Argento Audio Flow Ultima Cables: A New Benchmark in Silver Cable Sound

Experience exceptional warmth, resolution, and musicality with Argento Audio’s Flow Ultima cables, redefining what silver cables can deliver.

A Surprising Beginning with Argento Audio

When it comes to audio cables, I’ve never been a silver enthusiast. Silver, to me, always sounded a bit too cold and clinical—like it was trying a little too hard to be precise. I've always favored the warmth and organic feel of copper cables, which to my ears, simply make music come alive in a more natural way. So when Robert Harley offered me a chance to review silver cables from Argento, a well-established Danish brand with over three decades of experience, I was hesitant. I didn’t want to be unfair to the brand because of my past bias.

Yet, Robert was insistent. Trusted ears swore these Argento cables were unlike any other silver cables out there. With zero expectations, I agreed to give them a try. Spoiler alert: I ended up liking them—a lot. In fact, these cables quickly became favorites, even surpassing my longtime Empirical Design reference cables, which says quite a bit.

Breaking In: Patience Pays Off

The honeymoon phase with Argento Flow Ultima cables didn't start instantly. At first, they felt soft, polite, and somewhat closed-in compared to the lively energy of my usual cables. But there was a silver lining—these cables didn't sound like the typical cold silver cables I had heard before, which gave me a glimmer of hope.

According to Argento, these cables need serious break-in time—a lot more than the usual 50 hours I initially gave them. The interconnects and speaker wires required about 100 hours, and the power cords needed even more.

Sure enough, after some patient listening, the interconnects and speaker cables began to blossom, revealing their true potential. The power cords, however, held back stubbornly. Eventually, I asked Argento to send me pre-broken-in power cords, and the difference was nothing short of remarkable. The sound quality transformed drastically, and I knew I was onto something special.

Unmatched Warmth and Musicality

Once fully broken in, the Flow Ultima cables were a revelation. These cables didn’t just defy my expectations of silver cables—they obliterated them. Instead of the usual cold and analytical sound, the Flow Ultimas delivered warmth comparable to copper cables, merging organic musicality with a level of resolution that was truly uncanny.

What sets these cables apart is their ability to provide ultra-high resolution without harshness or exaggerated detail. They accomplish this by giving the signal an exceptionally clean, uninterrupted path—minimal connections, material or impedance changes, and reduced crystalline defects. The result is a sound that feels natural and transparent rather than artificially sharp.

Hear Every Nuance: Decay, Reverb, and Dimension

One of the best ways to appreciate the Flow Ultimas is by how they handle decays and reverberations. Take London Grammar's “Hey Now,” for example—the percussion’s decay lingers longer and more naturally than I’ve ever experienced in my system. Neil Young’s Live at Massey Hall, 1971 revealed another magic trick: the hall’s reverb became strikingly evident, adding a beautiful 3-dimensional space to the sound.

Not just spatially, but timbrally too—the Flow Ultimas helped differentiate instruments with remarkable clarity. Acoustic guitars and vocals took on a lifelike 3D presence that was missing before, and orchestral recordings gained depth that felt more immersive than ever.

Dynamic Transients and Solid Ergonomics

The cables also shined in transient response. Bass notes tightened up impressively, delivering a punchy, taut sound that made tracks like Rammstein’s “Los” hit with formidable impact. The drums, in particular, had a newfound “pow” that energized the whole mix.

But it’s not just about sound quality. The Flow Ultima cables are a joy to handle. They’re flexible without being flimsy, and their robust terminations inspire confidence. I also appreciated the thoughtful luxury of the leather cases that arrived with the cables—because first impressions matter!

Pricing and Value: Worth Every Penny

Yes, these cables come with a high-end price tag. Interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords range between approximately $6,850 to over $10,000 per meter. But compared to the exorbitant prices some audiophile cables demand, the Flow Ultimas sit comfortably in the mid-to-high range.

What justifies the cost? These cables use pure silver conductors without alloys or non-silver terminations, and silver isn’t cheap. With Argento, you’re paying for purity, craftsmanship, and a sound experience that redefines what silver cables can do.

Final Thoughts: A New Reference Standard

For anyone who’s stuck with the old notion that silver cables sound cold and clinical, the Argento Flow Ultima will change your mind. They deliver warmth, resolution, dynamic range, dimensionality, and musicality that are simply outstanding.

More than just excellent silver cables, they are simply better cables—outperforming even the best copper references I’ve known. After over a decade of loyalty to my previous cables, I’ve officially made the switch. The Argento Flow Ultimas are now my new gold standard.

Specs & Pricing

MUSICAL ARTISANS (U.S. Distributor)
4826 Main St.
Skokie, IL
(847) 877-2791
[email protected]
musicalartisans.com

Prices:
1m interconnect: $6,850
1.2m phono cable: $7,750
1m speaker cable: $10,250
2m power cord: $6,850

Associated Equipment

Analog source: Lyra Etna Lambda Edition cartridge, Goldmund Studietto turntable, Graham 2.2 tonearm

Digital source: Bryston BCD-3 CD player

Electronics: CH Precision I1 integrated amplifier (phonostage, DAC, streamer, linestage, power amplifier), Goldmund Telos 800 stereo power amp

Speakers: Wilson Audio Sasha V, Estelon Forza

Cables and cords (except Ethernet): Empirical Design
Network switch: Reiki Audio
Ethernet cable: Reiki Audio

"The Argentos can deliver resolution without the usually attendant exaggerated detail." — Reviewer

Have you ever experienced a cable that completely reshaped your perception of sound? What’s your holy grail of audio cables? Share your thoughts and stories below!

FAQ

• How long do Argento Flow Ultima cables take to break in?
  The interconnects and speaker cables require about 100 hours, while power cords need even more, sometimes several times that break-in period.
• Do these cables really sound warm despite being silver?
  Yes! Unlike typical silver cables, the Flow Ultimas deliver warmth akin to copper cables while preserving high resolution and detail.
• Are the cables easy to install and handle?
  Absolutely. They’re flexible, not overly stiff, and come with robust terminations. The leather cases they arrive in add to a premium user experience.
• What kind of equipment pairs well with Argento cables?
  High-end analog and digital sources, precision amplifiers, and quality speakers, like those from Wilson Audio and Estelon, bring out the best in these cables.
• Are these cables worth the investment?
  Given their pure silver build quality and performance that exceeds many copper cables, they are a worthy investment for serious audiophiles.

Elevate your listening space by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store — a perfect match for your new reference cables! Explore our collection at Architeg Prints.