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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

Showing 6 responses by albertporter

albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 

It does give one reason to pause, it is almost like Rick himself has a pen name here. Dip your toes in another thread or two Dave, pretend that you are a real audiophile and not simply a HFC shill, that may help your credibility.

I've stayed out of this but I must speak to that comment. I know Rick personally, he lives just a short drive from me and we have spent many hours together over dinner, music and discussion of high end audio.

I would bet money the text you are discussing is not him. I know his writing style from conversation and countless email messages we've traded. Also, it does not fit his personality. He's as direct as a train and would not bend the truth to get a word in for himself.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Mapman I sent you a message via Audiogon. Perhaps it did not go through or maybe you have a new address since you began here.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
As I've said in a number of past threads, in audio it is very easy to attribute a perceived change to the wrong variable.

IMO. Regards,
-- Al

Absolutely!

I've preached that ever since I signed up at Audiogon. It's important to listen relaxed and long term.

Sounds easy but in reality a very difficult rule to stick to. Many people change two or more things at once or make a decision before they are certain about results.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
I asked whether we were going to hear what both sounded like and was told no. I then asked whether the designer of the other amp might not have thought that THD was all that was important. The audience all groaned. I left.

Like THD which is easy to measure, I don't think capacitance is all important.
Tbg

The only reason capacitance could be important is if a cable design had lots of capacitance and it was used in long runs between preamp and amp or between phono cartridge and phono step up.

Too much capacitance can cause high frequency roll off but to determine one would need to measure cable capacitance (which varies by length) and input and output impedance of the associated equipment.

I had one instance were a long run of MIT cable decidedly rolled off the highs in my system. Fortunately that was long ago and MIT has changed design countless times since then, that problem is non existent now.

I do not know the capacitance of High Fidelity Cables but I'll bet Rick could tell us with one phone call. He's one of the nicest guys in audio and about a straight up as anyone I've ever met.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
The blatant suggestion that comments by the likes of Albert, John and Al, are unwelcome, because they're not following some sort of prescribed direction and they're somehow getting in the way of the H/F accolades, is an affront to some of the most thoughtful and considerate contributors for decades on Audiogon and a distinct disservice to what well may be very fine cables!

My comments were in agreement with Al on listening priorities and apply to every piece of audio equipment made.

Forum topics that praise audio gear will likely draw comments both positive and negative. How each person conducts themselves is what keeps things informative and pleasant.

Heck, there's times I can't make up my mind about changes in my own system. It takes me forever to evolve things where I'm certain the direction was a correct one.

As for cable in general, all cable has a sound. Some people are going to love Audioquest or MIT or Transparent or High Fidelity Cables and someone else will not find any of those suitable.

Directly on topic of High Fidelity cables, I received a link to a video today that is brilliant!

It focuses on the technology Rick used to develop High Fidelity Cables. Wonder who else got the invite to view ?
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
I guess when you hear something great and the technology is truly different it intrigues you one hand and excites the ears on another. I go listen to systems all the time and I have heard three great ones this past week that sound completely opposite. One was more live natural and detailed with great speed and prat. The other one was organic with soundstage that filled the room and was totally rich as possible. The owners of the systems like their systems their way. I enjoyed both of these mega buck systems and could listen to both all day. They are two of the best I've heard at the cost no object price points. The other system was smaller and a mix of the two. It was one of the best sub 50,000 systems I have ever heard. There are different ways to get where you want to be.

A well stated point of view. I share your opinion completely and hope others experience same as they listen and learn. My own system has changed so much over the years to the point it's unrecognizable from where it began.

I have fond memories of the musical signature from each major variation and no matter what I have I reflect back and miss one strength or another that each variation offered.

I think this is much like music itself, some music is exciting, some soothing, some filled with passion and some soft and reflective. I think perhaps speakers are the major force but with good speakers it comes down to each component as well.
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