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.
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.
