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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
 
Charles1dad, in many ways the WGPC has High Fidelity cable character to it. It has the transparent clarity to it, once broken in. I have been using it without extra concerns with vibration isolation. I made every effort to give my reference unit and it equal footing, which ultimately was to just put both on my wooden floors on their special feet.

It was only after about two months that I got the WGPC's full worth. Now I have learned that there are improvements coming for the unit that may entail my going through another break in period.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Jazzonthehudson, thanks for understanding my not really wanting to spend my time enumerating all the cables that lead up to my comments on the High Fidelity cables. I've been at this hobby since 1968 with high end stuff and since 1959 with kit systems or better. Frankly, when I first put in one pair of the HF CT-1 Standards, my attention was immediately gathered. It was like looking through a freshly cleaned window after years were I assumed all windows were dirty. Since then on hearing a full loom of the Enhance, then Ultimates, and soon I hope, the Ultimate References, I have opened the window entirely.

Personally, it is enthusiasm that most impresses me in reviews, not the names of component with which the reviewed item is to be compared. Right now I would love to hear the Crystal Absolute Dream cables, but given their price, I dare not ever hear them. I was so warned by a friend who has heard them. I must admit, however, that he uttered the dreaded alert words for me, "very musical." I want real not musical.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tbg,
One of the problems with high End audio is vocabulary. Terms and words have different meaning for different users and thus varying connotation. Musical in my use is a compliment and is the antithesis of artificial/hifi sound. Musical is synonymous with natural and realism. Musical implies that the message and emotion of music is conveyed.

Tbg based on your comment musical has an alternative connotation and it seems you associate this term with a 'pleasing coloration' rather than "real". For me musical = real, organic, natural etc. So it appears we use this term to express different ideas.
Charles,
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Charles1dad, I agree with the vocabulary problem. But so often I find that many listeners are happy enough that their music reproduction is not stressful, edgy, or distorted and can be listened to for lengthy amount of time as "musical." Having achieved a very convincing soundstage with perfect timbre to instruments and dynamics, or in short realism, I won't be happy anymore with what I had with my Shindo Labs turntable, arm, and cartridge vinyl. Also old tube electronics does satisfy me anymore.

Perhaps we are just using a different vocabulary.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tbg,
Yes exactly my point! We probably like very similar sound but may differ in our verbiage to describe what we hear. Natural and realism are the highest compliments I can give an audio component. The High Fidelity Ultimate and Enhanced cable earned these two terms after hearing them.
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