Atlas is first and foremost an engineering company, but one which directs its efforts towards making audio components which perform well and are built to last. Main man Kevin Kelly describes the thinking behind the Eos2.5 mains block thus: “We live in an electrically noisy soup, permeated by all manner of potential interference. The ‘household’ mains distribution blocks and extensions often used for audio/AV systems can actually contribute to performance degradation, offering little in the way of shielding, and typically incorporating noisy neon power indicators, fuse holders and low-grade wiring/bus-bars which are all points of weakness. The Eos 2.5 is a robust, no-nonsense screened power extension block designed and built to deliver unimpeded power to audio system components.” So much for the theory. How did it work in practice?
I placed the Eos 2.5 behind my system rack and plugged it into the mains socket with a chunky Eos 4dd cable, easily distinguishable by its woven outer sheath and heavy larger 16 Amp IEC plug. The two Eos dd cables were plugged into the power supply of my Gold Note PH10 phono stage and the other into my Lyngdorf TDAI3400 integrated amplifier. One of the positive parts of this experience was how flexible the Atlas cables are compared with more expensive designs which I have used in the past. They are very easy to use. The review samples were of course fitted with UK 13A plugs and sockets, but both block and cable are also available with Schuko or Nema options, depending on local requirements.
The Listening Experience
The first thing I checked was the level of low level background noise by putting my ear close to my Harbeth C7ESXD loudspeakers. It was absolutely silent. No audible hum or low level noise of any sort could be detected, so we were off to a good start.
During the review period I used vinyl extensively but also streamed Tidal directly through the Lyngdorf. Given that before installing the Atlas pieces I had been using extremely good components from a very well regarded specialist manufacturer, I was both surprised and impressed that the Atlas Eos more than held its own against these components. The quality of music and spoken word reproduction was just as vivid and lifelike as I had come to accept as the norm from using the much more expensive cables and block.
Playing through a stack of albums, the Gold Note and Lyngdorf amplifiers were still working beautifully in tandem, delivering music with effortless clarity. I have been going through something of a jazz phase lately, and playing through my relatively limited library I once again became deeply engrossed in the music. Switching to television sound via the one of the optical inputs on the TDAI3400 in the evening, the system continued to perform exceptionally well, just as it had before.
In short, there was absolutely nothing to criticise and a great deal to enjoy, which given the price differential between the Atlas Eos pieces and that which had gone before is a testament to the integrity of the Atlas approach.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the mains power that is delivered via a typical UK domestic ring main can be noisy, and that radio frequency interference can also interfere with the quality of audio being delivered by our systems. How much this will affect your listening pleasure is something that only you can decide. For my part, I want my system to deliver me the best listening experience of which it is capable, which means feeding it the cleanest electricity that I can.
When I was in hi-fi retail we used to recommend that a customer set aside about 10% of their budget for cabling, and I think that is still valid today. The Atlas Eos 2.5 mains distribution block and the matching cables will represent a terrific value for money option to customers who are embarking on their audio system odyssey and looking to give the system the best chance it has of sounding excellent. The entry level distribution block and power cable from Atlas will also carry them forward as and when they decide to upgrade.
Of course there are higher specification Atlas options available for use with more esoteric electronics, but the ones under the review deliver first rate performance at a price which makes them seem like a genuine audio bargain. As I found with the interconnects and loudspeakers last year, these power cables and the mains block feel very well made and should provide years of trouble free service. I think they offer outstanding value and they are very easy to recommend unreservedly.