Altas Cables Ailsa Ultra Grun Interconnect Cables (RCA)

System is being downsized due to lack of time re: work commitments.

Based on available professional reviews, the Atlas Cables Ailsa Ultra Grun Interconnect Cables (RCA) receive strong acclaim across multiple dimensions:

## Sound Quality

Reviewers consistently describe the sound as neutral and uncolored, with the cable essentially disappearing into the system rather than imparting its own character. The Audiograde review notes that the cables are "so neutral this cable is" and provide "an uncoloured or compromised window into hi-end system," allowing the source components to shine through without degradation. Fidelity Magazine describes it as an "ambitious cable line that remains halfway on the carpet in terms of price and is absolutely worth a listen," with particular interest in the Grun grounding system's contribution to sound quality. The cables are characterized as delivering a "beautifully balanced, open, accurate, natural sound" that defines "a new performance standard at its price point."

## Build Quality and Design

Users and reviewers emphasize premium construction throughout. The Audiograde review states: "From the braided speaker cable jackets, to the connectors, to the earth fly leads, not a single corner has been cut and nothing feels in any way compromised." The cables feature solid-core OCC copper conductors, low-mass Ultra L RCA plugs with an innovative 3D-printed lattice structure, and a dual-drain (dd) system that prevents screen distortion during production. The woven outer jacket in titanium silver adds to the premium appearance.

## Strengths

- Exceptional neutrality allowing system components to perform without coloration
- Robust engineering with Atlas's precision dd configuration and Grun Coherent Earthing System for RFI/EMI noise reduction
- Practical longevity — reviewers note the cables feel like they'll "last decades of practical use while still giving their best"
- Versatility across different cable lengths, particularly excelling in longer runs

## Weaknesses

- Stiffness — the solid-core construction makes the cables less flexible; one reviewer notes "don't expect to be bending it through 90° straight out of the back of your amp"
- Connector markers — the +/- indicators on speaker versions are printed small and difficult to see
- Complexity — the Grun system adds extra grounding cables and adapters that require careful setup
- Price point — at approximately €1,750 for 1.5m RCA versions, these are significant investment cables

## Overall Reputation

Professional reviewers regard these cables as excellent performers for high-end systems. The Audiograde review concludes: "If you want extremely high performance cables for equally high performing systems then Atlas's finest should be at the top of your audition list, as they sound as good as they look." Reviewers emphasize that the cables' value lies in their transparency rather than sonic enhancement — they're designed to reveal your system's true performance rather than add character.

The fair AUD market price for a new Atlas Cables Ailsa Ultra Grun RCA interconnect cable (typically 0.5m or 1m length, single pair) is approximately $2,300–$2,500.

This range reflects current Australian retailer listings as of recent data: $2,294 at The Groove Man, $2,410 at Audio Influence and Hifi Guru, with a higher $3,624 for the Duo variant (dual conductor design). UK equivalents convert to roughly AUD 2,900–3,200 for 1m (£1,510–£1,650), but Australian pricing is lower due to local distribution.

Prices vary significantly by condition: new units hold full retail value in this range, while used examples (not listed in current data) typically sell for 60–80% of new ($1,400–$2,000 AUD), based on standard high-end audio cable depreciation patterns.

Key factors affecting value:
- Length: Starts at 0.5m (~$2,300); longer runs (e.g., 1m or 1.5m) add $200–500 per 0.5m increment.
- Configuration: Standard single vs. Duo Ultra L (higher at ~$3,600).
- Condition: New in box commands premium; used depends on wear, original packaging, and Grun earthing accessories.
- Accessories: Includes Grun Coherent Earthing System adapter; full grounding setup adds value.
- Market: Limited stock at specialty HiFi retailers; demand for Atlas's OCC copper, PTFE dielectric, and dual-drain tech supports steady pricing. Variations occur by retailer promotions or shipping.