Tbg, I really enjoyed your post. Thanks! I surely got the point and have experienced this myself that todays improvements bring unimaginable realism.In the 70's I worked in live music venues and audio recording studios so I had live music and recording studio music to learn from. I had a very good system 35 years ago and it sounded like the musicians were in the room. Uncanny! I've been actively involved it getting more of that uncanny realism since. A thousand improvements later, I'm still awed by how much better it can sound.
Congratulations on the sound of your current system! It is truly a Magnificent sound (so real)! I agreed with your friend Miguel that one will not hear a sound that impressive in an audio store or at an Audio Show.
I'd love to have a Tripoint grounding system. I've heard it's amazing improvements to your system. (Caution Readers- we're talking about other expensive items) I've very happy for you and glad I heard the upgrades. Enjoy!! D |
Calvinj, Glad your liking your new speakers and happy your having fun!! I did look at them online and there is a lot of nice things said about them.
I got new speakers last week. They are prototypes and I am working on them to see how good I can make them. I've made them sound much better already. I've already removed 8 things that dulled the sound, changed 2 things that made the sound too sharp. and added 20+ things to get tighter response. I am mentally designing an improved vibration damping system to isolate the top cabinet. I have some additional shielding and damping to try.
The new speakers sound better in the Highs and have lower Bass than my last ones.
I'm also starting improving the sound of my High Fidelity cables by fitting Star Sound racks under the waveguides. More to do as I have 7 waveguides now and may have 10 soon. |
Lak, Thanks for your post also. I too got more adding a Ct1.
I like the "More natural, truer to live performance" description of High Fidelity Cables. It captures the essence of what they do. I want more!!
;-) D |
Calvinj, Glad you are having great listening fun. I feel better with the music playing so it is on all the time now. My system now is so inspiring, soothing, uplifting, involving, amazing that I listen more than ever before. ;-) ;-) ;-).
I hope you find the time to visit me, Norm and others.
Cheers D |
03-30-15: Mapman
Sounds like a bunch of meaningless hyperbole to me with absolutely nothing concrete to substantiate it even possible.
What a bunch of c--p.
Mapman, thank you for your personal audio experiences.
Astute! ;-) D |
03-30-15: Mapman
That's why you can't know what you like best until you hear it.
Mapman, Congratulations! You are 100% correct!
D |
Jmcgrogan2, I like the funny statements about %. I also agree that it would make no sense to sell ones equipment to buy cables. I was thinking of selling my car to buy gas though. ;-) D |
Sammons, welcome back and congratulations on your WGPC!! a rare and wonderful device. I call it amazing but "wave guide power conditioner "is one name. "power box" to my friends ;-)
The reason I like using a URR into the WGPC s that you end up with two fantastic Magnetic devices in series, and everything else is plugged into that combo. all components benefit. That being said, you will have an opportunity to try many combos.
What I would love to hear is HOW IS YOU SYSTEM SOUNDING??
Cheers D |
Sammons, Thank for sharing some about your system...
I too used to listen to one type of music also until my system made everything sound so good. Now my music collection has many other types.
Very sorry the outlet police come by your house to inspect every outlet.
My philosophy is to use WHATEVER makes my system sound better.
Roguish I suppose. ;-)
You want I should send you a thing for the thing? ;-) D |
Calvinj, It looks like the next listening party at Norms is Saturday Apr 25.
I should prove to be a fun filled education for all in attendance. I've heard some good reports on the new Ct1 Power cord and hope to see one soon.
I'm having fun with music every day!!
Cheers D |
Rdoc, Thanks for sharing you excitement about you HFC experience.
Fun, isn't it? I'm breaking in Ct1 pc now for a weekend test. So far I do notice improvements in clarity and quietness in my system.
Keep on enjoying the music!
D |
Ct1 power cable was superior to custom cable I was comparing it to.
As Kzhtoo said, the Ct1 pc has unique characteristics that regular pc's don't have. The speed and clarity, the more musical and less harshness
that seems more like a change of better interconnects.
I also must return the loners but hope to get a couple of the CT1 pc's for my system.
Dave |
Further listening to the Ct1 power cable convinces me that I would not be happy with less. Like Tbg, I have some URR power cords that are in another world in performance and price. Still, the Ct1 is what I need for places where
it's big brother is not practical for me. I'll get a couple! D |
Calvinj, what power cord did you replace the URR for? did you have Ultimate or UR? The URR's Double helix magnet design is what makes it superior.
Enjoy D |
Calvinj, went tp Norms and was amazed at how much better his system got.
