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

Showing 25 responses by lak

@68Pete,
Thanks for the update.
Once your  UR Helix power cord is fully burned in, I'm sure you are going to really like it.
Which component did you put the  UR Helix power cord on? (CDP?)
and what power cord was on your preamp?
@limniscate; When you purchase HFC they usually come with a small container of a putty like substance (think Silly Putty) that you imerse the RCA into and then pull it out. It acts as a cleaner because the magnects pick up debree that can cause what you are describing.
@kritpoon that's an excellent question.
I would recommend contacting HFC directly with that question.
In my case, I'm also using a balanced isolation transformer and have 12 MC-0.5's plugged into the Furutech GTX-D duplex Receptacle that power the balanced isolation transformer.
I hear a difference that I'm calling the HFC House Sound, but I'd like to know what HFC has to say about it.
In a post on page 69 HFC suggests we should contact them directly with prolbems or challing questions.
@kritpoon, congratulations on your purchase.
I agree with the statement that 68pete made (above) about the HF House Sound (a term I made up). In addition to that, I would add every time I added a High Fidelity cable or other HFC device it brought more of a natural sound to the music. I noticed this in both of my systems, one solid state amp and tube preamp and the other all tube.
Others might describe the HFC sound differently, but in each case, more of a natural sound was produced.
@aniwolfe, absolutely nothing wrong with experimentation. You moght get better results with the three MC-05's plugged into the same outlet that your MC-6 is plugged into using an adapter you can pick up at HomeDepot or Lowe's etc, you might already have one?
What are your thoughts, 68pete?
@mac48025 I did a google search on your WyWire PowerBroker because it's important to know the inside workings of it to properly answer your question. Bassed upon what I found (I don't have a lot of time at the moment) can you post a link to the manual or a sight that gives me more information?
@jmcgrogan2 your set up sounds like it was done right. After some break-in time please post your findings...always something I can learn ;-)

@mac48025 thanks, that's the information I was looking for. I agree with 68pete, I'd put the MC-0.5's on the opening in your wall outlet going to your WyWire PowerBroker. Because your WyWire PowerBroker is high-quality components, with good individual outlet wiring with no interference from any built-in surge protector or suppressor the MC-05's will work well for you. Be sure to allow plenty of time for break-in, also remember should you remove them to audition them in another location there is a lingering effect (magnetic conduction) when removed, could take a couple days for the music to return to normal and always a break-in period when moved to a different location. That's magnetic conduction.
I'm looking forward to reading a review or comparison written by one of the guys that have already posted on this thread (over the years) that we know has experience with the HFC products to hear their thoughts on the MC1-Pro conditioner.
@68pete, Which component do you have the Pro power cord on?
I don't doubt the Pro sounds great, Its just totally out of my price range!
68pete, The placement of the Pro power cord makes a lot of sense to me.
I prefer to listen carefully to the music I hear and determine for myself if there is a difference and do I prefer what I hear. For me a scientific explanation isn't necessary and regardless of what some believe everything in the univeste can't always be proven.
Obviously, everyone isn't going to agree 100% of the time, different strokes for different folks.
Although I respect fleschler's opinions just because he heard one system with high-end HFC products and replaced all interconnects with a much less costly product doesn't always mean the results will be the same.
@sevenoranges if possible (based on your location) give HFC a phone call and ask them because they should have heard both and could describe sonic differences. By the way your question is an excellent one!
@mtrot, that's a good question. If you don't receive any responses to your question from individuals that have direct experience (which is possible), I'd recommend phoning HFC directly and asking them.
@68pete, from your post I assume there is a new MC-0.5 being produced? I looked on the HFC website but did not notice any?
I did like the video that is there explaining how the MC-0.5 works...very interesting.
68pete, thanks for the update. I'm affraid to look at the price of that bad boy!
@keithtexas, I have an Ultimate HFC digital cable which sounds very good however I'm not saying that you can't spend less money on a different digital cable that might sound as good. Since my system is almost all HFC (except a few power cords) I went with the UHFC digital.
calvinj, I'll be interested to read your thoughts on the Orchestral ic and power cords.