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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
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,482 posts
 
Tbg, that's correct, listening is believing.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Thanks Rx8man and TBG,, I hope to get to listen to the High-fidelity cables,, The Audiogon Buzz alone has captured my interest,,They are at the top of my list of curiosity!,, Happy listening!
denon1
345 posts
 
Fplanner2000,

How do you think hidimaond D3 XLR ICs stand in compare with High Fidelity CT-1E or Ultimate?

Thank you.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I cannot make that comparison. The only reason I am using HiDiamonds there is because Rick didn't yet make a balanced cable. Also, the HiDiamond distributor in Canada raved about them. They are performing well in my system. Comparing balanced with RCA cables is problematic.

Having said that, I don't think the D3 XLRs touch Rick's Ultimates or even enhanced CT-1s. They are very good balanced ICs, but are not GREAT ics. Rick's cables are in another league, IMO. Pretty simple.
juliejoema
23 posts
 
As posted previsously in this thread, I had been waiting for updated 'prototype' RCA-RCA phono cables.

I finally got my 'low-mass' CT-1E phono. This was specially made for the RS Labs tonearm, which only sits on the armboard, so heavy phono cables will tip the arm.

I originally had some BIS cables, which were a stop-gap measure. When I went to Hovland MGII tonearm cables, I thought that was a huge improvement.

Rick later made up some prototype phono cables for me, which were some of the first cables using the conductor now used in the CT-1E cables. It used the older VD UltraClear connectors, but it was so much better than the MGII, especially in base response, which has been noted as one of the shortcomings of the Hovland. (Although it is still an excellent cable, especially at the price when it was available.) The 'prototype' CT-1/UC cables were great.

My latest cables are also unshielded, but use the latest connectors. The conductor is the same.

These cables were eerily quiet when I dropped the needle. I first thought something was wrong there was such a reduction in what I thought was phono-pre/amp/speaker hiss.

When the music started I first thought that the cables were slightly better than the ones with the VD connector, not as much improvement as I expected, although this was early in the first song. But then the kick drum came in, which had waaayyy more impact, and sounded more real than the last time I played this record. (Shawn Colvin, Steady On, Columbia LP) Not necessarily louder, but the feeling of the drum being really thumped. Then I was noticing more instruments in the background, and more singers, and more music.

The eery lack of noise took some getting used to, but once I got used to it, and stopped trying to listen to differences, I found the music so much more relaxing and touching.

And this was due to changing connectors. Great job, Rick.
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