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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
agisthos
507 posts
 
The CT-1 is uber detailed, highly resolved and has amazing clarity - but at the same time it sounds smooth and non-digital.

It sound contradictory I know. But this is the magic that Rick Scultz has managed to come up with.

For the first time I would say this cable really is neutral, but it does neutral by removing distortion. Not by accenuating the highs or thickening the bass or coloring the sound like every other cable I have had.

What you dont get from these cables is that fake air and halo shimmer that does not exist on the recording. If your equipment is up to it you start to hear things that sound real. Real cymbol splashes, real drum strikes e.t.c
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Agisthos,
Thanks for your input, what you describe is precisely what I want. High resolution but in a honest and "natural" form. There`s plenty of natural color, harmonics and tone in acoustic instruments and voice.I want to retain as much of this as is reasonably possible.
Regards,
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,484 posts
 
Charles,
You won't be sorry, these cables border on insanely real.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Rx8man,
I appreciate the input given here. I placed probably more importance on actual owners/user impressions than reviews.I `ve found most owners to be quite candid and truthful about their experiences.
Regards,
juliejoema
23 posts
 
Re: Phono Cables

I don't have a current HFC phono cable, but I do have one of the first phono cables Rick made with the conductor used in the current CT-1E and CT-1U. It uses an older VD UltraClear connector, and without shielding, so the newer CT-1E would apparently be a significant improvement. But...

I had previously used a Hovland MGII Rca-Rca phono cable with my RS Labs arm. I had found the MGII cable to be significantly better than any other cable I had tried (albeit not with any >$1000 cables). When I put in the 'prototype' CT-1 phono cable the difference was incredibly noticeable. More weight, more detail, more realistic, a greater ability to appreciate the music, and more emotion coming through the music. So I found the 'test version' of the CT-1 to be much better than the MGII, and the new connector should make an even bigger difference with a 'real' CT-1E phono.

I am hoping to get a non-shielded CT-1E phono cable (Darn those RS Labs tonearms that just rest on the armboard, so the cables can't be stiff!), so I can report back later.

JA
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