Atlas Hyper R1 2 RCA to 2 RCA Audio Cable

Atlas Hyper R1 2 RCA to 2 RCA Audio Cable

The Atlas Hyper R1 is a stereo RCA interconnect built around two technologies that work together to keep the signal path as clean and unobstructed as possible. The conductors are made from OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) copper, a manufacturing process that draws the grain structure along the full length of the wire, dramatically reducing the number of crystal boundaries the signal must cross. Fewer boundaries means less impedance to the audio signal, which translates to greater retrieval of low-level detail and a more faithful transmission of the original recording. Surrounding the conductors is a PEF (Foamed Polyethylene) dielectric, a gas-foamed insulation material chosen for its low signal loss and high consistency compared to the PVC insulation commonly used in mass-market cables. An OFC braid screen completes the construction, providing protection against radio frequency interference that can raise noise levels and obscure fine musical detail.

Terminating the Hyper R1 are Atlas's latest Achromatic X RCA connectors, which represent a considered departure from conventional CNC-machined metal-bodied plugs. The connector body uses a non-conductive, low-mass material to reduce dielectric interference at the plug itself, while the signal pins are solid OFC copper with a rifled profile that ensures consistent conductor alignment during the crimping process. Crucially, the connection between conductor and plug is made using a precision cold-weld crimp rather than solder, creating an airtight metal-to-metal contact that avoids introducing additional material barriers or inconsistencies into the signal path. Gold-plated conjugate brackets handle the return signal path and provide RFI rejection without compressing the cable in a way that would alter its impedance characteristics.

The practical outcome of these design choices is a cable that Atlas describes as achieving a large, open soundstage with fine resolution, without tipping into the kind of exaggerated or artificially bright presentation that can sound impressive briefly but becomes fatiguing over time. Researched, developed, and assembled at Atlas's dedicated factory in Scotland, the Hyper R1 is a well-engineered interconnect for listeners who want honest, transparent performance from their source to amplifier connection.

Here is what Atlas say about the Hyper RCA R1

The latest generation Hyper Achromatic offers a sophisticated, evenly-balanced sound with a high level of transparency which draws you into the musical performance.

Hyper utilises OCC (Ohno Continous Casting) high purity copper conductors with a PEF (Foamed Polyethylene) dielectric, This design and construction combines wide bandwidth with excellent resistance to RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), which can raise noise levels with subsequent loss of low level detail in a poorly shielded cable.

The Hyper combines high-quality materials with our next-generation high precision Achromatic X RCA connector.

The result is a natural-sounding interconnect which achieves a large open soundstage and fine levels of resolution without any sense of exaggerated ‘detail,’ which is superficially impressive but quickly fatiguing when listening.

Features:

• Achromatic Ultra-Low-Mass Cold-Weld RCA Connector
• Cold weld Precision Crimped Termination
• OCC Conductors
• PEF Dielectric

Achromatic Plugs

Building on the strong foundation of our Integra plugs, the Achromatic X RCA connectors feature calibrated, ultra-precise cold-weld (solderless) connection, a reduction in mass & contact resistance, superior conductivity – and most importantly, improved sound quality.

Ideally, cables shouldn’t add or subtract anything, but in reality, numerous factors combine to have an audible and measurable effect — which is a form of distortion.

One of the essential elements in the mix is the connector plug. Atlas recognised over a decade ago that the traditional CNC-machined metal-bodied RCA connector was a weakness, with demonstrably significant performance loss.

Our research showed that a Polycarbonate and latterly ABS for the plug body was a superior material, allowing us to create an RCA plug with a low dielectric constant, low-mass, non-conductive body but retaining the physical resilience and stability of a CNC-machined product.

The result was our original Integra connector, used in our entry-level Element and Equator cable ranges. Our policy of continuous product development led us, in turn, to the Achromatic and now the Achromatic X RCA connectors, the latter used in the latest generation Element, Equator, Hyper and Ailsa ranges.

Low Mass, High Bandwidth Connectors.

Part of any cable's function is to keep the outside world—primarily in the form of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)—at bay. The connector plug itself and the connection are part of that mechanism.

Our Achromatic X RCA connectors utilise low-mass non-magnetic connectors to minimise the negative effect of needless metal in the plug itself, which we view as compromising optimum performance.

In Atlas cables, the conductor to plug interfaces are solder-free, and the gold-plated conjugate brackets act as the return signal path, helping reject RFI. The conjugate brackets grip the cable without compressing it, which can alter impedance. Each bracket has two asymmetrical leaves which spring open on insertion and wipe clean the signal path. Good housekeeping tip: To maintain an optimum connection, simply remove and re-insert the connector periodically.

The X Factor.

For the Achromatic X RCA, we‘ve refined the design still further in pursuit of creating a continuous signal path. The plug pins are now solid OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) rather than hollow copper-alloy. Additionally, we‘ve adopted a ‘rifled’ pin profile, enabling more consistent conductor alignment during the crimping process, and finally the PTFE part of the plug more closely matches the characteristics of the cable itself.

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.

PEF Dielectric

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). PEF (Foamed Polyethylene). 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.

Specification :

• Construction: Stranded Balanced
• Conductor: OCC Copper
• Dielectric: PEF
• Screen: OFC braid
• Capacitance: 48.86 pF/m
• Inductance: 0.756 µH/m
• Resistance: 0.859 Ohms/m
• Outside Diameter: 5 mm
• Colour/Finish: Black Fabric

About Atlas Cables 

Atlas Cables are a major producer of interconnects and cables in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. All products are researched, developed and most are assembled in the Atlas purpose built factory in Scotland.

Many of these products are unique and use advanced techniques of production or manufacture in order to bring to the user the very finest quality products. With each new model we continue to push the boundaries of reliability and performance. It's little wonder then, that Atlas Cables have had so many mile-stone advances in the past and that Atlas Cables have secured so many awards in comparative tests against other products.