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Awarded Best Buy from The Ear, Best of 2025 from HIFI & Music Source, and 5 Stars from What Hi-Fi?!
The Merlin Tarantula Speaker Cable combines 99.99% OFC copper conductors, XLPE insulation, and cotton damping in a slim 8.8mm jacket – delivering a flexible, high-performance solution at a competitive price. Available with Elite Reference cold-weld plugs for maximum connectivity and reliability.
The Merlin Tarantula Speaker Cable has been developed to deliver outstanding performance and versatility at an attractive price point. Designed with decades of specialist knowledge in high-performance audio cabling, it reflects Merlin’s long-standing philosophy of creating products that combine carefully chosen materials, proven engineering techniques, and excellent value for money.
At the heart of Tarantula are two 3.5mm² multi-strand conductors made from 99.99% oxygen-free copper (4N OFC). This conductor size and purity are rare to find at this level and ensure a low resistance path for the signal, supporting a smooth, detailed presentation with scale and control. Each conductor is wrapped in a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) dielectric, a significant upgrade over standard PVC thanks to its superior electrical insulation and reduced dielectric losses. This material is widely used in many premium speaker cables and helps maintain clarity, particularly over longer runs.
Inside the cable, cotton yarn and natural fibre fillers provide internal damping and stability. This helps to minimise micro-vibrations that can affect conductor geometry, ensuring the signal path remains consistent. The entire structure is finished in a durable pearl white PVC outer jacket with a slim 8.8mm diameter, making the cable flexible, easy to route, and attractive in domestic installations.
When professionally terminated, Tarantula can be paired with Elite Reference AirTite banana or spade plugs. The banana plugs feature a cold-weld, ferrule-free design for direct conductor-to-plug contact, with beryllium-copper cores and 24K gold plating to maximise conductivity and long-term reliability. Spade options also feature a cold-weld, ferrule-free design but with a silver-plated core with a 24K gold plated finish. Both plugs come with a protective metal barrel, offering excellent durability and a premium finish.
The result is a highly capable, honest cable designed to work across a wide range of systems. Whether upgrading an existing setup or building something new, the Merlin Tarantula Speaker Cable provides a flexible, well-engineered solution that draws on the same design ethos that made the Tarantula Power Cable an award-winner.
In comparative listening sessions against a selection of well-known and award-winning speaker cables, the Merlin Tarantula demonstrated a presentation that listeners described as dynamic, three-dimensional and engaging, with strong midrange presence and definition. While higher-priced models from other brands offered additional refinement and scale, Tarantula held its own admirably against alternatives in its price bracket and beyond. These comparisons highlight its ability to deliver a lively, confident performance, making it a compelling option for those seeking strong value without compromising on musical enjoyment.
As part of our internal listening tests, the Merlin Tarantula Speaker Cable was compared with a number of well-known and award-winning cables across a variety of musical styles. Here’s what our listeners noted:
"A lively, confident performance that holds its own against pricier rivals.”
"Flexible, well-built and musically involving – a compelling option at this level.”
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"As we listen to Prokofiev’s Romeo And Juliet, regardless of the system we get plenty of detail and an impressive sense of composure. While there is a good degree of finesse on offer, the Merlin doesn’t shortchange us when it comes to delivering the music’s wide-dynamic sweeps or conveying the power in certain sections of this piece. We hear scale and authority when the music demands, but also convincing instrumental textures and a tonal balance that’s as close to neutral as we’ve come across at this price." Read More Here Ketan Bharadia - What Hi-Fi? - April 2026
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"In the review system Tarantula had the beating of two similarly priced alternatives, with a superior measure of dynamic texture and a more in-focus resolution of transients and trails. The overall balance of all three proved to be rich, warm and rather hard to separate, but Tarantula did pull ahead on apparent bandwidth and low-end weight, not rolling off to quite the same degree at the top end, and delivering more dynamically expressive energy." Read More Here Kevin Fiske - The Ear - October 2025
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"The best way I can think of describing this cable conundrum is that it is like comparing 2K TV (2048 x 1080p) to 4K TV (2560 x 1440p). There’s little in it for the casual viewer/listener, but there is enough there for the discerning viewer/listener. There is also, in this context, a question of aspect ratio (the soundstage). For example, 720p looks fine on a standard iPad for the casual viewer, but may not be suitable on a projected screen. These cables give me enough confidence to totally recommend them, particularly at this price." Read More Here Simon Wilce - HIFI AND MUSIC SOURCE - November 2025
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The Elite Reference AirTite plugs offer significant advantages over traditional screw-based speaker cable plugs. Unlike screw designs, which may loosen over time and potentially impact the connection and sound quality, the Elite Reference plugs use a cold-weld method to create a secure and reliable bond between the cable and the plug. This helps maintain consistent performance and minimises signal loss, supporting clear and high-quality audio. With a ferrule-free design for direct signal transfer, beryllium copper cores, and 24K gold plating, they are engineered for enhanced conductivity and long-lasting durability. The addition of protective metal barrels further reinforces their professional-grade construction, making them an excellent choice for those who value dependable audio connections.
The Elite Reference plugs are engineered with additional advantages that make them stand out:
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 it has been made by Future Shop's or the manufacturer’s engineers and has completed the specified burn-in process (if any), subject to Future Shop’s Terms & Conditions and stock availability.
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.
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:
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
|---|---|
| 0000g – 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.
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 Future Shop 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 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:
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.
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:
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.
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
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