VAT: £500.00 Ex. VAT · Inc. VAT (20%):
Lowest price in the last 30 days:
Request to Price Match
If you've seen a better offer for this product, we will endeavour to match it. The competing offer must be on brand-new boxed items, and in stock from another UK Online Authorised Retailer (excluding marketplaces). Price match quotations are valid for 7 days.
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.
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Atlas Ailsa R1 Speaker Cable - Factory Terminated
The Atlas Ailsa R1 is the entry point into OCC copper construction within the Atlas speaker cable range, and it brings a meaningful step up in conductor quality over the cables below it in the hierarchy. The Ohno Continuous Casting process produces an exceptionally long crystal grain structure along the length of each conductor, significantly reducing the signal boundaries that impede audio transmission and contribute to coloration. With a generous 3.0mm² conductor cross-section, the Ailsa delivers strong low-frequency performance and dynamic authority, while Atlas's SSG (Super-Stabilised conductor Geometry) and an anti-vibration cotton filler work together to keep the conductor arrangement consistent and stable along the cable's length. The dielectric is a microporous PTFE, a low-density material that minimises signal smearing more effectively than standard solid PTFE, preserving timing and fine detail across the frequency range.
Factory termination is carried out by Atlas engineers using their cold-weld precision crimp process, which forms a 360-degree airtight contact between conductor and plug without solder. This avoids the material inconsistencies of soldered joints and ensures the conductor remains free from oxidisation over time. The cable is available terminated with Atlas Achromatic Z-plugs (banana/BFA) or Achromatic spade connectors, and all terminated cables are pre-burnt in for 96 hours before dispatch. Ordered to your specified length with amplifier and speaker end terminations selected independently, the Ailsa R1 is a properly engineered speaker cable for systems where the connection between amplifier and loudspeaker is taken as seriously as the components themselves.
Here is what Atlas say about the Ailsa R1 Speaker Cable
Ailsa Speaker R1 is a high-performance OCC speaker cable offering discerning audiophiles a true taste of ‘high end’ sound quality. Available terminated in Z (Z-plug) or S (spade) versions.
All cables inevitably lose some of the audio signal and/or add their own colourations. Our newest product range, every aspect of the Ailsa family is designed and engineered to reduce this distortion to extremely low levels – meaning you get more of your music with an absolute minimum taken away or added.
Ailsa is the first in our product hierarchy to use high-purity OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) copper conductors. With a 3.0mm² diameter, the generous conductor cross-section gives superior low-frequency performance, while carefully optimised construction featuring our SSG (Super-Stabilised conductor Geometry) and anti-vibration cottton filler ensures Ailsa is exceptionally transparent to the signal for a cable of this class.
For the dielectric, we use a high-efficiency microporous PTFE which means virtually no ‘smearing’ or other signal degradation.
Our robust low contact resistance Systematic connectors and precision-calibrated cold-weld termination give a superior connection to conventional solder fixing, with increased signal continuity because of fewer ‘barriers’ created by different materials.
Cold weld Precision Crimped Termination
Our objective is a smooth, uninterrupted signal path which behaves as one continuous entity, with the minimum of ‘breaks & barriers’ in the signal path.
The Process
We have invested in machinery to quickly and efficiently perform a number of the key stages in our manufacturing process, including precision-crimping of connectors on all types of cable.
We also have a number of identically calibrated hand-tools — there are times when there’s no substitute for the experience of a skilled operator.
Cold-Weld Precision-Calibrated Crimp
We firmly believe there should be the minimum of ‘breaks & barriers’ in the signal path. To this end for example, the pins on our connector plugs will typically be of the same material as the cable conductor, ie. a cable using a OCC Copper conductor will have OCC Copper signal pins.
We consider a precision-calibrated cold-weld connection (where physically possible) to be superior to soldered joints or screw connections. Solder typically introduces an unwanted material barrier and a degree of inconsistency. Screw terminations typically distort/damage the conductor and/or dielectric, adversely affecting the measured characteristics of the cable.
In a cold-weld (solder-free) connection, the metal of the connector plug and the wire are squeezed together under a calibrated pressure to form a robust, consistent, air-tight metal to metal contact with no deformation of the cable dielectric. The result is a smooth, uninterrupted signal path which behaves as closely as possible to one continuous entity.
OCC Copper
The Ohno continuous casting method re-heats the extrusion as the molten copper is forced out of the mould and very slowly and gradually draws the grain or crystal down the conductor''s length, creating a ‘single crystal structure.’ Actually, because no copper is 100% pure, there will always be a few boundaries produced by impurities. The frequency of boundaries created are quite insignificant. A typical crystal in a copper conductor drawn to 0.3 mm diam. using the OCC process is 125.00 metres long! The benefits are obvious, with almost no crystal boundaries, the audio signal is no longer impeded down the copper wire and more information and detail is delivered faithfully to the receiving equipment.
