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High Fidelity Cables CT-1designed by Rick Schultz

In December 2011,I wrote that High Fidelity cables led by cable designer Rick Schultz was putting together a new cable.The cable came to market as CT-1.The CT-1 has FINALLY made it into my system!I had obtained a version of the prototype that Rick had been working on.It blew my previous reference Genesis by Virtual Dynamics.I thought I had finally found my end with this cable.This prototype delivered to my ears "Nirvana".Could I be at the end of my quest for the ultimate sound?
No. I received two pairs of CT-1 to replace my prototypes.They went into the system this past Friday.Unable to dedicate time until Sunday listening,I stole a few moments,ducking away from company with anticipation.My guest could tell even with the music set for"ambiance"something was intriguing and I was in for a treat!
The experience:
First off,CT-1 was very user friendly.Installation was simple;the cable is very nice and light.The female RCA fit beautifully unlike any I had found in other cable.It was secure and reliable.It seemed much thought was dedicated to developing a designer fit to an aesthetically stunning RCA connector.Install entailed a few wiggles to ensure what seemed like a compression fit on my RCA.
It was 2-3 hrs. for the 1st step of break in to be complete.At that point I had something different!Today,although they only have 10-12 hrs. on them,I can`t put into words how much my system has transformed.Believe me,I loved my prototypes.However....there is simply no comparision.
The clarity and sound is so natural.
The soundstage is like nothing I ever heard.Resoulution is breathtaking and inner detail is simply hard to believe possible.
The sound has transended and now it simply does not seem as thought I have speakers.
My system is musicians playing music.
I am told with time they will improve and I trust that as it was revealed with the prototypes.I wanted to share my thoughts with you that now.
Unequivocally,a testament to High Fidelity,as the name declares.
High Fidelity Cables for me,the last word on it,after 12 hours!
Truly Amazing

Al
alpass

Showing 8 responses by kzhtoo

kzhtoo
222 posts
 
Hi first time posting on this thread. Looking for info on HFC digital RCA cable CT1-E or CT1-U if anyone has tried them. Thanks in advance. I currently use HiDiamond digital reference RCA cable.
kzhtoo
222 posts
 
How do you distinguish between CT-1 and CT1-E interconnects? I just received CT1-E IC and digital cable, but it says CT-1 on these cables. Thanks.
kzhtoo
222 posts
 
After several attempts to allow HFC cables a proper break-in...mostly due to HFC model upgrades, I am pleased to proclaim my system is sounding more musical than ever. I have a combination of HFC UR interconnects, Hidiamond speaker cable and power cords, plus an HFC URR power cord feeding the conditioner. Lower noise floor, better extension, excellent and non-exaggerated imaging/staging...and plainly, less colored throughout.

That being said, I share the sentiment of some, who feel the unrelenting barrage of superlatives by the daily crowd is not merely tawdry, but suspicious. These cables, in my opinion do not require iterated and re-iterated laudations from the same 5 or 6 members. I mean we get it. You love em...can't and will never wire with anything else. I get it. I can see comments when upgrading, but reports of another night of bliss? Does begin to smell.

The discussion on price is another story. All the wires I have bought have been on the used market for substantially less than retail. Sabai, I do not know if your home-constructed cables perform as well as, or better than HFC...you'll never know until you try a set...so what's up with the attempt to disparage a product you are inexperienced with? I personally am blown away at how well my system sounds with these cables, but I do not feel compelled to convert anyone, nor do I know how well they might perform in other systems.

I do wish the gushing would end. It detracts from the substance and leads me, and apparently others to believe an on-going loop of marketing has intruded upon this thread.

+1

I have a Hidiamond loom and just ordered CT1-E digital cable and a set of ICs. Based on the repeated claims on this thread as CT-1 being 10x times better than other cables and CT-1E being 10x times better than CT-1, I fully expect my system will sound 100x times better when my CT1-E's arrive (over my current HD XLR3 and digital reference cable).
kzhtoo
222 posts
 
Thanks for all the answers. The ones I have have gold-plated connectors. Just confirming as I was surprised to find "CT-1" written on CT-1E cables. They are bought from the authorized dealer so they should be correct.
kzhtoo
222 posts
 
I'll have a HF CT-1 power cord and a Shunyata Sigma HC power cord for comparison, hopefully later this week or early next week.
kzhtoo
222 posts
 
Tbg, I know your HiDiamond P3 question is for Knghifi. But I have HiDiamond P4 loom and will have HF CT-1 pc and Shunyata Sigma HC pc to compare, soon.
kzhtoo
222 posts
 
Tbg and Knghifi, I was told both CT-1 pc and Sigma HC pc are broken in. But I will give both 100 hr more in my system to settle down before forming any judgement. I understand what you are saying, Tbg, in regards to power cord comparison. I will not switch in and out right away, but will try to have each in the system for a few days before switching to another one, and back in again. And I plan to have both from wall to ps audio power re-generator, which in my system, gives most benefits consistently with quite a few pc I tried.

Knghifi, I too have 2 Alpha Digitals and they are excellent, which in fact prompted me to try Sigma HC.
kzhtoo
222 posts
 
Agree with CT-1 power cord. It's a very nice cable. I tried it for 10 days in my system before I had to send back. Just ordered a new one yesterday. Contrary to other people's experiences, it didn't initially wow me at first. It took about 4-5 days settling time in my system and slowly improved to a point I told myself I had to get one (I do have CT1-E IC's and digital cables in my system already, which BTW did NOT outperform x10 over the cables they replaced). It didn't exhibit "cables on steroid" characteristics as one other cable that I was also demoing, which is also a very good cable that I can happily live with. CT-1 however is gentle and musical with class. HF power cables do have a unique characteristics that you won't find in other conventional cables. I'm glad HF comes out with CT-1 and is priced more reasonably.
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