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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
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
Good evening Folks.

In no small way due to the generosity and swift personal attentions of Rick and the consummate professionalism of Richard of Lotus HiFi , HiFidelity cables UK distributor , I have a set of Ultimate Reference IC's on initial hours burn in doing their thing betwixt CDP and Pre amp and shall pen a few thoughts as they mature .
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
T-
Expect considerably more break-in time required than with your previous ICs. Its just a given. During break-in, I gradually heard flashes of what was to come, which kept me going. Now, I couldn't be happier. You DO get a bit spoiled however, as I now take for granted musical cues and minutiae that I couldn't even HEAR with other cables... :-)

Another thing I found out is that your results with Rick's cables are only as good as your weakest cable. IF your weakest cable is strong, you are in for an audio treat.
jazzonthehudson's avatar
jazzonthehudson
277 posts
 
Thanks Ddraudt, have upgraded the SC to CT1E and ordered one CT1U to hear the diff with the CT1E IC. With this additional investment, I wonder if it would have been better spent on a better source or DAC.
Looking to hear the comments on the CT1UR.
snook2's avatar
snook2
626 posts
 
How are these cables working on Analog setups
Has anyone had to recalibrate the phono section and tonearm to make them sound their optimum?
juliejoema
23 posts
 
Hello Snook,

As noted earlier in this post (which has gotten quite long), I received a custom, light-weight CT-1E phono cable for my RS Labs tonearm. It replaced an earlier custom HF phono cable (with earlier-generation connectors), which had, in turn replaced a Hovland MGII phono.

I never had to change anything. The sound just got better with each upgrade in cable. When the day comes that one of the kids knocks the RS Labs tonearm off the stand and breaks the built-in tonearm cabling, I will definitely have Rick re-wire the tonearm so I can go ALL the way from the cartridge to the speakers with HF cables.

JA
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