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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
budburma
345 posts
 
I borrowed a pair of CT1's and was impressed with them. Among their qualities, they seemed to add a fair amount of volume to my system...Maybe someone has measured that to see if it is perceived or real. It would certainly change some validity of comparisons since a little volume can go a long way when listening critically.

Anyway, I liked them a lot and thought I might try a pair of Ultimates. BUT, how does one deal with the magnet tube? I assume (uhoh, there's that word) it can't just hang in the air, so I'm what those that own these are doing with them. Jerry-rig a suspension stand or clip? What if your gear is stacked?

Thanks for you help and insight.
siddh
345 posts
 
Ddraudt, I do believe I am privileged to have these cables. I had CT-1E's a year back, but had difficulty with gain. Nothing like that with the Helix. Right out of the case, these cables brought out greater detail, excellent imaging and better tonality than I am accustomed to. Now, after 3 weeks...maybe 50 hours, I have found this system presenting the closest to the source's offering. All too often, a number of days following new cabling, the excitement wears off, and the short-comings become apparent. Not with this cable. Listening session after session, the realness; especially the speed and tonality has drawn me in. The bass is taut and deep...rarely sounds exaggerated. The highs and mids I would describe similarly. True to recording.
As many of us know, this is not the result of one item, but the culmination and synergy of an entire system. That said, I have not experienced this kind of musicality from the Avalon's prior to the Helix.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Budburma, this gets to be more and more of an issue with HF Cables as the waveguides get bigger and heavier. I do have equipment in a rack with four shelves. Equipment on the first two levels is not much of a problem, but I do complicate the matter by wanting no cables having a contact with the floor. All of these waveguides sit on about three inch tall isolators. The component on the top shelf, an H-Cat P-12 X-10 line stage is very light and the pc waveguide has some support from a large 18kVA isolator. Some of the ic waveguides sit on the Star Sound Rhythm shelves on their rubber rings. The BMC MCCI phono stage on the third shelf is much like that on the top shelf. Since the SS shelves are powder coated and not conductive, I do have some cables in contact with them. When everything gets settled, I will no doubt have all cables in contact only with glazed ceramic isolators.

The only other solution that I know of is to have all components on the floor on platforms and all cables suspended on single isolators. I don't want to go there.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,628 posts
 
Budburma,
Some of my waveguides interconnects sit on the audio rack shelf and some just hang off the back of my rack in the air.
My speaker cable waveguides sit off the floor on vinyl cable risers.
My power cord waveguides either sit off the floor on vinyl cable risers or I have the waveguides tied onto the back rear corner of my rack suspended off the floor.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Siddh, Thanks for sharing. I believe that you are in for even more of a surprise as the speaker cables should improve for up to 500 hours of play time.
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