2. cables
  3. 1335297906

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
gpgr4blu
1,094 posts
 
I tried the Ct1s in my system and thought they were outstanding re width of the soundstage, transparency, location of each instrument in its own space--imaging. In fact, I cannot imagine any cable, regardless of cost (with the exception of HFC more expensive cables) doing these things better. In these aspects, they were stunningly lifelike. The thing --and the only thing-- that they lost on my system was an overall  sense of microdynamics and drive. The cables were full frequency and the low end was perfectly captured and well defined, but the upper bass and entire midrange lost dynamics such that the music lost its pace and drive. To me, this loss overshadowed everything else. Perhaps someday I'll try the enhanced version. If it captures what the Ct1s lost on my system, I would have to buy them.
I will add that my experience is with my system ARC electronics (Ref 40 and Ref 150 w KT 150s)  and Wilson Sashas. Other combinations may not suffer this fate at all. Absent that drawback, these cables are quite simply the best I've ever heard (and I've heard many).   
rlawry
485 posts
 
Has anyone heard and/or could anyone post a review of the URH and Pro series cables?  Not that I could ever afford them but I still like knowing about the state of the art products.  I can't afford a Bugatti Veyron SS or Konigsegg car either but I still like to dream about them.  I have found that going up the line on HFC products makes ever-increasing improvements, the most so far when going from U to UR, and wondering how much difference going from UR to URH to Pro makes.  I still think the biggest change so far was when I added my first CT-1 interconnect, but all make a big improvement. 

I also wonder whether Rick might be going to electromagnets a la the electromagnets used on high end Focal speakers. 

Thank you.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
jmcgrogan2, you posted the following response to my post.
"@hifial , the CT-1 power cord is designed specifically for CD players and preamps.
It says so right on Rick's website. I was thinking of trying one for my amp, but decided not to after chatting with Rick.

Maybe you should try something from TWL, I see that they designed the original power cords for your amps. Maybe Merrill chose them for a reason."

Well, I know that but it can also be used with a "small amp" as per the HFC web site.
It also is fine with a 5 amp draw.

The Veritas draws no more then 8 amps at its MAX.
I do not listen to music at very loud levels, my room is not very large and my speakers are reasonable efficient. So I do not see any issue. I am sure the HFC will be able to handle the load. Though if I could afford the next level up in the HFC line of power cables I would have purchased them. Maybe some other time.

As far as TWL power cords...no...really.
Dude, I was one of the first, if not the first, to own the Veritas amps. I, along with a few other lucky ones, helped beta/alpha the Veritas. So yes, I know about the TWL cables. I used them with my Veritas.

The Veritas now comes with the Waveform Fidelity (formerly Kaplan Cable) and that is what I currently use with it.

What amp did you plan on using with the CT-1 power cables? And how big is your room, at what level do you listen to music and how efficient are your speakers? Just curious.

But thank you for your post.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
rlawry, Hi, I have both the URH and The Pro power cables and would characterize the upgrades to be much more of the same. In that every time I add another HFC piece, I am amazed at how much better it is than the best sound I have ever heard. I add or upgrade another piece and BANG!! A whole other lever of undiscovered music and unimagined realism. As I experience the next level upgrade, the improvements seem to get vastly better than the previous upgrade. This week, by rewiring
my power distribution, I was able to free up one of my 2 URH pc's
and plug it into my Tune Bank. I could never have imagined how much more real and engulfing my sound is now. I use the 2 pro's, one to my power distribution box and the other to my integrated amp. My other URH is to my DSD DAC
I dream of the Pro Speaker Cables and how I might fit them in my room.
30 year mortgage sounds like a good way to afford them.  Cheers D

chris_launder
66 posts
 
@riawry , ' I still think the biggest change so far was when I added my first CT-1 interconnect, but all make a big improvement ' , curiously , I agree . As I go ' up the chain ' , the differences are definitely noticeable but I still keep thinking back to the system transformation when I 1st inserted a pair of CT1's between my CD player and preamp .
More to discover