Atlas Achromatic X RCA.
Technology : Innovation in practiceBuilding 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.
When originally introduced our Achromatic connnectors established a new standard for their price point. So naturally we’ve improved them. Twice.
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.
the performance connection
