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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
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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Iblieve, I have limited experience with the original CT-1 standards and have only heard the CT-1 Ultimate Reference speaker wires. But roughly speaking I think each step up the High Fidelity line yields great improvements in the bass control and extension. I am not saying that the Enhansed has poor bass, but the Ultimate Reference has a bass that I never heard before. I didn't think it was on recordings. I should note again that I have yet to hear Ultimate Reference interconnects.
chatnoir
23 posts
 
I was going to use a CT1e as a digital interconnect between my Bryston BDP-1 and Lampizator L4G4 dac. I thought the BDP-1 had an RCA output but it is limited to BNC. I guess I will join the queue of those waiting for AES/EBU unless a BNC/RCA adapter would work without degrading the signal / magnetic effect.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Chatnoir, Iblieve, about the wire size of Ct-1 series.
I would add that I had to learn to think differently about the High Fidelity line.
My decades of understanding of wire and it's principals DOES NOT APPLY HERE.
Magnetic conduction is quite different, and , I believe, a superior new concept.
The improvement up the CT-1 line comes mostly from stronger magnets rather than bigger wire or better wire configuration.
A gross simplification of the design might be "The wire was developed for it's magnetic transfer qualities rather than standard wire with its focus on electron movement".
It seems very likely to me that Magnetic conduction will improve all electronic
device's power and signal paths, and more. think power lines, vehicles, medical....
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