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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
juliejoema
23 posts
 
While I expected that the CT-1U would be better than the CT-1E, I was slightly skeptical about how much people who have heard both thought the CT-1U was better. I knew that CT-1E was noticeably better than CT-1, but what some people were stating seemed potentially like hyperbole.

Well, I just replaced the IC cables between my phono-pre and preamp, using CT-1U instead of an early set of CT-1E. Other IC cables in the chain to amp are still CT-1E, but the way the new cables created more 'space' around each voice and instrument, along with a slight lowering of noise (since even the CT-1 has an amazingly low noise contribution), and more bass definition, was truly ear-opening. Songs I had thoroughly enjoyed before were captivating me more than I ever thought possible.

I am no longer a skeptic about how Rick has made each step up in IC cables sound markedly better. Previous posters are correct... don't listen to CT-1U/UR if you can't keep them.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Juliejoema, Thanks for the report. I liked you descriptions. Glad your enjoying the upgrade.
I agree that the 1E to 1U upgrade is luxurious and surprisingly advanced. As is the 1U to 1UR upgrade.
Ricks HF products are amazing, The astronomical cost of materials, especially on the U, UR and URR lines makes them very pricy, but, the best I've ever heard by far.
How long have you had them playing?
They get better for hundreds of hours.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
I forgot to add that Rick told me that there is a good bit of benefit between cryo treated and none treated, that the cryo treated was the way to go, He helped me with some decisions I am doing with modds to my digital player, Thankyou Rick!, cheers.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Today is the 29th, I just talked to Rick shultz on the phone for an hour!, what a real gentleman, we discussed everything other than just mere cables, like the real difference between balanced and single ended circuits, and resonance control, and how there really is no difference in sound between rhodium plated metal contacts and gold plated contacts, However, His ultimate referance with rhodium power cord has a completly new different dielectric and the conductors are in a helixed configuration that is the main reason of the difference in sound between the standard ultimate referance power cord and the Rhodium plus, very educational talking to Rick, cheers.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Please carry on, I wanted to say that Rick is a great guy to talk to, very helpfull, and a gentleman, thats all, I am not tring to hi-jack this thread, I enjoy the passion here, great to read, I like what Rick is doing with power cords, should be one of the best available, Happy listening gentleman.
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