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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
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I thought I would insert a comment here.

I have now had the CT-1 Ultimate ics for about a month between my CD player and preamp. The transparency and realism is amazing. They are apparently just starting to seriously break in at about 200 hours. I am hearing both a wider and deeper soundstage as well as more details than with the Enhanced version CT-1. Bass has tightened up and gotten quicker. There is an increased "ease" to the music that wasn't quite there before, as the noise floor has gotten noticeably lower. Separation/imaging,especially between voices, has also improved. I am also starting to catch low-level details I have not heard before, especially environmental cues - chairs and microphones moving, etc.

There is definitely a "WOW" factor present with these cables, at least in my system.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Fplanner2000, I think you have stated what I think is true of the CT-1s v. CT-1 Es v.CT-1 Us. Listening to the CT-1s is shocking as they are so transparent, open, and realistic. The CT-1Es are even more so. And although I have yet to hear them in my system, the CT-1Us are a further step in the same direction.

I am quite shocked that Rick's promise that High Fidelity cables throughout are more than the sum of the parts and that this magic takes quite a long time. I substituted an integrated amp into my system which entailed moving every cable. After a day or two, I thought they had settled back into their sound. I was very wrong. Yesterday after being in place 12 days, there was real magic. I think the entire system is now a magnetic continuum.
agear
1,362 posts
 
Tbg, have you done any blinded tests of these and the portal cables? Has any non-audiophile said wow....what changed?
agear
1,362 posts
 
Tbg, have you done any blinded tests of these and the portal cables? Has any non-audiophile said wow....what changed?
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
I just got an Ultimate Digital cable after a month of listening to the Enhanced digital and CT 1 speaker cable.
(ALSO, I did get a brief comparison between the entry level CT 1 digital and the Enhanced digital. The Enhanced was easily better in all respects.)

I have enjoyed the Enhanced digital very much this month as it does everything so wonderfully well.
In comparison, the CT 1 Ultimate is another huge jump in musical delight.
There is a definite amazement in the improvement focus and clarity, control and quietness.
An astonishing increase in detail and intimacy-
coupled with even smoother, more liquid sound-
leading to even greater listening ease and enjoyment.
I'm lovin it!!!!

The CT 1 cables are surprisingly great!
The Enhanced cables are amazingly wonderful!!
The Ultimate cables are utterly FANTASTIC!!!

I anxiously await the arrival of my Ultimate speaker cables.
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