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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
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Snook2, My first Ultimate to Ultimate Reference comparison here was
exchanging MY U digital from CD to integrated amp. I was using Ultimate Speaker Cables at the time. Also one of Ricks power filters
(UR-Magnetic Waveguide Power Conditioner) which is a HUGE game changer by itself. HUGE!
"I digress"……. The UR digital was a picture window into
audio reproduction with so much more depth and shape and solidity to the soundstage, and so much more natural- real sounding i have not looked back. I'm now breaking in UR Speaker cables as well with the Ultimates on loan to a store. I could try it when i get them Back.
Cheers! Dave
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Tbg, You said a few weeks back the your UR speaker cables were "shockingly superior" after a month of break in.
Was that shocking superior to the Ultimates?
or shockingly superior to everything you've heard?
If you care to share you wisdom and experience.
Thanks Dave
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
400 hours on the Ultimate Reference Speaker cables and more surprises. The most surprising improvements this week are the Bass,
the soundstage and the air around instruments and vocals. All three were aspects of the sound were already phenomenal with the Ultimate speaker cable and even more so with UR's insertion. With playing time these aspects reach uncharted vistas of wonderful. Such fun being awed every listening session.
Question- at night I have my system playing ultra low and I wonder how much that counts? does volume 1 out of a possible 80 steps, (so low that you would have to put you ear right next to the driver to hear), help break in the magnetic cables? or does it have to be louder?
Finding- The UR cables are much more refined than the U so the UR's
require more refined tuning for optimum function. If your into that tweaking thing.
Sweet music for all
D
rdoc
93 posts
 
I have been an audiophile for over 40 years and have owned a lot of very high end equipment. About 3 months ago I bought a pair of CT-1 interconnects and speaker cables after learning about them on this forum. When I first put them in and listened immediately, they were a bit closed in. But 24 hours later, I knew they were something very special. I have owned the best of Nordost, MIT, Analysis Plus, and others. There is just no comparison to the HF cables. This is considering that these are the lowest level of HF cables which cost a fraction of many of the other cables that I have owned. As these cables continue to improve, I have to say that for me, this is the biggest improvement that I have ever made to my system. The sound they allow to develop is just so pure and easy to listen to. They are just so incredible that I cannot even fathom how good the higher level High Fidelity cables are. I hope I can someday afford the Ultimates. As has been said many times, they are unique game changers even at the lowest level. I have not heard any beyond the CT-1's, but I am not at all surprised by the comments that people are getting better sound by spending more on these cables than they do on their electronics and speakers. In fact, I would be surprised if this were not the case considering the improvements that I have heard with the CT-1's. They are just astounding.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Ddraudt, I have heard the Crystal Absolute Dreams but not in comparison with the HFC Ultimate Reference cables which are $18,500 for 1.5 m ics, $29,000 for 2m speaker wires, and $10,000 for 1.5m pc. They are very good. I know of nothing else that might rival the HFC Ultimate Reference line and probably never will get the opportunity to hear a comparison.

I find it curious to consider the cost of cables with components and to dismise higher prices for cables. I certainly remember running a $2000 ARC Dual 75 with a $2.95 Radio Shack pc. But recently I heard the new HFC Ultimate Reference Rhodium pc ($13675/1.5 m) on my $4500 LSA Statement Plus amp. I was totally in shock at the improvement in the sound and it rivaled amps that cost $30,000.

I certainly have not heard everything, but the HFC gear just continually amazes me. Good work, Rick. I have no stake in HFC.
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