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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
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hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
John, my I make a recommendation about trying the MC-0.5's in your system.

I found when I demoed them in my system (they were a pair of loaners so had plenty of time on them) when first inserted I experienced something similar to what you heard. I was not that impressed overall. somethings got better but others got worse.

However, I left them in and played some background music for the next 24 hours. During that time I noticed a slow, but uneven, improvement.

After about a day the sound really opened up, not just hight and width but the depth also. The sound was "cleaner" but more natural sounding also. Something it was not in the beginning. There was a more three dimensional soundstage and 3D images.

I too can not get over how not being in the signal path of any kind that the MC-0.5 does what it does.

You have come this far so give it some time IN your system.
Do it sooner then later. You will know in around a day.
And it may turn out you still find no change.
But then again...
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,665 posts
 
Jmcgrogan2, please do give those MC-0.5's more time as others have suggested and please report back here and let us know if there is any improvement. I still have mine plugged into two different Furutech GTX-D outlets in my second system and the MC-6 power distributor in my main system, and am waiting longer before I do any serious listening.
I trust your ears and any conclussions you may come up with after further use ;-)

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knghifi
1,668 posts
 
jmcgrogan2,

Your MC-0.5 experience mirrors mine so I understand your conclusion EXCEPT I have an additional chapter.

2 MC-0.5, sounds good but tight so moved to HT system. Like you, I'm very busy and can't listen daily plus all tube system with 8 power tubes per mono, so like to avoid use for break-in.

Learn from thread dark and hard are expected but will open up after further break-in. After ~5 weeks, moved back to main, sound improved, no longer dark or hard but slightly too agressive. I guess the best way to describe MC-0.5 is like going from a regular to HD TV. In this case, it was HD X-RAY TV sometimes.

Had to ship preamp to VAC for upgrade so system was down for 7 weeks. Moved MC-0.5 back to HT. After getting preamp back and break-in, tried MC-0.5 again in main and this time it was regular to HD TV, no more HD X-RAY. The only difference is upgraded preamp and replaced 7 SR RED with SR BLACKS fuses. (The most obvious differences between SR RED and BLACKS, BLACK is more organic with improved PRAT.)

Listened for 6 hours and next concern was SQ following day ... back to dark and hard again??  To my surprise, sound was more relaxed. It's like moving a cable and now had time to settle. MC-0.5s in system for a week now and still sounds great.

Since your MC-0.5 are broken-in and no longer dark or hard, I don't have any suggestions. Like every tweak or component change, it's a fine line whether it works or fails.
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