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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Going back to the main purpose of this thread, I have set up a small system in New Mexico and could bring only part of my Texas system. I brought my new music server, four pieces of HFC gear, including 2 pair of 1 m. Ultimate Reference ics, one set of Ultimate Reference speaker wires, and one Ultimate Reference Rhodium pc. A Stillpoints rack using two of their component stands with four of their Ultra SSs mounted on them. I should also note that this is a very small room, namely 13 x 10 x 8, which I long ago treated with Zilplexes.

I have endeavored this last week to optimize this system and have greatly satisfied myself. I am still missing much of the involvement that I have in Texas. I believe that it is the HFC pcs that are missing with their low noise level and resulting revelation of great details, such as the decay of notes. I am also missing the Tripoints Troy Signature that contributes much of this also.

I can only await returning to the heat of Texas and the rest of my system including a 24 x 18 x 11.5 listening room, but I am contented with what I have versus last year in NM, no HFC and a more basic music server.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Chris_L, I use a number of things to raise my cables. I find Epi wood
in 4x4 pieces of varying heights work well on my power cords. Epi is very hard to cut because it is so hard but does not have the negative
ringing effects of stone, metal, plastic, ceramic ext.. I also damp power cords and cables from vibration.
On Magnetic wave-guides, I use a combination of isolation platforms and Stillpoint mini's. ( plus damping and shielding )
The Iso platforms are built buy a friend Stan. We spent years perfecting the design. Right now I am using 6 different sizes of iso bases in my system and have musical benefit by using "super-isolation" on some components. (= a stack of 2 iso bases and 3 levels of Stillpoints ) Obviously--For audio crazies only. But the sound, WOW!!!
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Thanks Keith for you post.
"07-06-14: Audiolabyrinth - I also enjoy reading Dave's cable journey, I bet his system is incredible!"
I think it IS incredible buy that's MHO. (Not humble really).
I did have the founder of the Houston Audio Society over to listen Saturday and she used the word Fantastic to describe the sound.
Long time musicians with extensive recording studio time have been impressed. Audio reviewers also (Not at all humble I guess). I'll stop listing by saying many golden eared folks who are honest to the point of rude have said they never heard anything as good.
Hope your enjoying the music too! D
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Chris_launder, I have always used Rightway Audio Isolators, which are no longer available. They are ceramic with a brown glaze and look much like what you used to see on low voltage power lines. One can rest cables in the groove. I have tried cardboard, wood of different types, and the special and anti-static foam in which chips are shipped, and other ceramics, but none have been the equal of the Rightways.

You can see the contraption I use under the HFC UR speaker cables in my review of these cables on StereoTimes.
chris_launder
66 posts
 

I think Petieboy has hit the nail on the head , simplify and go for as few , but highest quality possible , components & strangely enough I was also about to type a post about the H F ( and other top notch cables ) also theoretically should be nothing more than a conduit to pass the music along unhindered .
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