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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
justubes2
203 posts
 
Hi Pete,

They are new, effect is immediately appearent.

1 by 1 till about 4, effect was a gain across the board in all hifi aspects and the sound totally transformed! It was like 2 levels up, it was bigger than an upgrade of cables to the next level at twice the cost. One of the value for the money tweaks.

Adding more, didnt increase those aspects and further, I didnt feel my sytem needed any more clarity and detail.

The 5th onwards just changed the sound in a more natural way, no further improvements or as large impact in those aspects I had described when hitting the 3rd and 4th piece.

There is more changes going on definately with 6th piece, improvements not as dramatic and need to evaluate more.

I am maxed with spare outlets currently

4 pieces hit the sweet spot for me and could be happy at that point.
rlawry
478 posts
 
Justubes2:  What you are experiencing may just be break-in of the MC-0.5s, just like any other HFC product. With mine, I bought one and placed it in an unused AC outlet that also powers my HFC URH power conditioner.  Initially, the increase in speed and detail were unreal, then the system sounded small and closed-in, then began a transformation into the usual expanding soundstage with great dynamics yet ease.  I now have 7 of the MC-0.5s with 5 in the unused outlets of the power conditioner and there is a similar improvement when adding each one.

I still say the biggest improvement with these cables was when I added a single CT-1 interconnect.  Adding more and moving up the line made an improvement each time but not as much each time as with the single CT-1.  I would recommend getting one somewhere in your system and see what you think, probably at least as large as that of adding a magnetic waveguide.  I now have 3 of the UR interconnects, U speaker cables, a URH power conditioner, a URH power cord to my phono stage, and 7 of the waveguides.

My experience is that the system will continue to benefit by adding more magnets, no matter what signal is subjected to the magnets.

Maybe Rick can develop a magnetic splitter.  Or even a Pro version that costs $10K, lol.  Or an E version of the MC-0.5.  Or an electromagnet version of the cables.  Maybe a magnetic hearing aid. The possibilities are endless.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,461 posts
 
I just wish he would come out with a interconnect balanced version adapter. Or perhaps an adapter for speaker spades and/or banana's.
justubes2
203 posts
 
Hi Rlawry,

Funny, maybe adding the the 5th gave me  exactly what you described, no further unreal improvements you described when new and it mellows out , to me seems more natural and starts to sound more relaxed. Eitherway, it does sound good too, but not certain which sound I prefer. It probably tend toward the exiciting sound character you describe when they are first inserted.

Guess I have to let them run more and see what happens to the sound.

So does the improvements continue after run in at the same incremetal rate as the 1st few mc0.5s added. 

The URH rrp is wow high!

My cables are around the plain U, but got at a good discount, so they should still be very decent.  so on the fence of even trying, the top models might be too high unless I could be certain thay made such a tremendous unreal improvement and had a chance to compare with the likes of other mega priced cable before considering the investment.


justubes2
203 posts
 
Ozzy,  

I recall reading the xlr adaptors are in the works. Guessing it might be too tight a fit for the magnets in a xlr plug for production.

A speaker adaptor is to be release soon, it seems?

My concern is that a generic or non exotic xlr when in the signal chain, may add undesirable side effects from the benefits of the magnets.


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