Rx8man,
I appreciate the input given here. I placed probably more importance on actual owners/user impressions than reviews.I `ve found most owners to be quite candid and truthful about their experiences.
Regards, |
Agisthos,
Thanks for your input, what you describe is precisely what I want. High resolution but in a honest and "natural" form. There`s plenty of natural color, harmonics and tone in acoustic instruments and voice.I want to retain as much of this as is reasonably possible.
Regards, |
How good are the High Fidelity digital cables? |
Tbg,
My only interest is a SPDIF cable.I`m also considering the Sablon Panatela digital cable.
Regards, |
I'll read the review to see what you heard. My verdict is they're excellent, just love my CT1 -Ultimate digital cable. |
agisthos,
Thanks for your response,I`ll give them some serious thought.I`m seeking a pure natural character yet high resolution cable(not hifi hyper detail emphasis).
Regards, |
Fplanner2000,
Thanks,I`m getting the sense from owners such as you and reading reviews that it is`nt an uber detail artificial sounding type of product.I don`t see as much written about the digital version compared to the analog cable. I`ll assume they have the same presentation/character and exstrapolate.
Regards, |
Tbg,
I am curious, how are these cables causing such a change? |
Tbg,
You're saying the HFC are so good that they're exposing the faults of your tweaks or the tweaks are revealing shortcomings in the cable? |
Sorry, I re read your post and understand you're crediting the cable. |
Tbg it`s clear now. I got an audition sample HFC CT-1 'Enhanched' from The Cable Company yesterday. All ready it`s apparent this is in a different league from my current digital cable the ASI Liveline(which is excellent). All comments written in this thread are on the mark.With simply placing this CT-IE between the transport and DAC there`s an immediate improvement,case closed.Resolution,transparency,detail,nuance,dynamic contrast etc. You name it and its better(just a single cable insertion!). I have it for a two week trial period but really It`s a done deal, I`m going to purchase one.
My concern about a possible "hifi effect" is moot, the sound character is as natural as one could desire.Very alive,organic and vibrant.I don`t think it`s hyperbole to say this is a profound product.Its effect is as significant as my Duelund CAST capacitors and the Star Sound Technologies products,all are top tier.
Regards, |
Linkster,
That`s a good question. The recent changes I`ve made(Duelund,Star Sound and Synergistic Research fuses) all their contributions seem elevated even further with the HFC in my system.This total effect is quite beautiful to hear. |
Linkster,
In my case I have to believe that the products I`m using are`nt creating any particular coloration. In fact it may be safe to say they have reduced coloration in my system and that`s causing the improved sound.
Regards, |
Thanks for that information. It explains why I`m enjoying their products so much in my system.The results of Rick and Robert`s talent is easy to hear and appreciate.
Regards, |
Ddraudt,
I auditioned the enhanced digital cable and was pleasantly startled by its performance. So I can only believe you that the ultimate CT-1 is extraordinarily.
Regards, |
Ddraudt,
The ultimate is double the amount of money of the enhanced version.It seems you aren't experiencing the law of diminishing returns, that's rare but says a lot.
Regards, |
Ddraudt,
Your rating of the three levels of the HFC CT-1 caught my attention. I auditioned the CT-1E digital and know it`s superb(as you indicated). If the ultimate version is a significant improvement,holy cow! I had a long phone conversation with rick yesterday and honestly I`m convinced.He felt this cable in the digital position has profound impact on the entire audio chain. I`ve ordered the CT-1 Ultimate digital and eagerly await its arrival. The Enhanced version had such an exceptional combination of ultra resolution and natural overall sound(the level of realism simply increased). I can only imagine what the Ultimate cable will do in my system.
Regards, |
My HFC -CT1 Ultimate digital has about 150 hours and are just fantastic!
So much has been written about the HFC on this site that I believe any thing I have to say is redundant. I'll keep it short and simple, this cable is a major achievement. If you detest artificial hifi sound where thin and sterile is mistaken for transparency and detail, and over emphasizing bass is a virtue, the HFC-CT1 is for you. As natural and"real" as you could ever hope for.High resolution done naturally is very hard to accomplish. If you desire pure musical communication, honesty, tone and genuine emotional connection with your music this cable is the correct pathway there.It is a slap in the face to all the fake sounding hifi products in the home audio marketplace.
