2. cables
  3. 1335297906

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
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Norm-

YES. Also, Ultimate Reference are the big brothers of the Ultimates in the CT-1 speaker line.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Fplanner2000, I understand they are a good deal more expensive and would imagine they take even longer to breakin.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Fplanner2000, so the Ultimates should really be called the Penultimates.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
On a hunch, Rick S. suggested I try his balanced cables between my preamp and amps, replacing a Hi Diamond XLR3, which I liked. We couldn't figure out why the Ultimate Reference speaker cables weren't performing as well as they should have been. His theory was that the XLR3 might be "in the way" for lack of a better descriptor.

We created balanced cables out of 2 runs of Ultimates and after several reconfigurations, finally got everything set the way it was supposed to be.

After 20 minutes, I listened. WOW!! Not only was imaging and depth MUCH better, bass improved, speed improved and there were lots more details I wasn't aware of before. I now know what others with an all High Fidelity cabled system are raving about. I don't hear my system, but rather the musicians. I know of no better compliment.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Fplanner2000, I had no idea that you were using balanced non-HFCs with them in some places. I tried that once and found that replacing the balanced cables with the SE HFCs was much better.

I never thought that HFC balanced cables would see the light of day as the XLR would be too difficult. How did you resolve this?

More to discover