2. cables
  3. 1335297906

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
agisthos
504 posts
 
Sabai, looking at your system you have a lot of what I would call 'tweak' products. This means you are not a traditional skeptic, you have just rightly not been impressed with high end cables. Almost all high end cables are just another flavour of sound, they do not justify the extra cost over a decent $500 cable.

This is where HFC is different. It's huge leap in realism. You are kidding yourself if you think you can make some yourself. There is a lot more going on with these cables than magnets that makes them perform so special.

In my opinion the CT-1E Interconnect is a huge leap in performance over any IC cable type I have had, and I have rolled my own of every geometry and wire type you can think of.

Unlike some on this thread I am not so keen to pump the very expensive lines as being 10x better e.t.c The CT-1U and CT-1UR are in my system incremental improvements, they are for the well to do with money to burn.

The CT-1E gets you a large chunk of performance for a price that does not involve cutting your arm off. You should try a pair.
calvinj
2,315 posts
 
@agisthos. High fidelity is different for the last 5 or 6 years I tried cable makers big and small 25 brands or more the high fidelity ultimate will be my reference cable. It's difference is that in my system it has better speed and realism. It's like a faucet with a bigger more free flowing spout.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
It's like a faucet with a bigger more free flowing spout.
Are you talking about the cable or the $$$ flowing from your bank account to Rick Schultz's? $100K (or more) for a full loom of cables? Get real...this is one of the key reasons why people think audiophiles are crazy!
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Agisthos,

What people call tweaks can make as big a difference to SQ as a component or a cable. This is what my experience tells me. I also believe that "almost all high end cables are just another flavour of sound ..."

There is also "a lot more going on" with my DIY cables than magnets. I am not denying that High Fidelity cables may be exceptional. What I am saying is that you can make great cables yourself without having to mortgage the house. I mean, most people have at least 4 power cords in their system. How many can afford to spend $50,000 on 4 power cords?

Thanks for the tip. I will look around Singapore for these cables.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Swampwalker, there is no question that top-of-the-line audio components have grown quite expensive, but it is also true that many of these sound outstanding but their sound is different.

I have three very expensive sets of cables right now. One is exceptionally very fast with leading edge on brass, percussion, drums, etc. that makes dynamic drivers sound like horns with compression drivers. One is very detailed and has great detail at all frequencies. And one presents a very satisfying soundstage before you and is very musical sounding. All optimize different technologies.

The DIYer cannot match any of them.

Thanks for alerting us that edge of the art is expensive and that one can DIY can be done, cheaper gear can be bought, and that we can lower our goals. One can do this for food, wine, cars, and televisions also.
More to discover