Regards, |
Mrmb,
You make a good point about audiophile vocabulary as it's easy to cross into hyperbole. I'd say these cables truly excel at providing a sense of realism compared to many other components. If rick were to offer an even higher level cable it still won't invalidate the excellence of the current offerings. For example, if something ranked at the 99th percentile that doesn't mean that something else at the 95th percentile is suddenly junk. It's still be in the top 5%.
Regards, |
It was very easy to get a pair fromThe Cable Company for a two week audition. The fee charged is 5% of the product retail value and shipping. It was worth it for me. After reading all the positive testimonials on this site I just had to try them in my own system and form my opinion.
I auditioned the CT-1 Enhanced version and they certainly equalled the high praise. I bought the Ultimate digital cable and it's stunningly good.This single cable absolutely improved the sound of a system I already loved.
Regards, |
5% is a reasonable charge if it allows a home audition( two weeks) and actual comparison with other cables,what`s a better way to find out? It eliminates the guessing and speculation.If you believe the Taralabs is in a different league, just compare directly and let your ears settle it.
Regards, |
Cyrus,
I was using the ASI Liveline and it was very good.The HFC-CT1 series is special.
Regards, |
Fplanner2000,
I have to agree with your response.You, me and many others have taken the time to post our individual impressions. These HFC-CT1 are a stunning cable product, what more can we say? I have also suggested the Cable Company as a way to hear them in your own system (there's no better way than using your ears).After a while soliciting comments becomes redundant.
Regards, |
Audiolabyrinth,
Fplanner called your questions"inane" not insane.These words have very different meanings. Yes, give the Cable Company audition loan a try, it worked out well for me.
Regards, |
Audiolabyrinth,
I'm not not aware of a "ultra" cable version. I have the CT-1Ultimate digital cable. I believe it's thoroughly broken in now and is quite extraordinarily natural. Natural is the highest compliment I can give an audio product. It's the antithesis of hifi sound. Don't worry about it being RCA only, just listen.
Regards, |
The latest version is the Troy Signature and the price is 14K. I bought the preceeding model Troy MK II used and I'm very happy to nave found it for what I believe is a very reasonable cost. |
People buy, try and switch components all the time, cable is no different. Who cares why? that's their business, if something you're interested in becomes available used and it meets your price, buy it and be happy. Glory has gone through a number of amplifiers and speakers in recent years and I'm sure he had his good reasons, it our money to spend as we see fit. Someone's motive is irrelevant to me. No matter what you own, someone will always point out there's something that sounds better. On and on it goes.
Charles, |
Ddraudt,
Only in my dreams would I have access to these two products together.I`m just intriqued by the two different concepts of both of them. I certainly look forward to yours and Tbg`s impressions of the Wave Guide Power Box. |
I have no reason to doubt those who say they`re moving up the line.The Ulitimate version is simply stellar but is a noticeable cost increase.IMO the enhanced version is very cost effective, both sound beautiful and most important to me, natural!The availabilty of the used ables is a wonderful opprotunity for someone to purchase an excellent sounding cable at a good reasonable price. This isn`t a flavor of the month product as far as I`m concerned. To each their own.I`d recommend them to anyone seeking a truly organic,non hifi sounding cable.
Charles, |
I got very lucky a few days ago and found a used Tripoint Troy MK II. I should have it in about a week,Tripoint is putting the smaller size spades on my grounding cables prior to shipping it to me. I`m really looking forward to hear what it does in my system. The folks on Audio Exotics are crazy with joy about the Troy.Now that the Troy Signature is available they`ll be crazier yet1 |
Audiolabyrinth,
I use the Ocellia cables for electronics and my speakers and they are superb. I use the HF CT1-U for digital source, this mixture is providing fabulous sound. Based on my use of the ultimate digital cable I have no doubt I'd also be very pleased with an all HF CT1 loom as well.
There are many brands of cable available and to get into a battle of this one tops that one is a complete waste of time IMO. I just want natural and realistic music reproduction in my home, these cables bring me closer to that goal.