|
|
Atlas' proprietary Beryllium Achromatic Z Plug is a low-mass, self-cleaning, solder-free construction speaker plug. These cables can also be supplied with an OFC spade tag option at one or both ends, please specify when ordering. |
![]() |
OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) process was developed by Professor Ohno, from the Chiba Institute of Technology, to manufacture a very high purity single grain copper or silver. There are only a handful of companies in the world manufacturing via this method. |
![]() |
Microporous PTFE (Teflon™) is a unique, low density dielectric material, phase stable at room temperature, which offers significant performance improvements over solid PTFE (Teflon™) dielectric designs. |
|
|
A pair of identically matched conductors (one for signal path, the other acts as the return conductor) enclosed within a protective round PVC sheath. |
Specification
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Construction: Twin-core round
- Material: OCC Copper 2 x 3.0mm2
- Dielectric: Microporous PTFE
- Capacitance: 42.08 pF/m
- Inductance: 0.707 µH/m
- Resistance: 0.0059 Ohms/m
- Outside Diameter: 12.00mm
- Colour/Finish: Gloss Grey
Termination
This cable is custom-made according to the customer's specific requirements as selected by the various dropdown options above. Atlas engineers will terminate your speaker cable using the Atlas Achromatic Z Plugs (Banana/BFA) or the Atlas Achromatic spade Plugs. Cables are professionally terminated using a cold-weld method and guaranteed for ten years. 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.
How to Order
From the dropdown menus' above, simply select the length of cable, the type of plugs required at the ‘Amplifier end’ and ‘Speaker end’ and click on the 'Add to Basket' button to add the item to your basket. Your cable will be dispatched as soon as the Atlas Cable engineers complete production, and we have completed the specified burn-in process (if any), subject to Future Shop’s Terms & Conditions and stock availability.
Ordering your cable from Future Shop is simple. Follow these simple steps to customise and secure your purchase:
- Length Selection: Begin by selecting the desired length of your cable from the dropdown menu provided. Choose the appropriate measurement that suits your specific setup requirements.
- Plug Selection: Next, specify the type of plugs you need for both the 'Amplifier end' and the 'Speaker end' of the cable. Select the plugs that best match your equipment and connectivity preferences from the dropdown menus.
- Burn-In Time: If you prefer your cable to undergo a burn-in process for optimal performance, indicate the desired duration from the dropdown menu. Unless otherwise specified, all cables are pre-burnt in for 96 hours.
- Add to Basket: Once you have made all the necessary selections, click on the 'Add to Basket' button. This action adds your customised cable to your shopping basket, bringing you one step closer to completing your order.
- Dispatch and Delivery: After placing your order, the manufacturer's engineers will promptly manufacture your cable according to your specifications. It will then undergo the specified burn-in process if chosen.
Please note: Please note you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair of speaker cables, i.e. for the left speaker and right speaker.
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.
About Atlas Cables 
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.
About Atlas Cables
Scottish cable maker that designs and builds its own conductors, connectors and cables rather than assembling bought-in parts.
Atlas researches, designs and produces its cables in Scotland, with a handful of exceptions. Many cable brands assemble off-the-shelf components, but Atlas specifies the conductors, insulation and terminations itself and tests the result in its own listening room. It offers a five-year guarantee on its cables.
Read more about Atlas Show less
The plugs are Atlas designs too
Atlas designs its own RCA plugs. The Achromatic and Ultra RCAs are built for low mass and high bandwidth, and the newer Metik connectors were developed for personal audio. Designing the connectors in house means Atlas is not limited to what an outside supplier already sells.
Three performance levels, with named ranges in each
The catalogue is arranged in three performance levels. Upgrade covers Element and Equator, Aspire covers Hyper and Ailsa, and High End covers Mavros, Arran, Eos and Zeno. You can choose the level that suits the rest of your system, then move up later without changing brand.
Custom options and a repair service
Atlas lists luxe and speaker termination options, so you can specify a cable to suit the equipment at each end. It also repairs, customises and upgrades its cables through a dedicated service, which means you can bring an older cable up to date instead of replacing it.
Why we stock Atlas
Atlas run pure copper conductors through most of the range rather than silver or silver plating. That gives a warmer, more forgiving balance than the silver-plated cables we sell. If your system is already leaning bright, Atlas is usually where we point you first. Hand-built in Scotland, and we have sold them since 2008.
New cables (even high-quality ones) benefit from a period of signal conditioning before reaching their optimum performance. The dielectric (insulation) around the conductors needs time to stabilise under the electromagnetic field created by signal flow. Rather than leaving this to you, we run cables on our Nordost Vidar burn-in machine before dispatch, up to the equivalent of 200 hours of use, in a fraction of the time. Your cable arrives performance-ready from the first listen.
Specification
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Construction: Twin-core round
- Material: OCC Copper 2 x 3.0mm2
- Dielectric: Microporous PTFE
- Capacitance: 42.08 pF/m
- Inductance: 0.707 µH/m
- Resistance: 0.0059 Ohms/m
- Outside Diameter: 12.00mm
- Colour/Finish: Gloss Grey
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 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 Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.








Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free 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 Future Shop
- 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 DHL 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 DPD or DHL).
- 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.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
| 0g - 1000g | £3.95 |
| 1000g - 1400g | £4.95 |
| 1400g - 1800g | £5.95 |
| 1800g - 2000g | £6.95 |
| 2000g - 3000g | £8.95 |
* 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 DHL 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 DHL.
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.
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.
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 not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 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
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 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 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 at our discretion
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.






