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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
csmgolf
897 posts
 
I was finally able to get a decent deal on a used pair of CT-1 interconnects. I have to say that I am very impressed with them. They are the best I have had in my system to this point. Describing what they do so well is difficult to put into words. They are incredibly detailed, but they maintain proper tone and harmonic integrity. No tipped up top end that is etched, or thin bass response. They are incredibly quiet as well. This allows you to hear into the recording venue and allows notes to fully and naturally decay. They make other cables I have tried, sound as if the recordings were done using gating in the mix. It is one of those things that you never realize is happening until hear a cable like the CT-1.

I can only imagine what the upper level cables sound like. I am looking to get my hands on a used set of CT-1 speaker cables to find out how they compliment the interconnects. I would love to compare them with what I currently own, which is the MG Audio Planus 3. The MG cables are excellent in their own right. Depending on how that works out, I would consider moving up to the enhanced cables for both speaker and interconnects. Realistically, I understand that I would likely never be able to go higher up the line than that, but I am thinking that I would love to get to even that point.
spar
15 posts
 
@Knghifi, similar to you , I have been playing with PCs and given all the positive feedback herein, I finally decided to start with a purchase of a HFC URR. I expected it to be similar to other top of the line power cords I have had, the best of which were acting similar to a power conditioner, ie creating the proverbial blacker blacks and thus making the music stand out in contrast. Thus, my initial disappointment when I placed the HFC URR on my integrated amp and found that I was not achieving the profound improvements described for this power cord compared to the PC I had previously been using. Don't get me wrong, it was not worse but I expected much more given the increased cost. After about a month or two, I was seriously considering selling this PC but in the interim decided to move it to the Oppo 105 I have in my system. At that point, I realy didn't focus on it but after another month or two, I realized that the dynamic contrasts, leading edges and trailing notes, as well as soundstage had improved. I do not know if this is because I first started with only a powercord versus interconnects or speaker cables or because I had a preconceived notion that this powercord should act like other very good pcs I have had and create a power conditioner type effect. The HFC URR is a truly unique PC in the effect it creates. The best I can describe it, it doesn't clean the sound but somehow focuses on the music. As you can see, I, too, have drunk the koolaid. I'm now saving up to get HF interconnects and then speaker cables, assuming that a full loom will create an even greater benefit, as others have described here. Have fun with the ride; just remember,as others have said, unlike other cables that need some time to break in, these need months to break your system in.
calvinj
2,419 posts
 
@cmsgolf. I first apologize for going off on you a couple of months ago. I hope all is well with your system and it sounds great. I'm glad you got to try the ct1. I have the ct1 ultimates and I'm never selling them. I have changed my whole system but I will not change that. The interconnects are special. The allow a smooth airy treble in my system and a upper midrange that is truly special. It also provides tight, agile and deep bass in my system. I hope that you try the others. I think that the ultimates are the sweet spot. Enjoy. @ddraudt@tbg@lak I just got my speakers in. I have the Gato fm6 from Denmark. I have a friend who has them and they are really special. Best treble I have heard so far. I usually take another route from close friends but in this case I had to have them. I will announce other subtractions and additions soon. I will have a tube integrated and probably keep the resonessence dac or get a disc player that doubles as a dac later in the year. I will not change my interconnects though. The ct1 ultimates that Rick Schultz made me are absolutely superb. The magnetism along with his design is just flat out the best I've heard to date! I know I haven't posted in a while but when you hear the speed,clarity and realism it hooks you. Enjoy everyone.
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lak
4,665 posts
 
@Calvinj, congratulations on the arrival of the Gato fm-6 speakers. I'll bet they sound great, and will improve with break in. What finish did you get?
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Spar, just received several Shunyata Sigma Analog PCs and it's excellent. It's a Nordost Valhalla, which I like a lot, and Shunyata Alpha turbocharged. I'm contemplating ordering 2 Sigma HCs next.

I heard from several had similar experience where HF didn't live up to the WOW factor with all $$ they spent. I have not yet decided going for an Ultimate PC.
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