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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
 
Leicachamp, The CT-1 was years in development and for me a real eye opener in the potential of Magnetic conduction. The openness, effortlessness and natural sound showed me something wonderful
and exciting I had never experienced. Then I heard the 1E and it was a lot better. adding to my excitement and fun.
Having followed the progress closely, I've seen Rick get even more excited as he experimented with magnets 10 times stronger. Rare earth magnets are produced in limited quantity and are 10 x more expensive.
( i think they use magic meteorite dust)
Continuing to add more and bigger and more powerful, expensive
magnets have continued to advance the miraculous magnetic effects.
I liked Jack Roberts article, Dogogo feb 2014. in the end he rates all the cables he has heard in 3 decades from 0 to 100% .
HF UR 100%, HF U, 75%, HF E 60%, HF CT-1 50%,
ALL OTHR CABLES 0% - 40%.
Although I agree that all other cables I've tried in 30+ years are less than High Fidelity cables, my experience puts the Ultimate at least 4 times better than Enhanced, and the UR
10 to 100 times better than the Ultimate. YMMV
It appears no one is ordering CT-1 new anymore and they appear on Audiogon and other sites as audio friends are able to move up the line. I'm sure all the CT-1's made will be enjoyed for years to come and i believe if there were orders coming in they would be filled. D
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
New HF articles on the way!
I hear Reviewers are working on new articles about the
HF Ultimate Reference products. the next new report on UR cables
and the first official report on the HF UR Magnetic Wave Guide Power Filter. I'm excited to read these when they appear.
D
nic10pin
10 posts
 
Hi everyone, me again with yet another question.....
currently have CT-1E speaker cables on demo, but don't know what are the best supports for the WGs which are on the floor - thick carpet/wood/brick/ceramic?
Any suggestions much appreciated.....just loving my music now :-)))
Nick (over the pond in UK)
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Nic10pin, no cables should ever touch the floor and the best isolator is glazed ceramic. The guy that used to own Rightway Audio used to argue also that only one isolator per cable should be used. This is pretty easy if you have a high single isolator.

All of my HF speaker cable WGs have been use atop my 18kv 15 inch high isolators with a Rightway audio isolator taped to it and a Harmonix cable supporter on top of it. Overall, they are about 22 inches high.

Email Rick and ask him.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Nic10pin, I have found it fun to experiment with different materials and
methods for waveguide iso. A friend of mine makes isolation tables so I have tried 3 different size iso platforms with 2 types of feet.
Finite Element cerabase classics and Stillpoint Mini SS.
l like the larger base (which is 14' x 18' x 2.5") with stillpoints.
I also have damping blocks in top of the waveguides and some Rf If shielding around. This gives me the best sound so far.
Hopefully, soon I will be completely re arranging my equipment set up
and, at that time, i plan to experiment with raising my cables up by adding a pedestal stands under the iso tables. I may experiment with ceramic but isolated from the floor and the touching waveguides.
To me, ceramic by itself sounds like ceramic- cold and hard.
I believe that you could use different types of wood, ceramic coffee cups, ceramic risers, a speaker stand for a small speaker, lead filled wooden stand. IMO I would avoid too soft a material like carpet, cardboard, plastic OR too hard material like glass, granite, concrete blocks, steel, brick and never use orange clay flower pots (sound awful). I like the sound of Baltic Birch plywood.
Do you know Tsushima1, Roger from London?
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