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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
budburma
345 posts
 
Tbg and Lak, I get it. Maybe there's a market for holders like beaker clamps from chemistry class! Part of my question relates to wear and tear on the cables and connectors if it's just hanging in mid-air. The second part is whether the magnetic force creates any charge or noise in nearby cables....

I don't mind cables touching the floor. Power and speaker definitely do in my system. That seems alright to me.....
budburma
345 posts
 
Yoby-They complement each other nicely with the Jade being more romantic and musical while the HFC adds some presence and dynamics. Too much of either might be too much. The Jade sounds fantastic from source to pre, but the second one between pre and amp wasn't as nice as the HFC. That spot is also nicely served with the KCI silkworm se+ I may be selling a set of the Jade Reference down the road.....dunno yet as they are awfully nice and sweet to boot.
budburma
345 posts
 
I wonder what Ric might propose as a solution....
lak's avatar
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lak
4,626 posts
 
Budburma,
Personally, I keep all cables off the floor (power cables, speaker cables and interconnects) sounds better to me that way.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I am inclined to take Dave's advice, namely to put the waveguides on Star Sound Rhythm platforms with them on Audio Points. Yesterday I moved my H-Cat p-12 line stage from shelf 4 to shelf 1 on my Rhythm rack. I had always heard that the lowest shelf was best. It is absolutely correct! It is not subtle; it is dramatic.

I'm going to go to all two shelf Rhythms and going to put all waveguides on Audio points on the second shelf with the HFC waveguide power center on the bottom shelf. I must admit that I might find putting the waveguides on ceramic isolators might be more important. Unfortunately there are no ceramic cones like Audio Points or flat isolators that could go under the Cupeling cups of the Rhythm feet to keep static electric charges at bay while getting vibrations to earth. Reproducing music is such a pain in the ass. Were I to have a top .1% income of $6.5 million I would have a pop singer, a jazz group, and a symphonic orchestra available when I wanted to hear music. Of of course, I would need a well designed room to hear them properly. On my 60th birthday, my wife hired a small and good jazz group to play in our kitchen. It was great, but a kitchen is not a good location.
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