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 rdoc

I have been an audiophile for over 40 years and have owned a lot of very high end equipment. About 3 months ago I bought a pair of CT-1 interconnects and speaker cables after learning about them on this forum. When I first put them in and listened immediately, they were a bit closed in. But 24 hours later, I knew they were something very special. I have owned the best of Nordost, MIT, Analysis Plus, and others. There is just no comparison to the HF cables. This is considering that these are the lowest level of HF cables which cost a fraction of many of the other cables that I have owned. As these cables continue to improve, I have to say that for me, this is the biggest improvement that I have ever made to my system. The sound they allow to develop is just so pure and easy to listen to. They are just so incredible that I cannot even fathom how good the higher level High Fidelity cables are. I hope I can someday afford the Ultimates. As has been said many times, they are unique game changers even at the lowest level. I have not heard any beyond the CT-1's, but I am not at all surprised by the comments that people are getting better sound by spending more on these cables than they do on their electronics and speakers. In fact, I would be surprised if this were not the case considering the improvements that I have heard with the CT-1's. They are just astounding.
About a month ago I decided to demo a pair of Ultimate Speaker cables and a pair of Ultimate IC's. I purchased a set of CT-1's about a year ago. I thought them to be far better than any cables that I had heard in my 45+ years as an audiophile. I was expecting the Ultimate's to be better, but I was not prepared for just how wonderful they are. I have owned the best of Nordost, MIT, Analysis Plus, and others over the years. They belong in the category of very good cables. The High Fidelity Ultimate's are a revelation! Putting them in the system is like putting in a great new preamp. No, it is like putting in a great new amp and speakers. No, putting in the Ultimate's is like replacing one's whole system with one that is many times better than before. The Ultimate's in my opinion should be considered a very high end component and not just cables. They allow a clarity of holographic sound that must be heard to be believed. I delayed my demo a long time because of what I thought were hyperbolic statements on this thread that I had trouble believing. Hearing IS believing with the Ultimate's. They give detail as I have never heard before and yet are utterly non-fatiguing. It seems that they lower distortion by an order of magnitude allowing more music to flow. Bass is more palpable. Highs are more refined. It is like the highest quality camera and lens capturing a beautiful picture compared to one taken by a Brownie camera from days gone by. HF cables do need many hours of break-in and if moved some break-in is again required. Do not listen to them unless you are prepared to purchase them! The HF Ultimate's are just absolutely magnificent and the best purchase I have ever made in all my decades as an audiophile.
CalvinJ,

Where would the MC-6 fit in the hierarchy of HFC products as far as impact on the sound?  I have gone from the CT-1 IC's and SC's to the Ultimate IC's and SC's.  The Ultimates are astounding and the best improvement made to my system in over 45 years as an audiophile.  Does the MC-6 make as much difference as the IC's, SC's or power cords and at what level of these cables.  Thanks.