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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Audioguy003, You might also go to the webpage and compare the present cable alignments in pictures. I must admit that I understood everything from the first CT-1 through the Ultimate Reference ics but in the pictures, I don't see much other than printing on the waveguides that can identify them. I must admit, however, that the third RCA jack does perplex me.
rlawry
479 posts
 
I have a pair of Ultimate speaker cables that have the earlier black waveguide tubes capped with silver ends. I am not sure how these would perform against the later silver waveguides with black caps. All of my U and UR IC's have the later silver tubes with black ends.

I have often wondered how much difference using HFC IC's to my subwoofer would make but unwilling to pay big bucks for these cables to a subwoofer and still use some old NBS cables. Perhaps I should try a pair of the input adapters to see what changes are wrought.
audioguy003
7 posts
 
Thank you for the suggestion. I did contacted Rick about a year ago on my original older CT-1U model and Rick had explained clearly that there is no difference between the patent pending CT-1U and the current CT-1U except the cosmetic of the magnetic module is different color. And I believe that my CT-1U interconnects are exactly the same model that have been reviewed by the Stereo Times and Dagogo. Just need some inputs from experienced members so the future buyers can rest assure that they purchasing whether the old CT-1U or newer one are both exactly the same in term of performance on these interconnects.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Rlawry, I got a new music server and have had some problems, but now have it working. In our efforts to find out what the problem is, I just put old black heavy duty power cords on the dac and the server.

I sounded very good but a little edgy. Yesterday, I put two new HFC CT-1 UR Helix pcs on. I sat back in disbelief. Once again I got the total silence between the notes, amazing detail in the sound stage, defined bass, a sweet top end, and utter transparency. Yes the new power cords are nearly four times the price of the server, but together they give a sound that far surpasses even the best sound I have ever heard live even in great halls, because I am hearing the sound where the mikes are rather than back thirty rows.

I should say that my patient wife just shakes her head at all these HFC pieces all on isolators. It kind of looks like a prototype of a warp drive.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Wow! lots of great posts this week. Great!
I got my updated power cords back 3 days ago and got them all back up on Star Sound Platforms and points.
A 24 hour warm up and we listen more closely.
"It Sounds SO Real" was one friends comment. There is more of everything that is magical about audio I say. The wonderful descriptions by others here of HF power cord effects are true for me also. The astonishing "New Life" in each step up the HF line has been amazing to behold. My detail has detail at this point, but not harsh or etched, just a much enhance experience of the intermodulation of blending and sympathetic tones, with smooth effortless treble. Soundstage presence and solidity also have reached unprecedented levels. The involvement in such a visceral portrait has never been more acute.
Cheers and Enjoy the Music
How are you all doing.
D
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