2. cables
  3. 1335297906

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
 
Tom, good one!
It was back in the mid 1980's the a group of friends and I, called "the Thorp Audio Group", were spending 6 months designing and building the ultimate power source for our ultimate audio system.
That system was great but a pale, pale shadow of todays system with amazing HFC Magnetic cable magic. We were all dong research, my guess is that friend Stan had more knowledge of the internal workings of thermal breakers and/or found some writing on the subject. I still use the mag breakers today even though I have HFC's UR- WGPC power conditioner which creates a whole new, wonderful world in audio playback.
calvinj
2,418 posts
 
The high fidelity did sound really good in the system I heard them in. They sounded natural and never bright. Great sonics. The audio system I heard them in was set up well and it had great synergy.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,664 posts
 
Leicachamp, if I were you I would phone Rick and ask him directly.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Leicachamp, no that is not normal. I would call HFC about this, or take them back to the dealer. But remember it is not normal.
leicachamp
103 posts
 
I should clarify that only 1 of the plugs was very very loose. The other plugs range from slightly loose to normal fit. None are as tight as my ct1 or ct1e cables.

Rick has replied that this is normal for the ultimates because the cable burner they use has cardas connectors which are after than usual. The ultimates are burned using these cardas plugs, thus making the ultimates loose.

To me it makes no sense for I have been using my ct1 for over 7 months now on numerous machines and they still a bitch to plug in and out. Also on dagago or stereotimes review, it states the ultimates fit the same as ct1 and ct1e cables.

I assumed part of the magic on the ct1 cables was how tight the able fits into sockets. They are hellish to install and more so to remove, but at least I know it is making maximum contact.

On a side question, does how tight a cable fits influence the way it sounds?

My cables had a few more quality control issues, which I won't go into here. Not really acceptable on a 5k cable. Rick agreed and is making up another pair personally. But he is not replacing both sets , for he says the looser fitting plugs are normal and that I should use a small screw driver to force the RCA tighter!!!! I do not and should not be made to do this on a 5 k cable. What happens if I damage the cable! How do I ensure I am doing it right!

I should note that I have/ or used 4 sets of HF cables and have never had any QC problems before, except the terrible fitting banana plugs on the speaker cables.

Anyway. I wait until I receive the new pair.
More to discover