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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
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jazzonthehudson's avatar
jazzonthehudson
277 posts
 
@Ddraudt: can you describe in detail about your "super-isolation", some pictures in your system if you were to set up, would help a lot.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Calvinj, as I am now in my NM small room, I am hesitant to say too much about this dac although I am already greatly impressed. Also it is just a prototype, and I'm to get the production version which would include the computers within it in about 60 days.

Also, it has been so revealing in this system that I am quite aware of daily improvements as well as tweaking the system, such as going from the Stillpoints OEM isolators to their Ultra SSs. When this settled down, I will make comparisons between what I hear in double DSD versus what I hear in 44.1/16, etc. I have already done some of this while still in Texas and been greatly impressed. The sense of being present at the recording was greatly improved by the greater detail in particular the decay of notes.

This unit will not be cheap but nowhere near as expensive as the dCS four piece gear.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Jazzonthehudson, Thanks for the question. The answer is not simple and photos are even harder. Can't post pics here and I'm not a camera person. And it is not photogenic (ugly mess) Perhaps I will do a thread someday on "MAD Tweaks"!
Good tweaks can be system dependent and listener specific which is one reason why manufacturers can't add or recommend tweaks. The other is that it makes their products appear " in need of help".
Hence a DIY approach. Much DYI is about low cost methods but there is another DIY that is only about the best possible sound at any cost in time or money. I live there.
"Super-isolation" stems, in part, from that and the possibility the more is better sometimes. If one isolation shelf works well,,, what would two isolation shelves sound like??… If one damping block improves the sound- how many blocks can I put on before the sound degrades? ( answer 2 to 5 blocks).
I will describe what is currently under my CD starting from the floor up. Floor-my design of cork glue and wood. then 4" x 3/4" pine plywood blocks to, Stillpoint mini's, to 18 x 21 x 2.5 inch iso shelf -then ply blocks- Stillpoint mini's- 14 x 18 x 2.5 inch iso shelf -wood ply-Stillpoint mini's- CD player. One stillpoint fits exactly underneath the center of where the CD sits while playing.
The top is off the CD player and i've added 21 damping devices inside.
ALL shelves and blocks made by Stan Goudge of Cedar Park Texas.
I hope you can see now how complex it is to describe even with most details left out. Decades of experimentation on every facet!
Pictures would help I know. I hope to work on that someday.
Enjoy the Music! D
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
I want to see pics myself dave, come on, a cell phone pic will do it for me, if you do, post here that you did, cheers to you dave!
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