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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
 
The initial 'dull' sounding impressions may be due to the lowering of noise. Noise, as opposed to the intended signal, sounds 'louder' than music of the same measured dB level.

So if you reduce noise levels, you are reducing the APPARENT loudness of the transmitted signal by more than just the drop in noise level.

This is why noise is added (or at least used to be) added to radio signals so that the station 'sounded louder' when changing stations in the car. It is also why live music, even when at high SPLs, does not present itself as loud as for reproduced music with more noise at the same SPL.

The thing that really sealed it for me was when I changed to UltraClear/CT-1 cables from other cables and would stand up to lift the tonearm at the end of a song. When I first changed cables I would go over to the TT when I was expecting the song to be over and I would hear an additional 5 seconds of low-level music coming through the speakers that I hadn't heard before. The CT-1 cables allowed more music to come through, whether through a reduction in noise or the ability to transmit lower level signals better than IC cables from the usual companies.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Juliejoema, I was saying this about the CT-1E relative to the CT-1s. Both require a higher volume output than my other cables. But yes, they do greatly lower the noise floor.
juliejoema
23 posts
 
Hello tbg, Your observations regarding sound levels differs from mine. I found that the CT-1 cables increased the sound level I heard, but, of course, my system differs from yours.

Depending on the input and output impedences, and the voltage levels being transmitted, the increased resistance of the CT-1 conductor (compared to pure copper/silver/gold/aluminum) might be causing your drop in sound level.

Your impressions on noise levels is consistent with what I hear. I can only imagine how little noise would exist with CT-1 speaker cables along with the IC cables.
alpass OP
174 posts
 
that`s the first thing i noticed back in April,there was no noise.just music.
Al
gshelley
7 posts
 
Very intrigued by everyone's comments. I've been listening to Echole cables which are very impressive.

Intersted to learn what cables you are moving from (e.g. comparison) to High Fidelity's.
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