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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
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.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Confessions. 1. I don't read posts from nay sayers. They are not of interest.
2. i spent over 30 years designing and building systems that sounded the best I've heard for much less money. A reviewer once said that one $30k system I built was comparable to systems in the mid 6 figures. Another reviewer stated that this same system was the best small room system he had ever heard.
Once I heard High Fidelity Magnetic magic, my life changed. With a sound much more real than I ever imagined possible. That old system would sound like dirt to my current system. At this point it would be unlistenable.
High Fidelity is dangerously good which is why I have cautioned people to
not listen to what they can't afford. Once heard on a great system there is no going back. Life is never the same after hearing High Fidelity Products.
Very addicting!
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Swampwalker,

You stated "$100K (or more) for a full loom of cables? Get real...this is one of the key reasons why people think audiophiles are crazy!"

This is precisely my point. Unless you are a multi-millionaire and could not give a hoot about the price, if audiophiles plunk down the astronomical prices being demanded for these cables, and the cables of other makers, people have very good reason to suspect they are crazy. IMO.

Tbg,

You stated "The DIYer cannot match any of them." How do you know that? Have you tried? And even if you have tried and failed, there is more than one DIY path. Ozzy has already stated his speaker wires outperform all the multi-thousand dollar speaker wires he has ever had in his system. Same for me. With all due respect, you may speak accurately for yourself as a DIYer but you cannot speak for everyone.

You also stated "... we can lower our goals ..." But this is precisely the point I am making here and that Ozzy has made, as well. The object is to raising your goals by making cables that outperform multi-thousand dollar cables. This does not lower the bar because of the simple fact this costs very little to do. It may encourage disbelief but that does not mean it has not been done.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,425 posts
 
one of these days someone will sell a uber expensive wire and then after further research publicly proclaim that its not so great as its price tag would suggest. Without then immediately coming up with the mkII version to replace it for even more, or maybe even less.

Or not....

You'd think any honest person would question the cost of the jewels they pitch at least a little even if they truly believe it is the best thing ever. I see a red flag when anything is accounted for as all benefit and no downside.
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