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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
leicachamp
103 posts
 
It will be interesting to see how the Trickle effect will improve the lower range High fidelity cables in the future.

Ricks company seems to be unique in that it starts off with its lowest price cables first and subsequently each cable introduction is one model higher and roughly double the cost.

Also will be interesting to see how competitors will design their cables to compete with Ricks Cables.
leicachamp
103 posts
 
I decided to keep my CT 1 and to add a CT1e to my system.The Australian importer www.audioheaven.com.au was kind/evil enough to lend me a set of CT1 E. My initial plan was to trade in my CT1, but using the CT1 between cd and pre and CT 1 E between pre and power, proved to be a magic combo.

I am considering upgrading to the CT1 U, but my brain still
cant come to terms with a IC costing 50% of my preamp.

The HF cables improve the sound of my system in a way that a component upgrade cannot. Those of you who have tried HF cables know what i mean.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Leicachamp, I think there is much learning from experience in the HF cables. As I understand it the CT-1Es came about in doing phono cables using CT-1 standards. My guess is that the initial cables aren't selling much and will be discontinued. I also think the uptick of prices is the cost of rare earth magnets and more magnets.

Presently, I'm using a $3500 amp with cables worth many times that, but the sound is better than had I invested only in amps of perhaps $20,000 or more. And then there is the HF ac conditioner. I'm beginning to think that cables, isolation, and conditioning ac is more important than amps, preamps, and even speakers.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tbg,
My experiences in recent years has me leaning toward your conclusions on the impact of "high quality" accessory products. What in your opinion has more system impact, HF Wave Guide Power conditioner or the Tripoint Troy, is this a fair comparison? Which would you recommend more enthusiastically?
Charles,
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Charles1dad, good but tough question. I would really have to do a long time A/B comparison, taking one out and allowing its effects to drop out, listen, and then do the same for the other. Also, I'm still experiencing improvement with the new HF WGPC. I guess that the HF WGPC is a better buy for the money, especially as I have the Troy ground wire to the mains, but I'd hate to be without either.
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