Hi Ray,
I'm glad the Soundbolts are starting to open up some for you but be forewarned, they take what seems to be
forever to break in fully, in excess of 200 hours. But, once they do they are a great all around performer. The Silver Bullet plugs take them up another step or two, a very worthwhile upgrade IMHO.
Gold prices..oh boy, I'm starting to worry. I knew prices would escalate but I sure hope they don't go to much higher, my cost on 100' of wire has gone up over $300 in the last 10-14 days!! I do not want to raise prices on my Silkworms if at all avoidable. I actually lowered the price on them not to long ago when I was able to buy the wire in larger quanities and I'd like to keep it that way if at all possible. It may be one of my downfalls but I don't believe in huge profit margins on cables, I'm willing to bet Silkworms cost more to make than most people would care to believe.
The Firefly's are a great cable as well and they are free of the silver screech you speak of....they are a very fast and revealing cable. Those looking for detail, detail and more detail love them but....if someone was looking for warmth I would steer them towards the Silkworms or Mandarinas. If I had to use 1-2 words to describe them the Fireflys would be "HiFi", the Mandarinas would be Musical and the Silkworms would be Extremely Musical.
Denny,
I'm glad they made it to you safe and sound! Didn't I send you a black set of Silkworms as well? I sure hope so. Thank you for posting the pics but I can't believe I ran out of plug labels!!

I am looking forward to your thoughts on the two different types of wire, the Silkworms and Firefly's are one in the same with the exception of the wire. You'll most likely be surprised at the two different but pleasing presentations they present.
Now, how are my speakers coming along??

Arthur,
Thank you for your input. I'm glad you are enjoying the Silkworms, thank you for your compliments and repeat business, I very much appreciate it. Now, please keep in mind my offer still stands on that beautiful Vac amp, I'll take good care of her, promise!!

You are correct in your observations, the Silkworms do take a bit to run in and settle down. I had a customer call me last night and state that he had never heard a cable go thru a break in like them. He said and I quote; "
it is driving me crazy because they have a sound unlike any other cable I have ever heard but then they go a little flat, and this teasing is driving me crazy as I want that excellent sound all the time, right now!!". I explained to him to just be patient and they will settle down soon and open up fully. Hopefully his set will settle down soon so he can relax and enjoy! Actually he told me he had spoken to you previously about the Silkworms after reading your review, Thank you!
Best to all,
John