2. cables
  3. 1335297906

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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,374 posts
 
"Because they are so diffuse in their sound presentation, I am not surprised that you can't tell much difference much finer distinctions that quality cabling brings."

That's not what I meant. I can tell a difference in most cases. In some cases the differences are more marginal. I hear the differences with all my speakers including OHM.

The more recent OHM Walshes within the last 15 years or so are the ones that have best imaging and soundstage. Gen 1 from the 80s were more diffuse as you describe. They are not as sensitive to placement as many but careful placement does make a difference. As does everything upstream if things are working as they should.
travbrow
277 posts
 
I am pleased with the results from my budget cables, such as VHAudio Pulsar and DIY silver etc. I like to focus on speaker setup, room treatments and bass calibration to improve sound quality.

Wouldn't it be a shame to get caught up in the cable game thinking its so important from reading hyperbole on the net and neglect the things that matter more?

Another thing that makes me wonder. If cables are so important and can have such big affect on sound quality, wouldn't a top quality integrated amp based system be the way to go? Since, according to some, they can mess up the sound so much. I mean no cable is better than the best cable right?
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Travbrow, You ask, "Wouldn't it be a shame to get caught up in the cable game thinking its so important from reading hyperbole on the net and neglect the things that matter more?" One would alway be a fool to pay much attention to what others, who you don't know, have to say.

You also suggest that a "top quality integrate amp" would be best. Of course, but one of this quality is hard to fine. Also in all probability none can rival the best line stage with the best amps.

All that I can advise you is to avoid listening to the HFCables and power cords.

Anyone who does optimize their speakers and who expects much will always be dissatisfied. I have at last found a room treatment that really works. This is after trying probably 20 different ones. I have also owned 27 different speaker systems.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Geoffkait, CD treatments. I've played with many CD cleaners over the years
moving on to better and better results. The best one IMHO is Essence of Music used in a 3 step cleaning procedure. Amazing inner detail.
For demagnification I've found the (now out of production) HIFI tuning damage unit with 4 times the demag capabilities of other devices. Many steps closer to real. (available from china now but 220V)
The best CD mat I find is the Marigo Audio Labs "Ultima Signature Mat"
Layers of additional information. I use a Sharpie Black paint pen to darken the edges and the center edge of the disc to reduce noise from laser light bounce inside the CD. much quieter cleaner sound.
Most of my CD's have edge cut at angles to reduce internal reflection but the newer ones have not been done yet.
With the advent of Ricks Magnetic items from High Fidelity gear I have so much more realistic and micro detailed music that test become much easier to hear. I know from experience that some of the tweaks I use will not show improvement in basic systems ( under $10K ) but have immediate and profound effects on $25K and up systems. So not for everybody.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,374 posts
 
Shame to think of all those really good really expensive high end systems that according to the will never reach their full potential without magnetic conduction. There is always something better, no matter what one has.

Its the audiophile curse. Like vampires are cursed to crave blood, audiophiles may be cursed to always make their system better. As opposed to music lovers that are probably more likely to be satisfied at some point.

Its a tough job but somebodies got to do it. :^)
More to discover