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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
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Hi John-

As you say, you have never heard the High Fidelity cables. While I would agree with most of your generalizations, they are exactly that. When you actually DO hear these cables in a decent system, I think you will find fast, detailed attack in addition to a natural decay. There is NO artificial truncation to the decay at all, nor is the presentation "forward". Its just natural, as if you were there.

That is MY experience and part of what makes these cables so special, at least for me.
calloway
874 posts
 
...i will second what Fplanner says. i have looked for years for a cable that would allow my ears to finally allow me to stop looking.i have had many of what are considered the top of the cable world in my system. what Rick's cables bring...i have the Ct-1U versions...is a sound that when you hear it...you know your are finally there. i sold my Audiodharma cable cooker after hearing the HF cables because i knew i would not be trying any more. ( Rick uses the Audiodharma to cook his cables )...As Fplanner says...these cables are 'so special'..
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Jmcgrogan2, I guess that I have always been a leading edge guy. I love compression drivers for that reason. But these cables from the first CT-1 on have an ease and speed about them that is novel. What is most endearing about them, however, is their allowing the room to light up as though one were at the recording event.

I have no doubt that other components also contribute to this, but I now hear this on perhaps a third of my recordings. In my thinking it is the decay of notes defining the recording event that allows this, so I would say that attack and decay are both there with these cables.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
John,
You raise some good points and of course there's no perfect anything that lacks flaws. However there are varying degrees of compromise and some potent strengths can dwarf small blemishes. The HF cables have exceptional transient performance but aren't "razor" sharp,"ultra" fast, IOW they aren't artificial or hyped . They just sound natural (what a beautiful word) and their note preservation and decay is superb in my opinion. They are re producers of music rather than attention seeking hifi show offs.
Charles,
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Charles1dad, I don't think the philosophy implied in your comment that "there is no anything that lacks flaws," is destructive of improvements. I think that my philosophy is that nothing cannot be improved is better and clearly the Enhanced and Ultimate cables improved on the original cables.
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