..or maybe these wires are just so darn good or perhaps even just so unique sounding that whatever they replace or are compared to is irrelevant. Not likely, but you never know.
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
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
Showing 50 responses by mapman
Tbg, If you say so. I really don't care that you don't care either. :^) A big part of my work environment at a well known US corporation is a lab environment. Anything new dealing with technology here always starts there. For me, its about how things work and get done in the real world, not any bragging rights. These ICs sound cool. I'd be happy to try a pair and provide findings. Not likely I'll be shelling out the dough needed to buy though, even if new kinds of sonic orgasms are the result. |
I suppose because he does not believes theclaims to be fraudulent and in need of being challenged. I don't know if they are or not, but what's wrong with challenging any claim if suspect? Bullying people to discourage them from challenging things they do not believe in is clearly not the answer. Facts usually come out over time. If they don't, well then take that for what its worth. |
It's a safe bet that there is a concrete relationship between magnetism and electricity. Any electromagnet is proof that the relationship exists. How to apply it in reverse exactly in teh interest of "better sound quality" is beyond me, but its a topic that I am willing to learn more about. In return, read up on Lincoln Walsh. Most people including myself still do not understand that well enough to apply the principles properly for good sound, even after all these years, but luckily there are at least a few still around who do. |
One thing that can be said about these is that by applying magnetism they have a unique design concept that one would expect might well have some effect on the sound compared to no magnetism. A wire on steroids perhaps for lack of a better description? So there would seem to be an attempt at innovation here that makes me somewhat curious just to hear what might be unique, better, different, or whatever that might justify the cost. Applying magnetism should certainly have some effect on distortion you would think, for better or for worse. |
Well, according to Ddraudt, in this his only thread, these wires apparently have now changed home audio forever and any system may be lacking in lieu of them. SInce I cannot afford them, with kids in college and such, I might have to find another hobby. So I am hoping that they are not as great as claimed frankly. :^) |
So in the interest of fair discussion, I have no doubt these are "innovative" and very unique wires. That alone says something THe question for me is always value. What are the options and how do they compare? Which offer high value. For example, I currently use DNM Reson ICs, which I think are the cat's meow when things are going right. They also use a fairly different and innovative design, and can be had for much less. THey are unshielded, so sometime that alone can be a challenge. But I have managed to get excellent performance out of these, with a few inexpensive tweaks, even with my low output phono setup. Has anyone compared the HF wires to DNM Reson? I would be interested in hearing observations. |
Has this thread "jumped the shark"? |
"Geoff, I must apologize for the Troll invasion on this thread. They will be gone soon. as suggested in an earlier post, don't bother reading anything from Mapman, Jafox or Jmcgrogan2 as they don't have or don't care about audio systems and are just trolling for attention." Well, you are wrong on that. Why jump to such a conclusion? Geoff loves my posts (I think). We all know that. I find him interesting in a manner similar to Godzilla and pay way more attention to his posts than most I think. |
Its a very unique design and really would like to hear this stuff. I have no idea what to expect....only that it is different, so that alone is worth something. Few things are all rosy with no down sides though. It helps to understand the pros and cons involved in any decision making process, especially the more costly ones. I was given a very generous opportunity to try these in my system and see. I had to pass for lack of time to due a worthwhile assessment at present. Maybe someday. There are some very unique things going on with these products electromagnetically, so I suppose I would just take it slowly at first and see how things play out. |
These are a real bargain it seems for wire induced audio orgasms compared to the new TOTL Taralab wires. Its all relative I suppose. I'll be sticking with my modest DNM ICs and Pangea power cords for the foreseeable future though because, well, as much as I like good sound, I am still basically a cheap skate on the grand scale of things. |
I'm still waiting to hear if any of the IC champions here actually shelled out the asking price for their toys? Yes, I paid full price for my DNMs...three digits and brand spanking new I'll have you know. 2 for the Pangeas new on sale from teh nice folks over at Audio Advisor, who now send me a nice catalog to oogle over periodically as a bonus. |
THe Oakland A's and Kansas City Royals can't really afford to play in the Big Leagues with the Yankees, Red Sox, etc. but still have done pretty well of late. :^) The NFL has a salary cap to help keep their expenses down. The best teams still play there. Audio is a team sport. No one piece can win on its own. With the exception of these wires perhaps, if one can believe what is claimed. |
The interesting thing about wires is its hard to make one that does not work at all so its an easy game to get into for sure. The next wires I try will probably be ones used in pro studios. If I am half the audiophile I think I am, those should be able to do the job nicely. If its good enough for the pros..... I have not worked in audio retail for years, but the biggest profits by far was always on accessories. Even basic wires had huge profit margins. Even with the reels of common 12 gauge copper strand speaker wires that everyone used to use. It's a fact so just saying. I doubt its changed much. |
I've spent more money on my stuff than most people would probably sanction. So I'm a freak, but maybe not a super freak. :-) It sounds just the way I want it to. If/when it doesn't, I attempt to address the issue. But I am a cheap bastard at heart and will always be looking for ways to solve the problem as cost effectively as possible. I still have two kids to get through college. If anything I will probably downsize everything including house at some point as retirement approaches. I do like to experiment though if I see something of unique value to try so you never know what might be out there somewhere for me. I had a kind offer to audition the HF cables but declined for now. I'm sure I would have liked them in a cost free audition with no requirement to actually pay. |
one of these days someone will sell a uber expensive wire and then after further research publicly proclaim that its not so great as its price tag would suggest. Without then immediately coming up with the mkII version to replace it for even more, or maybe even less. Or not.... You'd think any honest person would question the cost of the jewels they pitch at least a little even if they truly believe it is the best thing ever. I see a red flag when anything is accounted for as all benefit and no downside. |