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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 9 responses by nglazer

nglazer
847 posts
 
I will be receiving CT-1E IC's tomorrow. They will be up against serious IC competition in my system: Nordost Valhalla, JPS Aluminata and Stealth Indra. If they sound better than ANY of these, it will be quite an accompishment; if they sound better than ALL, if will be monumental. IMHO, I have a very high level system so I should have no trouble discerning strengths/weaknesses. Generally skeptical of "flavor of the month" raves, but we'll give them a fair shot. Stay tuned.

Neal
nglazer
847 posts
 
When the fabled CT-1E's arrive tonight, where do you valued A'goners suggest I put them. (No, not there!) From PS Audio PWD MKII DAC to Wyetech Opal preamp (replacing Stealth Indra) or from pre to Krell 300cx amp (replacing JPS Aluminata), OR, from Sansui modded 919 vintage tuner to pre (replacing Nordost Valhalla)?

Some say from source, some say from pre to amp to encompass all sources. What say ye?

Neal
nglazer
847 posts
 
Thanks, friends. I will try them tonight in both locations, although pre to amp requires me to morph into Gumby. Will report when I have formed an opinion.

Appreciate the input (no pun intended).

Neal
nglazer
847 posts
 
Yes, Glory, they did, but regrettably, I am back. (Perhaps I will write yet another book about it.)

Seriously, I have not spent enough time listening to the CT-1E's between DAC and pre (where they replaced Stealth Indras) to take their full measure, but I have listened long enough to recognize these are a step beyond the Indras in clarity, detail, what I call "naturalness," and soundstage. In fact, I was listening to an old Bobby Darin tune (Dream Lover") that had been remastered. There is a guitar riff that involves some serious picking but I had barely noticed before -- but there it was, with the distinct and realistic sound of each string picked.

More to report over time, and when I try them between pre and amp (to replace JPS Aluminata, other legendary IC's), but for now these cables have overcome my skepticism. Not much tops Stealth Indras -- these demonstrably do.

Neal
nglazer
847 posts
 
I want to add that Rick Schultz is a consummate gentleman and professional. I sent him photos of what I thought was a defect in the CT1-E IC's. As he pointed out, the foreign object on the termination was part of the RCA input on my DAC that came out and stuck to the IC when I removed the IC from the DAC. Rick promptly called me and took the time to explain what happened, what the remedy would be and we then proceeded to discuss his cables generally.

A refreshing response in a world where few manufacturers provide decent service.

Kudos to Rick.

Neal
nglazer
847 posts
 
Does anyone know if HF does balanced terminations? I don't see this option on their website?

Neal
nglazer
847 posts
 
The only reason I ask is because I just bought a VTL 7.5 III pre and it has optional balanced outputs, which the mfr. recommends. My Krell amp has only balanced inputs and I use adaptors on them. May have to do it on HFC's as well. I have 1E's.

Cheers.

Neal
nglazer
847 posts
 
I will look into it, Raks. Thanks.

Neal
nglazer
847 posts
 
Yikes! I would have to spend a small fortune on the adapters and then buy another run of HF IC's to make one balanced IC. I think I will stay single-ended.

Neal
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