Atlas Equator 2.0
Detailed delivery; good weight and balance; flexible FOR Pricier rivals offer more drive and momentum AGAINST “With the Equator 2.0 cable inserted into our reference system, our first impression is that it sounds wonderfully clear and concise”
Perfect for budget or midrange systems in need of an upgrade – or older systems that could do with a spot of freshening up – the latest version of the Atlas Equator 2.0 speaker cable is a simple, effective and affordable way to spruce up your hi-fi’s sound.
Cutting corners
For £7.25 per metre, you are getting a length of cable that’s nicely made and is sturdy and flexible enough to bend around tricky corners. Our review sample is terminated in Atlas’s proprietary Z banana plugs, but you can also choose to purchase the cable with spade connectors or keep them bare.
The Equator 2.0 has a multi-core construction, consisting of a pair of identically matched conductors. Atlas uses oxygen free copper (OFC) conductors in the 2018 version of these speaker cables. The purity and amount of copper used has been increased from the previous version of the Equator that we reviewed in 2014, too. Atlas believes that increasing the purity results in better sound quality.
Driving force
With the Equator 2.0 cables inserted into our reference system, we play Into My Arms by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds. The first impression we get is one of an immediate boost in clarity.
Our system sounds wonderfully clear and concise with the Atlas cables plugged in, with Cave’s voice coming across as richly detailed, focused and direct. There’s a pleasingly full-bodied sound to the track, as piano notes clunk along with ample weight, and Cave’s mournful and expressive singing has plenty of gravitas.
Switch to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, and the cables help our system deliver those funky beats with snappy timing and a good dose of enjoyable dynamics. In our previous review of the older Equator cable, we concluded that it made our system sound a touch flat, but there’s no such lack of involvement or excitement here.
As the tune bops merrily along, the edges of notes are neatly delivered, with a clean treble that has plenty of impact but still sounds smooth. Make sure you run the cable in for a night or two to get rid of some initial spikiness.
Cable competition
But compared with more expensive speaker cables, including Chord Company’s Clearway (£10/m) and the Audioquest Rocket 11 (£12.50/m), the Atlas doesn’t quite reveal the same amount of drive or momentum.
Still, the increase in clarity and punch when using the Equator 2.0 over budget alternatives should be applauded, especially at this relatively affordable price. If you think your budget/midrange hi-fi system could do with a touch of sonic spring cleaning, but aren't sure what needs upgrading (and you also don’t want to spend too much), plug these Atlas speaker cables in. You might find it’s just what your system needs.