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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
My HFC -CT1 Ultimate digital has about 150 hours and are just fantastic!
So much has been written about the HFC on this site that I believe any thing I have to say is redundant. I'll keep it short and simple, this cable is a major achievement. If you detest artificial hifi sound where thin and sterile is mistaken for transparency and detail, and over emphasizing bass is a virtue, the HFC-CT1 is for you. As natural and"real" as you could ever hope for.High resolution done naturally is very hard to accomplish. If you desire pure musical communication, honesty, tone and genuine emotional connection with your music this cable is the correct pathway there.It is a slap in the face to all the fake sounding hifi products in the home audio marketplace.
Regards,
mrmb's avatar
mrmb
299 posts
 
"Ultimates are better yet, my music reproduction will have reached total realism."

I've been following this thread with interest and assume that these are good cables, may be even great cables.

However, what happens when Rick inevetably develops Ultimate II's? Where does one go from "total realism" -- absolute, or infinite realism?

I just had a conversation with an audio buddy about the fact that as audiophiles, we're a little neurotic, but really, cables now provide "total realism"?
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mrmb,
You make a good point about audiophile vocabulary as it's easy to cross into hyperbole. I'd say these cables truly excel at providing a sense of realism compared to many other components. If rick were to offer an even higher level cable it still won't invalidate the excellence of the current offerings. For example, if something ranked at the 99th percentile that doesn't mean that something else at the 95th percentile is suddenly junk. It's still be in the top 5%.
Regards,
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Has eanyone here tryed Taralabs zero gold I/C and omega gold speaker cables?,, I find these cables without peer!,, depending on a system, the nordost odin or the cables above have stratisphere real sound!, I personally have never heard better than these cost no object cables!,, cheers!
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,484 posts
 
The "regular" CT-1s are equal to/better than Nordost Odins, at 1/10th the cost, so they still hold a very respective position regardless of the CT-E's or Ultras, quite an amazing testament to Rick's design.
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