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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
 
Audiolabyrinth & Morningstaraudio, Thank you for echoing my excitement over this world changing development of MAGNETIC CONDUCTION. Those who have not heard could not possibly know how dramatically they change the face of signal transmission beyond anything ever heard before. I'm happy to be one of the "wildly enthusiastic" group.
The long list of glowing reviews and a 2 year thread do indicate something very special is going on here but one would still have to hear it to have any hope of comprehending. Even hearing it I have trouble comprehending this "So Real" experience.
In 30 + years of audio, the most annoying trait for me to deal with is "contempt prior to investigation". though caution, and even skepticism can be helpful, close-mindedness will never help get
anyone get anywhere new. I would categorize myself an an"early adapter" so I'm comfortable hanging with you guys on the cutting edge.
The music is so good here that I laugh out loud.

D
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth, I care little about whether you have a system or not. On your question about whether there are balanced HF cables, there are none. I doubt there ever will be such. I can just imagine what the XLR would look like to have three sets of magnets properly set around the conductors. Since these cables break the paradigm of what to expect of top cables, such as the conductors not being silver or copper, perhaps balanced would be no improvement.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tbg,
I agree in that given the magnets and construction required, balanced cable may not be feasible with this design. In truth the HF cables are so excellent that RCA vs XLR becomes moot. I wouldn't obsess over this issue, just buy them and enjoy their superb sound.
Charles,
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Charles1dad, I have BMC gear which has the benefit of "current injection." But this improvement only works with balanced cabling. I had been using Exemplar LLC silver Portals with exceptional sounds. The HF CT-1 Es in single ended and without current injection were better. Needless to say the Ultimates and now the Ultimate References are clearly better than better.

As you say I am merely enjoying the HF cables and not waiting for balanced versions which might be even better but certainly are not imminent.
morningstaraudio's avatar
morningstaraudio
154 posts
 
There is no better feeling than having that OMG moment followed by smiles and laughing to yourself at the joy you are experiencing.
Bill
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