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Ecosse The Master Reference 2.0 DCT 2 XLR to 2 XLR Audio Cable Pair
As low as £1,300.00 £1,083.33
SKU
Ecosse The Master Reference XLR
10 Years
New
48 Hours
'The Master Reference' shares the same benefits of quality material, construction and termination as 'The Maestro', but now the cable is triple screened; here, the Monocrystal™-Cu signal and return conductors, in a twisted pair topology.
Ecosse The Master Reference 2.0 DCT 2 XLR to 2 XLR Audio Cable
Ecosse's cryogenic masterpiece - Drawing on all the strengths - in terms of construction and conductor materials- of their multi-award winning Maestro Interconnect but upping the 'anti' to ensure a cable with an even greater degree of transparency, detail and three-dimensionality you may think would be a hard act to follow, and you'd be right. But succeed they did!
The stunning ‘Master Reference' shares the same benefits of quality material, construction and termination as 'The Maestro', but now the cable is triple screened; here, the Monocrystal™-Cu signal and return conductors, in a twisted pair topology, are further protected from EMI/ESI/RFI noise ingress by both a Copper/Mylar 100% shield and Monocrystal™ Cu close-lapped braid screens. In addition, modulation effects due to microphony are all but eliminated by cotton fibre filler and the soft PVC outer jacket- and then, to ensure an extremely uniform, refined and dense microstructure with vastly improved mechanical properties, the cable is then deep - cryogenically treated. (DCT)
What does Deep Cryogenically Treated mean?
DCT treatment is the process of cryogenically cooling a material over a measured period of time. The process is described in these terms since typically temperatures approaching - 200C are achieved, and this occurs over a period extending to days rather than minutes or hours. All stages of the process, from the initial slow cooling to the prolonged soak at minimum temperature, through to a carefully staged return to ambient temperature are achieved with precision measurement, and computer control.
Specifically, for non-ferrous metals (such as Monocrystal™ copper and silver)- 'Sub zero treatment of the material at these temperatures results in reduced residual stresses in both conductor and dielectric. Deep cryogenic treatment at temperatures of -185'C further enhances the materials properties. By slowing down atomic movement, the internal molecular bonding energy is increased which promotes a pure structural balance throughout the mass of the material. The end result being a material with an extremely uniform, refined and dense microstructure with vastly improved properties.
Balanced or pseudo-balanced?
The Master Reference differs from The Maestro Interconnect in so far as the two paths for the signal are electrically identical with a separate screen. This topology is called 'symmetrical; Wired in a 'pseudo-balanced' fashion (with the screen connected at one end only to drain unwanted 'noise' (R.F.I.) it is terminated with Ecosse's deep silver-plated (for faster, smoother transmission) non-compressing all- Monocrystal™ copper MACH2XS RCA plugs. The MACH2XS offers all the benefits of theior super awesome MACH3 RCAs but without the cost involved.
For 'fully- balanced' systems 'The Master Reference' may be specified with Ecosse's Audiophile-Reference quality all-Monocrystal™ copper XLR plugs. This interconnect, due to its construction, is directional and an arrow on the sleeve indicates the appropriate direction.
It is equally at home between pre and power amp, between CD and pre amp or as tone -arm cable. The Master Reference exhibits vanishingly low noise and while eminently suitable for all line-level equipment, its low noise performance makes it positively shine between turntable and phono stage. In the right set up, where your system has the ability to resolve ever the finest levels of detail, it will outperform ALL its predecessors.
Ecosse sincerely recommend you match this cable from one of their Monocrystal™ 'speaker' range for the ultimate audio experience; try it with their MS4.45 pre-terminated biwire combination or better still one of their new SuperMonocrystal™ types.
A word about our unique terminations
The terminations at the ends of cables are part of the transmission path and therefore vital to it. They must not impede the delicate audio signal as inappropriate termination on the cable changes the so called characteristic impudence (and other electrical attributes) of the cable. The signal can be severely compromised by poor, compressing RCA plugs that grip the cable with a grub screw or a collett action. The cable loses it's integrity and the impedance can drop to somewhere in the region of 35 Ohms resulting in reflections and deletions.
To maintain the quality of the all-important interface between interconnect and component and compatibility between wire material and plug, when used in pseudo-balanced connection, Ecosse has developed their unique and non-compressing constant impedance MACH2XS RCA plug. This high quality RCA plug consists of a centre pin and conjugate bracket shield* which together offer going and return paths for the audio signal. To maintain continuity and optimum conductivity, these contact points are made from deep silver plated Monocrystal™ copper - same as the conductor wire itself. The plug casing is precision machined from highest quality copper alloy and is deep-plated. This thick casing offers further shielding - effectively a second 'Faraday Cage' - and reduces the ingress and radiation of EMI, ESI and RFI 'noise' even further, to virtually zero. The interface of shield* and casing is one of high mechanical impedance, dissipating energy and rendering microphonic effects negligible. The full assembly represents Ecosse's Audiophile Grade RCA termination for smaller diameter cables and they believe the Ecosse MACH2XS RCA to be the best available price wise.
