For Those Who Are Unaware of The Cable Company

Well, it would be silly to waste time and resources to find exceptions to the rule. Which, yes, IS the whole point. Theta is a well-built cable from a reputable brand that no doubt works well in other systems, but it's silly not to extrapolate information and learn from the experience. It IS a $1000 item, not a throwaway cheapie you can toss in the closet if you buy it and it doesn't work out. Theta makes a fine control for cables that use silver. In my case, I also own a Gamma PC (copper) and it had none of the brightness/over-fast transients of the Theta.

Thankfully, plenty of options with copper and even gold options. If you have a recommendation for a silver PC that isn't absurdly expensive and can "warm up" a cool system, please do so. Thanks.

And FWIW, I did ask about the Snake River Signature (which does use some silver), but it was unavailable for borrowing at CC. My experience with the Cottonmouth Gold has been very pleasant thus far, so no big loss there.

@goldfishx 

I’m not knowlegeable enough myself to assert what "the rule" is.  I’ve had silver cables that did lean toward the bright side, silver cables that were neutral and one that was on the warm side. None were power cords, however. Generally, I shy away from anything that would shift the system as a whole toward brightness. 

I just bought and posted about Darwin Natural 2 silver ICs. They are notably transparent but not bright. And If I hadn’t just committed to a power cable upgrade, I would’ve auditioned Darwin’s ac offerings. In fact, if I had the $, I’d try an entire loom of Darwin but that’s not doable at present.

As mentiomed, The Cable Co. doesn't carry all brands. 

@goldfishx 

Ethan is the main reason I speak poorly of TCC when I do. I will not deal with him again.

“In fact, if I had the $, I’d try an entire loom of Darwin”
@stuartk 

I fully acknowledge that everyone hears differently and no two systems are the same. After experimenting with an all-silver loom in my own setup, I’ve found that silver cables are best integrated with a copper loom. A trial is needed with different positions in your system for the most effective outcome. In my experience, going full silver can lead to an overly etched or fatiguing top end unless balanced properly, regardless of brand. 

Of course, if someone prefers an all-silver loom, it might simply reflect their hearing preferences or room/system synergy — though I sometimes wonder if some of that preference stems from reduced sensitivity to high frequencies.

IMHO, silver doesn’t actually amplify or add energy, but its electrical and surface properties can emphasize certain sonic traits, especially treble detail and transient speed thus creating that impression. Silver cables are often perceived to have “more energy” than copper cables primarily due to differences in conductivity and high-frequency behavior. In the end, users can choose how much energy one can handle given their system and more importantly their personal preferences. 

@lalitk 

I fully acknowledge that everyone hears differently and no two systems are the same. After experimenting with an all-silver loom in my own setup, I’ve found that silver cables are best integrated with a copper loom. A trial is needed with different positions in your system for the most effective outcome. In my experience, going full silver can lead to an overly etched or fatiguing top end unless balanced properly, regardless of brand. 

To clarify, I wasn’t making any assumptions or assertions re: an all silver cable loom. My recent acquisition of the Darwin Natural 2 IC pair has simply inspired curiosity about exploring it just to discover what it might sound like. I don’t buy cables I can’t demo at home and return, if necessary. I'm definitely not one who prefers tipped up sonics.