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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
juliejoema
23 posts
 
Hello Acman3,

If you are in an area without much RF noise/interference, check with a local dealer (or with HF directly) about getting the 'RS-Labs tonearm Special' phono cable. Rick made up a non-shielded version of the CT-1E for me a few years ago that is incredibly lightweight and not stiff at all, compared to the regular CT-1/CT-1E phono cables. I use it and it does not 'flip' the RS Labs tonearm at all. I find the Magnetic Conduction to work especially well with low-level signals, so this might be the best option for you.

(The phono cable I use now replaced a prototype unshielded I got from Rick, which in turn replaced a Hovland MGII. Each cable was a significant upgrade in performance over the previous phono cable.)

JA
lak's avatar
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lak
4,661 posts
 
Acman3 and/or anyone else,
I also look forward to hearing about the addition of the "magnet-based adapters that can be applied as enhancement non-HFC wires".
The concept interests me...
I'd like to know now it compares the HFC CT-1etc.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Lak, I haven't tested magnet-based adapters on non HFC wires but my experience with the less expensive CT-1 pc versus the U R H would suggest that more magnets is always better.

I'm going to try them on my Enhanced phono cables, however.
acman3
4,270 posts
 
The only non- HFC cables I use are the light Trans Fi Terminator phono wire and Stealth digital cables. I needed a magnet for the input to the phono stage, but Rick will not have any input adapters until Friday, so I will not be able to help with what I hear till then.

I am however, listening to an HFC Electrical adaptor which plugs into any wall receptacle. I did not have time to discuss any theories with Rick, as I was late for an appointment that day, but he offered to let me listen to it and let him know what I thought.

In the middle of listening my Allnic amp went out, but the power adapter seemed to add more clarity.

I am now recalibrating to the sound of my Butler amp, but it is harder to tell differences. I do think the more magnets the better.

I am trying not to use the RCA output adapter , so I can exchange for an RCA input , but I'm not sure I can pass up the temptation to install on another ct1e. 😊
audioguy003
7 posts
 
Please help for some clarifications. I have greatly enjoyed Rick's cables and step by step moving up to the Ultimate Reference full loom. Could not be happier and would not trade these CT-1UR for anything else in the world. I recently listed my old High Fidelity CT-1 Ultimate interconnects with the magnetic module finished in black chrome and silver end caps. The newer CT-1U has silver chrome body with black end caps. A member BULLOT is claiming that I am misrepresent my ads that the old CT-1U is different than the newer CT-1U. Could someone please help me to clarify this. Thanks
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