Charles, |
I looked at the for sale ads to see what the fuss is about.One seller has three ultimate cables for sale.This constitutes a dump and sell fire sale?
Regards, |
Tbg,
To clarify, I purchased a used Tripoint Troy MK II last week and received it yesterday evening. I'll post early impressions on my system page in a day or two . I have no plans to get the WGPC. I just believe it will be an exceptional product based on my experience with the HFC -CT1 cables. The Tripoint Troy is the real deal!
Charles, |
Andrew,
When I spoke with Rick via the phone he suggested front end(source) and go down the chain.I use just the single digital CT-1U and this "one" cable has resulted in a considerable improvement.I suspect these CT-1 cables anywhere in the audio chain will have noticeable impact.
Charles, |
I agree with Calloway, arguments over what's "best" is strictly an individual preference with many variables, certainly system/component matter. Both of these cables are considered to be stellar. No need for another pissiing contest. |
Agisthos,
You summed up the attributes of the HF CTI line of cables very well. To my ears they seem to preserve audio signal integrity with very little editorializing. So a higher resolving system provides a more natural sound and less hifi artificiality. The end result is more musical realism, natural sound is the ultimate goal in my opinion.
Charles, |
With the very high level of sound I've heard via the HF CTI cables this technology in their Wave Guide Power Box would be fascinating to compare against the much acclaimed Tri point Troy Grounding box. I suspect that both of them are excellent. I wonder which would impact a audio system more profoundly. People seem truly in awe of the Tripoint Troy.
Regards, |
Hi Tbg,
Yes I know these two products are designed to do dfferent things.My interest is just based on a strong curiosity, if you could only have one or the other,which one would provide the most overall impact/improvement in a system upon insertion. I`ve never read a less than rave comment concerning the Troy by those who`ve actually heard it.
Charles, |
|
Hi Tbg,
I'll admit reading the comments of of Troy owners on Audio Exotics got my attention. These people strike me as sincere and true lovers of superior music reproduction rather than chasing the hifi game. I think they're seasoned and very sophisticated listeners who can sniff out the artificial crap pretty quickly. Their frequent use of "real" and "natural" to describe what they hear with the Tripoint Troy is exactly what motivates me as well. I'll find out soon, I'm very encouraged.
Charles, |
Given my experience with the HF cables the response to the WGPB isn't a surprise and actually expected. It would appear to be the case that this and the Tripoint Troy are both sublime products. Either is probably a major asset to any audio system. Both are made by exceptionally talented and driven people.
Charles, |
Mrtennis,
That was a very nice and descriptive review of those very special cables. |
Personal taste is what it is, who knows what someone else may prefer? This much I know, the HF CT1 series of cables are no "flavor of the month" product regardless of how a particular individual may rank them in a comparision. |
I`d begin furthest upstream,DAC -preamp.Of course you have the opprotunity to try all locations and compare. |
Tbg, thanks, I knew it was a tough question. You're one of the few who've actually experienced both of these premium products.
Charles, |
Neal,
Well expressed, "naturalness" really says all that needs to be said. What higher compliment is there for an audio component than to describe it as natural. So many products can provide hifi spectacular, only the very premium components deliver natural. |
It pointless to declare anything the"best" . You can hear an audio component and subjectively say it's sounds excellent, which is what we all do if we're really impressed. Nothing will ever be the"best" to everyone under any and all circumstances. The HF- CTI series are very fine cables, just take a listen. |
Fplanner I agree with your nswer. It does become somewhat pointless to list other cables you've own/heard , doesn't mean much due to numerous variables involved. I got an audition pair from the Cable Company so I could judge for myself. |
Hifial,
You make a good point but if Iblieve has read the entire thread then he's seen many references to other cables used. Many people have chosen to name cables, some others don't bother with it.
Tbg,
I suppose one can keep trying different cables forever as the number of them are unlimited it seems. I reach a point where I'm happy and just stop.
Charles, |
Hi 4ooreal,
That's my only point in attempting to offer constructive advice, get a sample pair from the C. Company and listen. 20 people can list 10 different cables in all manner of system configurations. I'm not sure how this helps in any real sense. |
