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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,425 posts
 
The interesting thing about wires is its hard to make one that does not work at all so its an easy game to get into for sure.

The next wires I try will probably be ones used in pro studios. If I am half the audiophile I think I am, those should be able to do the job nicely. If its good enough for the pros.....

I have not worked in audio retail for years, but the biggest profits by far was always on accessories. Even basic wires had huge profit margins. Even with the reels of common 12 gauge copper strand speaker wires that everyone used to use.

It's a fact so just saying. I doubt its changed much.
calvinj
2,479 posts
 
People doubt it but either haven't heard it or don't want to hear it. Maybe it's not about what they hear. If it isn't about what they have heard I don't want to hear it. Lol.
agisthos
507 posts
 
What Sabai says is true for almost the entire cable industry. Except for HFC !! Yes its true, this time it is different!!

Seriously, I know how easy it is to be sceptical because the cable market has always been full of marketing and flavor of the month products.

But consider this... when you see long time audiophiles who have been around the block and owned dozens of high end cables, saying listen up, this stuff is truly an advance and giant leap over anything we have had before, well that says something.

Its been almost 3 years and the hype is still going strong because its real, there really is something to all this.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Calvinj

You stated, "I will make it simple for you. If you didn't like the sound you wouldn't buy them." I will make it simple for you. If you liked the sound you would't have sold them.

You stated, "Try the high fidelity stuff for yourself. Don't let anyone tell you what it's worth." If you can afford high priced cables without batting an eyelash then you can afford to make this statement. But if you are among those who demand value for their hard-earned audio dollars then "worth" is critical.

Jmcgrogan2,

In spite of Rick Schultz's unethical actions this has nothing whatsoever to do about a grudge. That's all in the past. My observations are not so easily dismissed. I have been critical of many cable makers for years on the Forum -- Synergistic Research, Grover Huffman, Gabriel Gold, HiDiamond among them.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Calvinj,

You stated, "I knew it had to be something when there was no comment about the sound at all." My comments were all about the sound and how much the sound is worth. A pair of speaker cables is worth $7,500? You must be joking. I mean, we're talking about 2 wires with some neodymium magnets. We are not talking about nuclear physics. You can make your own stunning speaker wires, Ozzy and I and others have done it, for less than $200 including the magnets.

This is about venting about the outrageous prices some cable makers put on their cables -- including Synergistic Research, Gabriel Gold, Tara, Nordost and High Fidelity, among others. There are folks who can afford to throw money at any audio product without batting an eyelash. And there are others who cannot. It's as simple as that.

Why in the world would anyone even think of spending $7,500 on a pair of speaker wires if they could make their own for less than $200 and have $7,300 left over in their audio budget?
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