Leicachamp, I think there is much learning from experience in the HF cables. As I understand it the CT-1Es came about in doing phono cables using CT-1 standards. My guess is that the initial cables aren't selling much and will be discontinued. I also think the uptick of prices is the cost of rare earth magnets and more magnets.
Presently, I'm using a $3500 amp with cables worth many times that, but the sound is better than had I invested only in amps of perhaps $20,000 or more. And then there is the HF ac conditioner. I'm beginning to think that cables, isolation, and conditioning ac is more important than amps, preamps, and even speakers.