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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
+1 Calloway. Certainly some tube components sound as Tbg described, but broad brush painting is very misleading. No way can all tube electronics be group in this stereotypical manner.HFC and the Tripoint Troy with my tubed system is utterly natural and realistic. There's no syrup, mud or veiling, there's much purity of sound. No doubt that Calloway is hearing superb honesty and purity in his fantastic system.
Charles,
calloway
874 posts
 
Charles1dad..you are right. by the way...your system is superb...i'll bet the Tripoint Troy is amazing..
calvinj
2,479 posts
 
@tbg. I actually have been moving away from my affinity for too much texture and warmth. I think it a matter of the kind of tube equipment it is and the system synergy. For example the veloce equipment with the high fidelity ultimate reference was just amazing. It hard to describe in words but I think you can have richness, texture and a slight amount of warmth and weight. Another example is my friends system who has the kr audio with Gato speakers and Resonessence invicta Dac. We switched some high fidelity in his system and it sounded great. It had no loss of detail. It had a low noise floor but it had just the right amount of weight and texture. I think it gets to a point where small personal preferences play a part. There is a way to get the realism you seek at the same time have the music sound good. You don't have to sacrifice one to have the other. That's just my personal opinion. However, tbg you probably have heard demoed and tried a lot more gear than I have. I definitely know you have a vast amount of experience in this hobby from your ownership and or reviewing of equipment.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Calloway,
Thanks, I've admired your Chalice amplifier based system for quite some time.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Guys, I am merely stating what I have found personally. Calloway, I have heard the Chalice but not under good circumstances and have not been able to avail myself of your kind offer. Please also know that I have had perhaps 20 tube amps and probably 8 or 9 tube preamps, including what I consider the best, my Exemplar XP-2. Amps have always been more of an issue, as my power needed have varied as I have gone from compression drivers in horns to dynamic drivers in small boxes. This is going from 103 db efficiency to 86 db. I have had amps with 1.56 watts output and amps with 300 watts output.

The best amp I have ever heard was made by Western Electric and use 2 WE 205 tubes putting out 1.56 watt into a beat up Altec 604. If only there had been two. I realize, however, that some music would not have been reproduced well on this system.

Finally, I have experienced miracles with the Tripoint Troy Signature, the StillPoints Ultras, the Star Sound Apprentices, the Koda K 10 preamp, and the HFC cables. Had I these devices long ago, my conclusions might be quite different.
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