KCI Pure Gold and the benefits

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.

A few comments on the pure silver Firefly interconnects w/Eichmann silver bullet RCA connectors...

WOW!

These are remarkable cables and not just for the value - the Firefly is a true Class-A design. It offers exceptional transparency, resolution, pinpoint imaging and transient speed. There is absolutely no "silver harshness" but simply a smooth and pure sound with all of the best qualities of a silver design. They accurately resolve the signal without adding any coloration while remaining extremely musical and enjoyable.

One caveat: these cables require a LONG break-in period. I'm currently at 300 hrs and sound continues to change albeit with less and less degree of change. I estimate we are at 90% of final sound.

We believe so highly in the KCI designs we are now implementing KCI as the OEM source for the Manger 109-AG Silver Edition loudspeaker we distribute in US.

As a distributor of ultra high performance products (Delta Sigma 3Mhz amps/linestages, Manger "AG" loudspeakers and BOW digital), we require accurate cables to properly access their very special sonic qualities yet desire to hear the musicality of these designs. The Firefly interconnects are extraordinary in meeting this challenge.

Last but certainly not least, I must say John has been VERY supportive in this process and buyers will be getting a world class product with equally matching product support.

HIGHLY recommended!

Jim Ricketts/tmh audio