I hope he comments.
My system is reduced to background music only as I see to repairs and upgrades.
In the meantime I'm keeping busy with cleaning and improvements, communication and planning, design and testing. I developed tools and a method if cleaning and polishing inlet and outlet contact points without having to take them apart. I'm experimenting with less damping and more energy transfer with great results.
Working on Improving my WGPC and getting more URR power cords.
What's up with your system??? D |
Rlawry, thanks for sharing you experience. It is so much fun to put a better HF item in and hear the improvements. great description, Thanks D
PS. HFC power cords would blow you away! |
Calvinj, I will let you know about the next Norm trip I take. Always some new toys coming that we will HAVE to try!!! Some with Magnets. I'm jumping back on the HFC train for more magnetic magic!!!
When is summer for you? Sounds like a mythical future where things will get easier next month. ;-)
Glad your enjoying the music!!
D |
50 page blog, although not a record, is very impressive! I surmise the products must be quite special to warrant all of this.
Thanks Rlawry, Calvinj for your descriptions of the improvement with the URR. I agree wholeheartedly and look forward to the next High Fidelity
Cable I buy, and the next.
Right now, I can think of 4 more HF cables I hope to buy.
The sound here is alluding and uncanny, so real it's crazy.
Cheers D |
Calvinj, Although the URR is new to you, It is not new.
According to Rick, You have the same cords that I have.
That being said... the URR is amazingly superior to the other power cords
in the line because of it's double helix magnet design..
More magnets = more fun!! |
Calvinj, The URR is a masterpiece and beyond, way beyond what anyone might imagine. No surprise to me that you were Blown Away. The good and bad news is that it gets that much better with each URR one adds. Norm had 6 and a WGPC at last count.
ENJOY!!! |
Calloway, Great News!!, I'm happy for you.
ENJOY!! |
Lak, negligible weight change with the new IC and pc. the improvement comes mostly from a better configuration of more expensive magnets.
Theaudiotweak, Thanks
Friends Frank and Sheri visited from Houston we listened to music and did power box comparisons. I was a nice visit. I now have all the info I need to build a better power distribution box. A more rigid box. polished, beaded, directionalized copper wire in two different gauges. ATL copper inlet, Oyaide R0 outlets, Furutech wall plates and covers.
Enjoy the music. D |
Wish I was one of those who love music no matter what it sounded like.
I love music when it is involving, visceral, emotional, moving.. otherwise
the car radio would be enough.
Cost is not an issue for an audio addict, finding the money is. This may not make sense to the non-addictive personality.
I've got about 7 audio projects in the works now and 4 more in the planning stage. maybe, when I finish those sometime next year I will think my system is good enough. probably not.. ;-) It there an audioholics anonymous?
I'm very happy for those who love their system as is.
Enjoy D |
Hi Calvin, Tis true, so true that HF cables bring one to levels not experienced elsewhere in audio. And I to do all I can to improve the cable's performance and the room and equipment of course.
I would say that High Fidelity Cables bring much of the involving, visceral, emotional, moving that I am hearing. They, like all equipment that I have encountered, can be tweaked as well to enhance the magic. Imagine making your HF cables sound twice as amazing?
cheers D |
Lak, I have an Oppo 83 that has recently completed 6 months of modification to be transport only. It has
onboard battery power supply for the clock circuitry, a super clock and tons of other wire and parts and shielding. It was recently compared favorably to a $14,000+ Esoteric transport.
I'm thinking of selling it because I have a Double DSD system that has all of Norms music on it. (452 albums and counting.) You can contact me if you wish.
D |
Tbg, yes, the new hard drive works correctly, I recopied the old drive with my tune bank and it is working fine. Glad to hear your back soon. I will love to hear how it sounds too once settled in. I completed my power distribution box for my High Fidelity power cords. It is breaking in now, for a week.
Since you left town I got a 4th HF power cord and an HF URH IC as well as a 2 shelf Rhythm Rack by Star Sound. I got my new custom CD transport in, and hope to see my custom amp in a few weeks, which will tie it all together.
Music has really helped me through some tuff reality lately.
Enjoy the music! D |
Tbg, yes the HF PC I would use for the power box is the one with magnets the length of UR speaker cable magnets. (16 inches long). I have 2. the other Big PC is for my amp but is long enough to plug in without pulling.
The final set up will have all my High Fidelity waveguides and the power box on Star Sound platforms or shelves. with sound better than ceramic IMHO.
