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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
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Lak, if you want WOW, try Shunyata Sigma series. It's relatively inexpensive compare to the competition.

Shunyata Alpha series is also very good. For my digital, I have an Alpha Digital on digital side and Sigma Analog on analog side.

As my Sigma Analogs break in, I'm leaning towards 2 more Sigma HCs.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,407 posts
 
Reading the material on what the magnets do on the vendor's site, I'm guessing what the magnets do to the circuits they are attached to probably takes more time to play out fully than other cables.
rlawry
485 posts
 
I have had the same experiences when adding CT-1 and/or CT-1U interconnects and speaker cables to my system. I now have 2 U interconnects, a U speaker cable, and regular CT-1 for phono signals. It seems the speed, treble extension, and detail are there from the beginning, but the immediacy, body, bass, warmth, and dimensionality take a while to develop. I also noted my system gain seems to improve upon break-in.

I have been somewhat reluctant to try HF power cables as I only have one place that can use an IEC connector: my Manley Steelhead phono stage. My amp and preamp use a special round military connector and I am now using some Intuitive Design Power Bridges that were a big improvement over other power cables I have tried. I also have a Power Bridge on the Steelhead. I thought about trying an HF power conditioner to plug all of my power cables into but these take the big bucks. I think at the moment that I am more inclined to keep upgrading the IC's and speaker cables.

It seems so far from what I have read on this thread that the PC's are somewhat of a mixed bag, some seeing little differences and some after an extended break-in, but I am wondering whether they are of the jaw-dropping improvements I have heard with IC's and speaker cables.
spar
15 posts
 
I can only speak of my experience using solely the HF URR in my system which over time was a definite improvement over the very good PC it replaced but the difference was not jaw-dropping. Having followed this thread closely before making my purchase of the HF URR, it seems to me that most of the early adopters started off with the HF ICs and then SCs and only then when they became available, added the powercords. Most of them have been extremely enthusiastic. Just starting with a HF PC I assume does not garner the same jaw dropping effect but it could be that when the HF ICs and/or SCs are added the effect is greatly enhanced and becomes synergistic rather than additive; at least this is my assumption given what has been written in this thread. I wonder if anyone has started first with the HF PC and then added the ICs and SCs and has observed this?
calvinj
2,474 posts
 
@ddraudt. @tbg@lak@cmsgolf. I'm really enjoying the gato fm6 speaker. I think they compare with the big boys at a great price. I don't hear any weaknesses. I use the high fidelity ultimate cabling and it works like a charm. Sounds great. Getting more listening in daily. I still need to break them in for a couple months. I heard the speakers get better.
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