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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
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Great to find so many new posts since I last checked 5 days ago.
Very interesting comments. many even on topic.
I have used a cable cooker on my HF CT-1 U and it helped very little
compared to in system playing time. I think I got some wire cook in but
cable cooker does not seem to help with the magnetic effect (which is MUCH larger that the wire effect in these cables).
Rick talks about the magnetic effect permeating the components over time.
Which is where HF cables becomes truly magical.
The higher you go in the CT-1 line, the more powerful the magnets and the greater the permeation.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
The HF UR WGPC is a rare bird at this point with only a few in circulation.
Rick has come up with some new improvements that sort of make the few
out there Beta units IMHO.
That said, The WGPC sounds no less than amazing in my system.
It sound great quite quickly but has been improving for months.
For those of you who have had the good fortune to hear the improvements
moving from CT-1 to E, to U, and even to UR. The WGPC is like going even further in the same direction as it has the same effect on power as the CT-1 series has on signal. So what ever words you would use to describe the best you have ever heard.
I call it unbelievably awesome.
Other descriptors
the High Fidelity Ultimate Reference Wave Guide Power Conditioner, in conjunction with CT-1 Ultimate cabling....
has brought a "never before heard" level of image solidity, tighter crisper bass that I thought possible in my system. So intimate and real sounding that I that I hold my breath when listening to the clear and delicate interplay between instruments and harmonies. Sweetness and air in the highs brings sighs of adulation.
So, pretty good then (-:
iblieve
96 posts
 
I have quite the same question as Chatnoir : The thinness seems to be equally the same on all the HF range. Regarding that small diameter, what about the lowest frequencies, the weight and the overall presence on HF cables?
petieboy12003's avatar
petieboy12003
66 posts
 
Hi Ddraudt, Nice description there.
WGPC seems interesting... as with all Rick`s stuff.
Will try to organize WGPC audition one day through my HF dealer with and without CT cabling against my own set-up.
Someone I know and trust in audio had a Troy. He messed around for quite a while trying to justify the mind boggling price tag. Long story short in the end he settled very happily on a much cheaper AR RTP6U. Which to him had pretty much the same effect.
Eventually, after major upgrades to the 230V supply, I sold my powercellV2 and followed suit. Now this unassuming little passive sits aloft a Star sound Technology platform with great results. But once again my mind is open so.....

Yep patience is a virtue. And maybe cookers ain`t cookers?
Here are a few interesting comments regarding cookers mentioned -
http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/vt.mpl?f=tweaks&m=164572&VT=T
Latest upgraded updated version is better again.
They can also be used in various ways maybe better suited to specific cables.

FWIW I thnk we can play with high end cables all we want and obviously they are important and relevant.....
But apart from the all important AC... if the entire playback source on it`s own is not truly as accurate as it could be... even if we think it is...... then...........
petieboy12003's avatar
petieboy12003
66 posts
 
Iblieve, there is definitely a range.
I think it goes something like this -
PDL
Standard(STD)
Upgraded STD
STD MkII
Upgraded MkII
ParaHelios(Reference)
Upgraded Reference

Online reviews are of the older two lesser models.
I am told, in good faith, the current Ref line is very special and quite astonishing.
From my experience so far I have zero reason to doubt it.
Going to find out for sure soon.
MkII over MkI was quite the ear opener and a wonderful personal experience!
As far as technical info -
Teo use different diameter and number of liquid conductor.
Probably different ratio mixtures but I am not sure on this one.
Different plugs, different assembly protocols and fine tuning some of which, as I understand, are very complex.
Teo do not disclose much of their shop knowledge for obvious reasons.
Of course many would love to know..... and some have tried apparently
More to discover