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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
 
Calloway, Tbg, Thanks for descriptions of HF power cable's effect on the musical presentation. I want a bunch of them!!
Rick's High Fidelity products have challenged and altered my understanding of playback possibilities the last few years.
In my attempt to climb that mountain to perfection, HFC has been my Sherpa.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Ddraudt, had I had the rate of improvement in my sound I've had the last four years throughout the entire time I've been an audiophile, I would be playing with the group I'm listening to.

All of this is fragile and certainly takes time to recover when you move anything. It also invalidates tweaks that you once thought were essential, but it is fun and I love hearing jazz greats in their prime in good theaters in my listening room. This is not just good music, it is real music.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Tbg, Fragile yes! To get amazing, everything has to be just right.
Rick's HF cables, cords and filters create such improved clarity, detail, dynamics and delicacy that tweaks require either: finer tuning - redesign - or elimination.
The finest tune sounds almost exactly the same as the sound close to that mark.. However, the Finest tune causes more goosebumps.
Elusive . Subjective. Fun!
tbg
5,263 posts
 
4orreal, I received a call from Miguel right after I posted this who clarified what he was saying. Initially, I thought he was talking about the Thor grounding wire from the Signature to the house ground. I did not know his power cords had a grounding wire pittail.
nglazer
846 posts
 
I want to add that Rick Schultz is a consummate gentleman and professional. I sent him photos of what I thought was a defect in the CT1-E IC's. As he pointed out, the foreign object on the termination was part of the RCA input on my DAC that came out and stuck to the IC when I removed the IC from the DAC. Rick promptly called me and took the time to explain what happened, what the remedy would be and we then proceeded to discuss his cables generally.

A refreshing response in a world where few manufacturers provide decent service.

Kudos to Rick.

Neal
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