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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 4 responses by mtrot

mtrot
804 posts
 
First, I don't have much experience with high-dollar cables, but I did want to chime in that I today installed a set of High Fidelity CT-1s between my receiver and my McCormack power amp. These cables replaced my set of Audio Art IC-3s which I have had in place for several years.

I always felt the IC-3s were very clear, compared to the anti-cable ICs I also tried out at the time. I have to say, the CT-1s were immediately clearer, more revealing, and more focused than the IC-3s. The only concern is that I think there may have been some "hash" in the high frequencies, but I think I should reserve judgement until they have run in for some time. Also, in some vocals the voices seemed to be a bit "shouty", if you will. Maybe that's just the way the recording really is.

I'm very interested if anyone can report about their experiences with the very high frequency reproduction of the CT-1s, as well as how long it took for them to "break in". Thanks!
mtrot
804 posts
 
OK, I've had the CT-1 for almost a week now, and I have to say, it's almost like there is some sort of chicanery going on with this product! How can a cable be so far superior to other(fairly expensive) cables? How could it be that, after 40 or 50 years of R&D in the cable "industry", nobody has come up with a reasonably priced cable that approaches this?

What I am hearing is not just incrementally better than my previous interconnects, but far better. I know it's a widely used cliche, but it IS like a veil has been removed from the music. It is mainly the mids and low frequencies in which I hear the most difference. Vocals are so clear and natural sounding, and when there are multiple vocals simultaneously, you can easily hear each one's part. Attack on drums and stringed instruments is immediate and seems to be more impactful. I also seem to have more bass impact and definition. Finally, the overall dynamics of the system seem to be greater.

Again, the only area I'm not sure about yet is the high frequencies. I need to do some more listening with high quality sources, and try to get a better feel for what the cables are doing with HFs.

Are they worth $1600? I don't know yet, since I have not listened to other high dollar ICs, but, as I said, the difference between these and my prior ICs is marked. If you amortize the cost of a set of the CT-1s over 10 years or so, maybe one can look at them somewhat similarly to how one evaluates spending thousands of dollars on an amp or other component.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Thanks, Robert, but I asked about an affordable option. Looks like the only possibility for me would be Reveal XLR.  But how does its sound quality compare to original CT-1?
mtrot
804 posts
 
I've had a set of the original CT-1 interconnects(RCA connectors) for several years now.  Having just procured my first separate pre-amp, I now have another connection to complete.  I will use the XLR connections to the power amp. 

What is the most affordable High Fidelity cable to equal the performance of the original CT-1?  I did buy a set of Silnote XLRs for about $350, but so far they don't seem to have the openness, clarity, focus, or sound stage of my CT-1s.  They were supposed to have burned them in before shipping, but I am letting them settle into my system for a while before making a final judgement. 
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