These shells are designed to perform a 5-fold function:
- They provide a terminal to which the return/screen conductors can be firmly crimped and soldered.
- They incorporate tiny teeth that grip the cable firmly and evenly around its circumference without compressing the cable and thereby maintain the cable's characteristic impedance right up to the solder joint.
- When assembled, they form a Faraday cage, screening the signal right up to and including the RCA socket. They form a union of high mechanical impedance with the outer casing, dissipating energy and therefore rendering the plug immune to the effects of microphony.
- They firmly locate and clamp the centre pin's polypropylene dielectric, which, in conjunction with the outer casing, results in a strong, stable and extremely durable structure.
Specifications :
- Monocrystal™copper conductors
- Monocrystal™ copper braid screen
- Copper-Mylar shielding for 100% environmental protection/rejection
- Superior ultra low-loss FPE dielectric
- Copper-Mylar shielding for 100% environmental protection/rejection
- MACH2XS RCA with deep silver-plated Monocrystal™ Copper pin and bracket shells
- Close tolerance Monocrystal™ MACH3 XLR plug with silver-plated pins
- Vibration absorbing low-density PVC sheath
- Supersolder™ - Ecosse's new ultra high purity silver and tin alloy solid wire-used in conjunction with their unique, passive organic flux. Together these ensure a joint with ultra low chemical contaminants and very high strength.
- 10 Years Warranty
About Ecosse Cable 
Ecosse Reference is a specialist company engaged in the design and manufacture of low voltage signal analogue and digital interconnects, loudspeaker cables and mains A.C. Powerchords. The commitment of its principals, everyone committed music and hi-fi /audio-visual enthusiasts, is to provide the highest quality products at prices which reflect today's value for money zeitgeist.
In hi-fi terms Ecosse can genuinely lay claim to being the only hi-fi company in the world drawn from a team of Audio Professionals allied with successful individuals from the fields of recording, promoting/managing and playing music!
From our extensive and growing range of cables, we have interconnects, loudSpeaker and powerchord cables to match with your hardware and with your aspirations. It should be noted that each cable is specifically designed for its application and its termination chosen to maximise its performance. We use the highest quality materials not only in our cables but also in our unique plug terminations. So whether your requirements are for two-channel or for multi-channel, audio or visual; and whether your hardware is of modest cost or obscene, we have a cable to satisfy your needs.
Specifications :
- Monocrystal™copper conductors
- Monocrystal™ copper braid screen
- Copper-Mylar shielding for 100% environmental protection/rejection
- Superior ultra low-loss FPE dielectric
- Copper-Mylar shielding for 100% environmental protection/rejection
- MACH2XS RCA with deep silver-plated Monocrystal™ Copper pin and bracket shells
- Close tolerance Monocrystal™ MACH3 XLR plug with silver-plated pins
- Vibration absorbing low-density PVC sheath
- Supersolder™ - Ecosse's new ultra high purity silver and tin alloy solid wire-used in conjunction with their unique, passive organic flux. Together these ensure a joint with ultra low chemical contaminants and very high strength.
- 10 Years Warranty
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.
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.
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
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.
Enhance Your Experience: Free Cable Burn-In Service with Nordost VIDAR Machine
Please take note of the following details regarding our cable burn-in service:
- Cable Compatibility: We regret to inform you that we cannot burn-in cables with stripped bare ends or BFA plugs. In order for cables to undergo the burn-in process, they should be terminated or have connectors.
- Timing: Cables will be burnt in for the selected period after processing your order. For custom-length cables, the burn-in process will occur after they have been terminated by the manufacturer or our engineers unless specified otherwise in the product description.
- Availability: Future Shop provides our cable burn-in service free of charge, but its availability is at our discretion. While we strive to fulfil all burn-in requests for the specified time periods, please understand that during exceptionally busy periods, we may be unable to meet the demand due to limited connections on the Nordost Vidar cable conditioning machines.
The Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in machine integrates three key functions into one operation:
- Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
- Deep Conditioning: The machine provides a wide band and deep conditioning process that affects the conductor core, resulting in changes to the signal transmission through the metal. This deep conditioning enhances the cable's performance.
- Ultrasonic Surface Conditioning: The VIDAR machine utilizes ultrasonic waves to condition the surface of the conductors, optimizing their contact and overall conductivity.
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.
So, what does this all mean for you?
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:
- Charge Neutralisation: The burn-in process neutralizes charges in the conductors and insulation, promoting a more balanced electrical environment.
- Wide Bandwidth Frequencies: The conditioning affects how signals pass through the metal, enabling a wider range of frequencies to penetrate all cable layers.
- Signal Transmission: The burn-in process establishes the directionality of the cable, optimizing signal transmission from one end to the other.
When cables are properly burnt in, you can expect the following audible changes in your audio system:
- Fuller and Natural Sound: Your system should be capable of producing a more immersive and realistic performance with a fuller and more natural sound.
- Increased Detail: You may notice enhanced details and nuances in the music, allowing you to perceive subtle elements that were previously hidden.
- Improved Soundstage: The dimensionality of your system's soundstage can be greatly improved, creating a more spacious and immersive listening experience.
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