Anybody purchase a Fig 8 purchased on the basis of WHF review?

[Cookie Monster]

Just about to order a new Fig 8 cable for TV. Did anybody out there purchase one on the basis of the WHF reviews?

Just wondering what sort of improvements to expect for my cash.

Thanks

 

[Clare Newsome]

I did

Seriously - I upgraded my Sky box cable after we'd completed the test.

Thanks to everyone whom suggested the review in the first place

 

[Anonymous]

What is a Fig 8 cable.

 

[basshead]

hifinonsense:
What is a Fig 8 cable.

this one maybe? http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Merlin-Tarantula-Figure-8/

 

[cstanwhf]

Given the perfoemance of this Merlin, would it be worthwhile to get the Chord Superscreen instead at a high price?

 

[Anonymous]

If like me, you have some decent iec mains cables lying around not in use then it is much cheaper to get an adaptor to make them into fig 8 leads (only a couple of quid). If you don't then you could get hold of some supra mains cable un-terminated (£10-15) and just buy a basic mk plug and iec for the other end and your away, total should be about £20-25 max. Will still be quality and be cheaper than buying a fig 8 lead for £40 ish in my opinion.

 

[Cookie Monster]

Still a little confused as to which cable to get. Want it for TV first which is Fig 8. (Really)

Looked at the £40 Merlin Tarantula but on the website there are lots of options for NAS filters to remove picture noise etc.

Their recommended Fig 8 is £75, but looks impressive.

As i use a mains conditioner would these filters be pointless, even detrimental to the power supply?

 

[fayeanddavid]

To add to the confusion..................

Didn't purchase a mains lead/fig 8 from teh WHF review but did have a Furutech Fig 8 fitted to a Chord Power Chord for the Sky HD box, with a significant improvement in PQ in terms of detail and "punch"

Very impressed

If that helps?

 

[Clare Newsome]

As ever with these products, i'd urge trying before you buy - make up your own mind, with your own kit, and return if you're not happy.

 

[Anonymous]

I have to be honest, I purchased a Merlin Tarantula Fig 8 before the What Hi Fi review. It was to go on my Sony 46HX803. I was so pleased with it!! Pictures on my upscaling DVD player and Blu Ray were definitely improved!! The next step was obviously SKY HD. Having had it on for roughly 6 weeks, the picture is a massive improvement. The menu for example is a lot drjer (blue) with crisp wording and edging.

I bought mine direct from Merlin on a well known online auction website. The cable is £40 with £4 postage and packaging. They do have a 'best offer' option, which on both times I offered the minimum of £35.00, which was accepted. Delivery took roughly 3 days. Excellent service.

 

[michael hoy]

I purchased a Merlin Tarantula Fig 8 from the well known online auction website some time ago and I would agree on seeing improvement to the PQ IMO.

Good service and a well made product.

 

[Cookie Monster]

Hi,

Emailed Merlin and they offer a 30 day return period if there mains cables do not demonstrate the improvements you are looking for.

Also gave me an explanation of how the SE cable works differently to the Tacima and thus does not limit current.

Great detailed response from Merlin, shall be ordering Tarantula SE cable at £75.

 

[Anonymous]

bought one myself with the little voice in my head saying what a waste of money, however im very happy with it and i found it a great upgrade, one word of advice measure it before you order as i got the 1m and its nowhere near long enough, currently begging to change it

 

[cstanwhf]

I got a 1M said cable as well and mine is suprisingly longer than 1M.

Not by much though.