Cheers D |
Tbg, I get where you are going, ceramic and static control. Could be worth a try. Technically, I don't think the rate of energy flow of ceramic matches the Rhythm Racks materials. perhaps a ceramic floor disc might work if not for that.
It is a fun challenge for me to see how much more I can get out of my High Fidelity cables. Making amazing even more amazing.
Cheers
D |
Hello Calvin, The music is on and sounding very good. I'm playing "Blue Bossa" now, a mellow, relaxing album, with my DSD set up.
I completed the first iteration of a new power distribution box specifically for High Fidelity Power cords and it sound way better than the last custom
power box I built. vales lifted my friend, vales lifted. I hear more lifelike, and more dynamic, clear, involving, depth, shape, solidity.....
Looks like it is time to start planning a trip to Norms once he gets the big system up and running again. Hope you make the next visit.
Cheers D |
Calvinj, how's your system sounding? |
Calvinj, Good question with a wide variety of answers. the broad strokes answer might be, More realistic or live sounding. The HF cables bring me closer that I could have imagined to that "real".
I use vibration transfer and damping on my HFC items to enhance their amazing effects. My Star Sound platforms and racks help a lot with soundstage definition and tonal improvements. My double DSD set up is capable of sampling rates far beyond CD capabilities, close to Master Tapes' sound. My new power distribution Box is designed specifically for High Fidelity Power Cables and improves the clarity, intimacy, depth and dynamics.
I still need to get my new amp, new hard drive tray, new eSATA cable and some more albums copied to DSD hard drive. I could improve even further
with the latest HF double helix UR speaker cables and another URR pc and a second power distribution box on a 2nd decated circuit.
I'm unlikely to run out of improvements I can think up or hear about.
One nice thing is that the DSD has over 4000 tracks, close to 500 albums at my fingertips without leaving my chair. with more albums coming.
Cheers D
did I answer your question? |
Calvinj, I know what you mean about HF cables, they satisfy me very much
and that is rare for me. I change things up constantly but the High Fidelity
Stuff is so amazing that I don't even think about other cables, except better HF cables.
FYI, Norm is back home now and putting his system back together.
me, I'm waiting for components, price quotes and money for toys.
also, listening to music every day.
enjoy the music
D |
I thought I'd comment on the latest round of chiding but decide to listen to music instead. |
Siddh, congrats on the Helix speaker cable! Is it the UR helix? Were you able to compare the UR helix to the UR?
I have a UR speaker cable and wish to move up to the UR Helix but have heard little personal experiences. Rick said UR helix blows away the UR and, since every HF cable advance has been tremendous, I have no cause to doubt him.
After 3 weeks it should be well on it's way to showing what it can do.
Friends and I would appreciate any expansion on "Simply Stunning"
you were willing to share.
Thanks and enjoy the music! D |
Siddh, Thanks for sharing. I believe that you are in for even more of a surprise as the speaker cables should improve for up to 500 hours of play time. |
Budburma, I like it when no cables of any type touch the floor. Because it sounds better. I have at least 8 HF waveguides in my system. all but one are on StarSound platforms or racks and I have another SS platform for the final one. With multi waveguides, as on the speaker and power cables, I remove the rubber bands and use star sounds' Audio Points with their points in the grove where the bands were. the audio points are then connected to a ss platform. I addition, I use weights on top of the multi waveguides which adds to the solidity, bass extension, clarity and realism....
For pics and further info, Pm me with your contact info.
Cheers D |
Tie wraps not good! IMHO If they touch the waveguide outer shell at all it dampens the highs. Hanging Strain relief would have to be attached to the wire, or the waveguide support, not the waveguide. |
Siddh, I do have helix power cords and interconnects.
Like all level upgrades in High Fidelity line, which I have experienced first hand, the next level is even more shockingly superior than the last.
How do I quantify such a dramatic increase in realism? I once stated that I thought the Ultimate was 10 time better then the Enhanced and that the UR sounds 10 times as amazing as the U. I would say the same about the vast galaxy of improvements the Helix wrought. So many have described the many many attributes of High fidelity cables. With each advancement in the line, all of those attributes get surprisingly more amazing.
SO MUCH MORE REAL THAT I WOULD NEVER WANT TO GO BACK!!!
This is why, (30 pages back) I cautioned folks about not listening to parts one cannot afford because you will hate giving them up. A lot!
HF cables are like a dream that keeps on getting more vivid.
Maybe Rick will loan me a set of UR Helix Speaker Cables so I can give my, in depth, opinion if them. ( hint hint) ;-)
Enjoy the music! D |
I agree with Lak that I get a blacker background with all cables off the floor.
