KCI Pure Gold and the benefits

I think it's interesting that while system synergy is talked about so often on these forums, people continue to be surprised when a well reviewed cable doesn't sound great in their system! I've been using a pair of Silkworms in my system for a about a month now, so I think I can say a few things about the cable.

First of all, the build quality is NOT flimsy! Yes the cables are thin, but that is how they are designed. They are unshielded and made to be flexible. Because of this, you can fit a shorter length behind your gear and that saves you $$$.

In terms of sound quality, the Silkworms sound great to me. I think they have perfect midrange tonality, superb and articulate bass, extended highs, and they project a nice wide soundstage. Are they perfect in my system? Well, no. But much of that comes down to system synergy.

Since I've had the Silkworms, I spent time comparing different power cables on my amplifier. The cables I was auditioning were DCCA Reference Masters and Fusion Audio Predators. The DCCA cables were very warm and musical, with a rich midrange. The Fusion cables were super fast and accurate, but with a more precise and less romaticized midrange. I found the Silkworms to be a great match with the DCCA cables, but they only sounded good, not great, with the Fusions. Now you should know that I have an all solid state system, so I need a bit of warmth from my cables. Although the Silkworms are gold cables, I've found that they don't warm up the sound like other gold cables I've used. But that's not a bad thing! That's just how they are. I think that's why they sounded great with the warmer DCCA Reference Masters, but a bit dry with the leaner Fusion Predators.

In any case, even though I've decided to use the Fusion Predators and other interconnects in my system, I can wholeheartedly recommend that people try the Silkworms for themselves, with their gear, their music, and their tastes. They are an incredible value and they do so many things just right, it would be foolish not to see if they work for you. Plus John Prator offers some of the best customer service the business and a 30 day guarantee, so there's really nothing to lose.

BTW, John did tell me that using copper Eichmann bullets on the Silkworms can give them a richer sound. Increasing the gauge of the gold conductor will likely also do this. And I'm sure John would accomodate requests for cable customization!

Tomer

Hi, these KCI cables seem to be quite a good buy, but has anyone compared the standard gauge Silkworms with a thicker gauge one and state what notable differences there are please? Also, has anyone compared the silkworms with the folowing brands:- Nordost Valkyrja, Stealth Indra and Purist Audio Venustas. I currently use the Venustas, which are pleasant to listen to, but lack the cutting edge that the Nordosts have. The Nordosts on the other hand can create an incredible three dimensional sound, especially with vocals, but are so revealing that they can become fatiguing after a while. I've not heard the Indra's and can't afford them new, or even used for that matter, but as I have a varidigit digital cable (purchased used), I would be interested to know how they compare. Many thanks, Muz. PS I am in the UK and am aware of KCI's 30 day trial, but I don't want to go into this blindly.

Electro, I can not say it any better than you did. BTW, I have an all tube system and find the Silkworms complimenting the speed and accuracy of the Fusion cables which, as far as I know are also diy cables constucted with excellent craftsmanship. Both these cables have excellent synergy at a reasonable price compared to others. But, YMMV.

Lt, I was using a PAD Museaus xlr previously, which is a great cable for the dollar before I went with the KCI 22 with the Furutechs. The difference was not subtle. Everything gets revealed on the disk, especially the slightest percussion instruments. Give John a call or an email for more info. If you are using xlrs, get the Furutechs Rhodium from VHaudio, they will provide a nice "Deathgrip" to your cdp.

I have listened to the silkworms with the larger gauge gold but I did not think the subtle difference was worth the expense. I dont think John does either but he is willing to make them for guys that have to have the best. I think thats why there is so much praise for KCI because you really do get a ton for your money and if its not a big difference then they dont shame you or bait you to "upgrade" to feel like you have the lesser cable. He simply offers it as custom for customers that have those needs.
Also to the guy from the UK, I know a person that sold off his 2 Valhalla RCAs and bought all silkworms. I asked him if he liked them better or it just made financial sense he said a little of both and that if he was purchasing SOTA yearly to keep on the bleeding edge he might use the Nordost but he prefers KCI for the enjoyment on his very nice (and what I consider SOTA) system. He said he prefers the tone and musicallity instead of the absolute clinical. I respect that.

It's nice to be able to customize ot "tune" the base Silkworms a bit, in my case John made me a pair with some connectors I wanted on them. Not many companies offer that kind of customer flexibility without the expense of upgrading to more expensive lines, but KCI is great in that regard. DCCA is another company that is very flexible to some customization based on your sonic or physical preferences.