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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
rlawry
485 posts
 
I finally have about 50 hours on my Ultimate signal cables and URR Power Cord and Power Conditioner. And I can hear pretty startling changes in soundstage depth, openness, immediacy, detail, texture. I am afraid to change any of the cables in the fear of losing this for a while until they break in again.

One recommendation for those who listen to LPS. I just bought a KL Audio ultrasonic record cleaner and it makes a big difference against the vacuum record cleaner I had previously, especially in midrange vividness.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,674 posts
 
Rlawry,
Thanks for the update on the HFC's. I agree, I would not want to move them around and then have to go through another break in period of various lengths of time.
I have no doubt that the KL Audio ultrasonic record cleaner does a great job of cleaning LP's. I wish it was manufactured in the USA instead of South Korea, but that would probably make the price even higher than the cost now.
I'm guessing that you are only using distilled water and if there is a control for the amount of ultrasonics used, be sure not to over do it because too much Ultrasonics could damage the recording based on research I've read.
Enjoy!
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Lak, do a Google search for ultrasonic record cleaners. I have the Ultrasonic V8 unit. It is somewhat cumbersome to use, but you can clean many records at the same time. Unfortunately, none of these vacuum off the records as they use air drying.

I would be very interested in research on ultrasonic damage to records. The V8 unit has more powerful vibrators.

Finally, I did an experiment yesterday. I had never tried a HFC power cord to my Nantais Lenco Reference turntable. I had an Exemplar Portal pc on it heretofore. After about 15 minutes I could hear improvement, but about three hours, the improvement was enormous. The bass was more profound and defined, the decay of notes and the ambience of the recording venue was vivid. I am anxious to hear whether there is further improvement today. Even were there none, the improvement yesterday was so dramatic that I will never go back. I am using a CT-1 Ultimate Reference. I had thought of going back to a simple CT-1 pc, but doubt I will even bother.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Rlawry, thanks for the report in you HF cables! I like you descriptions of the improvements.
they could sound better for another 450 hours.
I wouldn't worry about moving the wires. most of the break in on HF cables is about magnetic permeation, of wire and components which does not
get lost in a move. IMO, break in from moving only takes a few hours, a day at the most. New components in the system take longer to permeate but they would need their own break in time anyway.
If you change the support or damping on an HF cable it will change the sound permanently.
Enjoy
D
rlawry
485 posts
 
One of the CT-1U IC's is new with only about 60 hours, the other three IC's/speaker cables have varying amounts of use, as do my URR Power Cords and Conditioners. I have had the full loom only about 50 hours totals, so I am not sure which components are still breaking in, perhaps mainly the newer U IC, but breaking in they are. If the others here are correct, I expect to continue to hear additional break-in for at least a while longer.
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