With less noise comes more musical information. |
Rlawry, thanks for the report in you HF cables! I like you descriptions of the improvements.
they could sound better for another 450 hours.
I wouldn't worry about moving the wires. most of the break in on HF cables is about magnetic permeation, of wire and components which does not
get lost in a move. IMO, break in from moving only takes a few hours, a day at the most. New components in the system take longer to permeate but they would need their own break in time anyway.
If you change the support or damping on an HF cable it will change the sound permanently.
Enjoy
D |
I love the Pro power cords. Unbelievable soundstage realism, even compared to the URR helix. I have 2 pro's. I'd love to have more but am trying to avoid debtors prison. ;-)
I have one pro to my power distribution box and one to the amp so the amp sees 2 PRO pc/s in the power system. (amp is actually custom amp, preamp and DAC in one chassis).
My system is preforming in such a way as to be pushing the boundaries of
known possibility. Time and again, I am presented with unobtainium and a want to describe it. A situation a gladly find myself in.
Cheers D |
Calvinj, the pro PC takes the music to other levels of "real".
quieter, more extended, dynamic, longer decay, more intimacy,
Surprising soundstage solidity, amazing air and space, tonal bonanza.
Texas audio tour will be starting again soon. I hope to visit Houston, Dallas, Collage Station and have some folks here if I can ever get my system completed and broken in.
I've been having friends over almost every day to listen. Hearing stuff in tracks that we've never heard before. complex passages are unraveled and defined with a vast improvement in subtle detail that gives new definition the the word Lifelike.
I've got 9 more improvements in the works right now including 4 cable upgrades, 3 equipment upgrades, a power upgrade and more Rack improvements. November might be a fun month.
Cheers
D |
Hello All, How's your system?
I'd like to share what it's like NOT having HFC power cords.
I sent all 4 of my High Fidelity power cables in to the shop because they were prototypes and I'm getting them to equal current production models.
(Friend Norm told me about the new ones" Their ease, clarity, dynamics, ambience, and bass is just outstanding" as compared to the prototypes.)
Back to the story, the sound after the cords were remove.
The sound lacked a few things:
musicality, dynamics, naturalness, effortlessness, solidity, depth, space, pace, fq. extension, intimacy, involvement, timber, tone, breath, width, realism, amazement, enjoyment, magic, fun.
Cheers D |
High Fidelity Wave Guide Power Box... (HF WGPB)
awsome, breathtaking, extraordinary, stunning, spectacular.
One week break in, followed by
an exhaustive 10 hour assessment of the power box
by 3 audio entheuasts.
1- 35 yrs. in audio product testing & development.
2 - 35 yrs. in speaker & “iso devices” designer and builder.
3 - cable and power box designer and builder.
(2 of the 3 guys own HF Ultimate cables.)
In Short.... We tests Rick Schultz’s magnetic wave guide power box
(the larger version) in conjuction with many enhancement devices. cables, connections,- and items for isolation, damping and shielding.
Reviewers comments on the sound
The final result transported us to a new world...advancing
the definition of aural excellence.
HF WGPB made EVERY aspect of musical reproduction better.
I can’t believe this sound!!
Beyond all the standard audiophile buzzwords like
tightest, chrispest, fullest, quietest, cleanest.... most liquid, most musical, most solid image,,,
There is an uncanny sense of emtional involvement beyond all previous experances.
Wow!, MAN!, God!, Wow!! Oh- Ah-Ooo(repeaded many times)
Killer!!
Can you tell Rick you lost it??
I’ve never heard anything like it.
What I once thought was wonderful is now nothing compared to this.
I may have to stop listening until I can reproduce this sound again.
I have an extra kidney I could sell. |
leicachamp, I my experience, the HF cables do somethings that all other cables do not, so, according to that theory, your speaker cables are the limiting factor because they don't have the control or the bandwidth to show what the IC's are really doing.
Also true is that each successive line in the CT-1 series is SIGNIFICANTLY better than the next….SIGNIFICANTLY!!!
the Ultimates are a way bigger improvement over the E than the E is over the 1 and the improvement from U to UR is unbelievable.
So really, you can't go wrong with either move.
I have enjoyed every level of HF cables but will tell you that the U is really when it gets super magical.
Maybe you can find someone selling their Ultimates. (hint)
IF money is an issue as it is with me the IC is half as much as the speaker cables so you could start there. |
CalvinJ, YOUR QUESTION "how long have you been using the high fidelity stuff and what was the difference from your previous cables and Ic."
