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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Ddraudt, today I'm packing up the HF WGPC and taking it to Texas. Last night after listening again to it, I put back the Kemp Power Source on four StillPoints Ultra Fives. It had been on three. I know from much prior experience that four is far superior to three but is also a real pain as you need to adjust the one that is not in contact to be in contact. This is a very common occurrence. I also found that those under my line stage needed to be raise for contact. I think this had also be affecting the performance of the WGPC at the end as the line stage had be moved slightly by the heavy pc.

Frankly the Kemp sounded quite good with four Ultra Fives and with the line stage sitting properly on all four. I need to make sure on installing the WGPC in Texas to do it properly. Once I get this done, I will invite you over for a listening.

Nglazer, make sure that your Wave Guides are not on metal or anything other than in the air or on ceramics or touching each other.
theaudiotweak
2,801 posts
 
Direct coupling makes sense and the passage of resonant energy to ground via coupling makes sense. Harmonic tensioning and control are useful methods to collect and herd resonance in a predetermined direction out of a component.The end user should complete the exit strategy started in Rick's design and not constrict this product's design path with the high impedance presented by isolation products. Think wave guide in side and wave guide outside to mechanical ground. Tom. Star Sound Technology
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Theaudiotweak, what does "...not constrict this product's design path with the high impedance presented by isolation products," mean? I would think that StillPoints technology of converting vertical into horizontal motion would work better to keep motion from below out of the component.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
@ TBG, Hi, Thats a very valid question I would like to know, I also would like to add, how would isolation products change the electrical impedence of a componet when isolation, resonance tunning has everything to do with vibrations emitted from sound?
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Tbg, Thanks, I love to hear your system. My system is not complete as I am borrowing integrated amp and speakers until mine are built.

I have not tried the still points ultra fives and wonder how they compare with
Finite Element cerabase. (I have at least 30 of those). I will be looking for some SP U5's to try.

For those crazy tweakers out there- I have found ways to damp, isolate and shield wave guides for a better sound (less noise, cleaner, more intimate, dynamic)
using a combination of wood, lead, clay, iso table, iso feet and aluminum foil
They must be off the floor and only wood (and air) touches the wave guides.
I will not have this perfected until I get my new amp and speakers but it sounds considerably better in my current system.
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