High Fidelity Cables CT-1designed by Rick Schultz

I'd really appreciate it if I could get feedback from those who switched to High Fidelity CT-1 speaker cables.

I currently own Nordost Tyr speaker cables and based on my positive experience in replacing Kubala Emotion interconnects with High Fidelity CT-1 interconnects, I'm wondering if I'd get the same bang for the buck.

Here is my experience with the HF Cables. I have tried a number of cables in my system over the years but it was not an obsession of mine as I found cable changes to evoke relatively minor changes such as tonal balance or level of detail. I tried many amps, speakers, and preamps as they always resulted in more major changes in sound quality. Currently I have some Essence solid-state electronics with a 30MHz bandwidth, although the preamp does have a pair of 12AX7 tubes. I use a pair of Audio Nirvana 12" single-driver speakers with cabinets built by a furniture maker, and have a JL Audio f113 subwoofer. I mostly listen to the 10,000 LP's I have on an SME turntable with Graham Phantom arm and Lyra Titan I cartridge. Major cable brands I have tried are Audioquest, Transparent, Straightwire, Expressive Technologies, Virtual Dynamics, Essential Sound Products, PS Audio, NBS (including some hyper-expensive ones), and most recently, Intuitive Design.

The first time I added a regular CT-1 interconnect between my Manley Steelhead Phono Stage and my preamp (trying them for 0.5mV phono signals did not work), I was stunned at the transformation of the sound. There was no doubt that the sound had changed, only whether you liked it. IMO, the change was radically better in my system and even greater than the changes in components I have tried. It wasn't just changes in tonal balance but a major improvement in the quality of the sound. Everything was more immediate and more present, an effect I like since it multiplies what I most like about single-driver speakers. It was easier to follow individual voices and instruments, like they sound in a live concert. Bass drum was quicker and separate from the thrum of bass guitars. In fact, everything was much quicker. Voices were more realistic and the treble was even better than that from some Acapella speakers I had with ion tweeters. You could more easily hear cymbal taps in their own space. And there was a coherence to the sound, an ease, and a big liquid soundstage. This was not the usual lean, hyper-detailed sound you hear at audio shows, but big and transparent.

I have since added another CT-1 between my amp and preamp, and a pair of CT-1 speaker cables. I would say it multiplies the effect previously mentioned as well as making the speakers disappear, but not as shockingly as when I added the first cable. Just yesterday I received a pair of CT-1 Ultimates and replaced the CT-1s between my phono stage and preamp. Again, from very limited use, I hear even more transparency, immediacy, and space. The bass is a little constipated and warmth and robustness are down, but if it follows what I usually hear during break-in, this will improve greatly over time.

This is what I hear in my system, which might be a little different with the single-driver speakers and very high-bandwidth electronics. I am planning to move up the line when my kids finally get out of college, but having fun.

Hope this helps.

I don’t mean to speak poorly about any audio product and lets face it just because an audio product is expensive or inexpensive does not mean it sounds good, great or bad.
I have a friend that has a very good ear for music that uses the DNM Reson interconnects and he loves them, a lot of bang for the buck and I agree.
Lets face it; quite often they way any type of audio equipment sounds (power cords, interconnects, speaker cables, front-end or amp) is system dependent.
With that said over the past 30 years I’ve owned and tried and demoed a lot of interconnects, speaker cables and power cords.
When the CT-1 interconnect first came out (years ago from Canada) I was one of the first people to purchase two pair of interconnects.
They sounded good but not better then what I was currently using therefore after 30 days I returned them for a refund. Hell no; I was not going to spend that kind of money and hear no improvement!
Years later, I now own two pair of the HF CT-1U interconnect, speaker cable, and one power cord. When I find a really good deal on a used CT-1 UR interconnects I’ll probably purchase it and use it between my CDP and preamp instead of my CT-1 U because I’ve heard for myself what the HFC can do.
At this point of my life the CT-1 U is the best sounding interconnect and speaker cable I have heard in my main system and I’ve been luckily enough to purchase used at a price I could afford.
Believe me or choose not to believe me, I don’t care. I’m just trying to pass on some information to those that might be interested.

Raks; I wish I could answer your question for you but I have not heard the CT-1 speaker cable or the Nordost Tyr speaker cables.
IMO: if you liked the CT-1 interconnects then the CT-1 speaker cable might complete your loom of HFC and create better synergy.

Peace out everyone and enjoy the music…that’s what this is suppose to be about :-)
“Good Things In Life Take A Long Time"

Th troll says: nice useful posts from lak and Rl. Thanks!

The only problem with DNMs I have is that they are not shielded. I use them from my phono step-up transformer to pre-amp as well as from digital source to preamp and pre-amp to amp. I added mu-metal shielding around my step-up transformer to help address noise issues. Not unique to the DNMs there but they are particularly susceptible. SO some additional tweaking might be needed more so with any unshielded wire to help control noise, especially with low level phono gear. Otherwise, I love those little guys to death.

Lak,

If by chance you would ever get an opportunity to have a shootout between your friends DNM wires and your HF, I would be very interested in the findings.

Cheers!