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
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