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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
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Romazicon, I have 2 URH power cords and 2 PRO power cords.
The Pro's are better at everything but how to describe this..
Of coarse, each step up is more refined but the Pro's are a bigger increase than previous upgrades. In my experience, on my system,
the sense of "magic" increases dramatically. A uncanny feeling of being there at the show. Pro had better bass, more imaging, smoother highs,
more tone and involvement, ect.
About where to put the Pro power cord.
I would try it in different places but my guess would be going into the 
power distribution. or into the AMP. I may have cheated by having a Pro in both places so the power goes thru 8 MC-0.5s and 2 Pro PC before the amp.

Note: I have ALL waveguides on Starsound Brass "Audiopoints" instead of the rubber rings. I get more intimacy this way.
I actually have had ALL waveguides on Star Sound Technologies platforms and all components on Starsound Racks.
My new PRO speaker waveguides are so long (30 inches) that I will have to use two "Apprentice" platforms on either side. Or 2  Star Sound speaker stands per side. So just AUDIO points on speaker cable for now. The Pro speaker cable is a tube of super magnets with hook up wires at either end. ;-)
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Romazicon. LAK, thanks for you comments on the magnetic adaptors!

I recall several folks asking about the adapters and it is good to see some response. I only use one set of interconnects and it's already a Pro.
So I don't think I need the adaptors.

But, I'm going to get 8 more Mc-0.5s when I have money again.
crazy good for the money!!!
Cheers D
romazicon's avatar
romazicon
25 posts
 
+1 on the XLR version of the magnetic adapters.  XLR cables are soooo expensive.
romazicon's avatar
romazicon
25 posts
 
Thanks for your advice, ddraudt.  I will try using the Pro cord between the wall and my Hemisphere first.  Since I already have a CT-1U at that position, will my break-in period be very long?

You obviously have an enviable collection of HFC cables and so I can appreciate why you would almost live in your listening room.  Which Pro cable made the biggest difference in your system, the Pro series power cord or speaker cables?
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Romazicon, it is true that the magnetic permeation from the previous magnetic power cord should shorten that aspect of break in. I think it will start out sounding better than if a no magnetic pc was used before.
However, I believe that there are other factors of break-in that will take some time to arrive the most refined sound. You should enjoy the new power cord very soon and also get more as time goes by.

As far as what Pro piece has the greatest effect. I cannot say at this point as my speaker cables have under 100 hours on them and I do not think they are totally dialed in for 600 hours. Both PRO pieces improve the sound greatly in different areas of the process, so while they improve things is differently, the effects are simular .  I'm impressed with the musical changes brought on by power improvements and the pro has like 6 times the magnets of the URH pc. It seems to me that each improvement in any magnetic part brings better highs and lows, quieter background, more "real" and involving, more refined sound. As one would expect, the PRO series is a much bigger increase than previous levels. It appears that The PRO's have more that four times the magnets
which is a much bigger jump in magnet size than previous upgrades.
I think the PRO's started out as a "what If". What if we put an absurd amount of magnets in a power cord? speaker cable?
I think even HFC is surprised at the amount of sales on these unobtainables.
I went with a Pro PC first because it was less money than the Speaker cables and I though, at the time, that power cords made a bigger improvement than speaker cables. I think this is true with models before the PRO but the Pro's are a different animal. I'm still deciding which is best but enjoying music more than ever.
My new speaker cables are refining nicely!
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