I've been using High Fidelity Cables for over 2 years and have tried all levels of the their cables. I'm now at UR full loom + URR power stuff. To quote a favorite phrase, the difference with HF cables is "SHOCKINGLY SUPERIOR REALISM". The likes of which I never even imagined possible. |
Welcome Jmcgrogan2 & Acman3, to this "High Fidelity" thread .
It's true, the best of the CT-1 series cost dearly.
I'm selling my $10,000 Ultimate speaker cables to buy the $15,000
Ultimate Reference. (prices reflect 2.5Meter cables). Each piece of HF gear was a stretch for me but the results………worth every penny!!
Also true, these cables create an image and a "realness" that I could not have imagined possible. Reviewers and bloggers have gone crazy over this new magnetic transmission method and their Unbelievable - Unequalled results.
I kind of like the challenge of working out how to come up with huge piles of cash to advance my audio nirvana. Still, the Ultimate and Ultimate Reference cables are going to be out of reach for all but the wealthiest or craziest of us. (i'm not wealthy so…)
Also, I'm fairly sure the people on this thread already have audio systems. ;-) Dave
;-) Dave |
Audiolabyrinth & Morningstaraudio, Thank you for echoing my excitement over this world changing development of MAGNETIC CONDUCTION. Those who have not heard could not possibly know how dramatically they change the face of signal transmission beyond anything ever heard before. I'm happy to be one of the "wildly enthusiastic" group.
The long list of glowing reviews and a 2 year thread do indicate something very special is going on here but one would still have to hear it to have any hope of comprehending. Even hearing it I have trouble comprehending this "So Real" experience.
In 30 + years of audio, the most annoying trait for me to deal with is "contempt prior to investigation". though caution, and even skepticism can be helpful, close-mindedness will never help get
anyone get anywhere new. I would categorize myself an an"early adapter" so I'm comfortable hanging with you guys on the cutting edge.
The music is so good here that I laugh out loud.
D |
Geoffkait, yes I agree with what you have said, thank you.
I've had success isolating transformers from the chassis and stressing
the circuit boards also. I've found it helpful to use hot glued wooden circuit board standoffs in the past BUT I'm experimenting with Stillpoint Standoffs ( one of Stillpoint's OEM product line ) with ball bearings.
Your idea of damping top plate of isolation stands works for me also.
I get more music by putting a little damping on some of my damping and isolation devices. I've discovered more playback info using two iso platforms on top of each other with Stillpoint under each and under the component. crazy but it works. another direction is Stillpoint's no shelf equipment racks, well designed racks with attached stillpoints no shelves. Like all of Stillpoint's stuff, surprisingly effective and surprisingly expensive.
I don't think I've mentioned that I have the ugliest system ever with so much cr#& piled on it that you can't see the components. I'm using
multi layers of heavy duty aluminum foil between each component and between speakers and components for RF IF interference with strikingly good sonic effects. I have over 30 tube traps in my small room, 6 behind each speaker and a 7 foot tall "Stonehenge" circle around the listening area effectively canceling unwanted room reflections, each tube trap fine tuned by ear. One begins to expect that I have no family around and no life other than Audio??
I'm having a lot of fun with audio friends and I'm tingling with excitement as I await my HF UR Speaker cable. Dave |
Thanks Nick, I'm happy you're enjoying these revolutionary cables too!
I've learned so much about magnetic conduction in the past 18 months.
I've heard unbelievable, unequalled improvements with High Fidelity products and I'm surprised at every upgrade's incredible advances.
There is much more to come from High Fidelity. Try to imagine a bypass cap and other internal components with magnetic technology…
Most have not yet heard the power side of the HF line which is every bit as astonishing as the signal products. Truly amazing!
I wonder about how to let people know about this monumental, must have, no going back, Revolution in audio playback???
Those who have not heard it could not possibly know just how Cataclysmic HF's magnetic technology will be. 20 reviews and years of blogs fall short because all the words have been used up on far less
world changing items. I know folks who never read reviews or blogs. From what I have learned and heard…I believe all manufacturers will have to go to Magnetic conduction to stay in the game. A bold claim and perhaps I'm preaching to the choir. I have people over once or twice a week to listen and I have lent HF cables to Stores, companies and friends, and it talk about HF a lot. This is slow going. I've seen how blogging on other sites can go horribly wrong ;-0. It'll be interesting to follow the progress. Happy listening to all! Dave |
