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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
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
I'm happy to say I just got an MC 1 Pro Helix power conditioner.
The plug in device that is the big brother to the MC 1 Pro.
I had 4 of the MC Pro 1s when the Helix came out but read a report that
the "HELIX"  sounds twice as good as the MC PRO one.
So now I'm going to get to compare and report in the coming weeks.
For clarification...
I am talking about the $2699. MC 1 Pro helix power conditioner here.
68 pete is talking about the $50,000. Pro Series Power Conditioner,
a very different animal.
Enjoy the music
Dave
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
68pete Hello!  Have you tried any component grounding using the Pro Power Conditioner?
I have heard and read about many types of grounding cables. Some think highly polished silver wire is best. Some prefer super fine strands of copper wire to ground the very high frequencies where a lot of "noise" reside, others like copper silver combo. then there is super damping and super shielding on some ground wires.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
MC Pro 1 Helix +
I had planned to let my Helix break in for a few days before commenting but I am hearing some very interesting improvements after just 6 hours.
Even though I have 15 MC-0.5s, and 3 MC Pro 1s in the system already
the MC Helix has already revealed much more music. Already more intriguing and engulfing. The instruments blossom becoming fuller and more colorful. I can not only hear the reed and the wood of a clarinet, I can hear the shape of the instrument. There is an increase in natural lifelike reproduction and a further reduction of noise impediments creating a more effortless listing experience. symbols shimmer as I hear their movement when struck. The music floats in the air and reflects of the walls of the record venue revealing the deepest and most well defined soundstage I've ever heard.
Truly another level above the MC Pro 1 by a wide margin. In just 6 hours.
I want more of them!!!
FYI suggested "break in" 16 to 24 DAYS. I will file more reports in time.
Cheers D
68pete
1,001 posts
 
Hi ddraudt
I did pick up some .8ga.  copper wire from the local hardware store, crimped some very cheap spades on the end. Grounded the Preamp and Disc Player.  Had it on for about 2 weeks or so. Pulled it off did not hear any improvement. The wire is very stiff and not as easy to work with. May put it back in to see if I can hear a difference now. Going to look into a silver wire in the very near future and see how it sounds. Do you have any recommendation on silver wire-Ga, single strand, plated, pure silver??
The PRO POWER conditioner is just amazing so far and keeps getting better every week. Base and sound stage is very good.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Hi Pete
I'm glad you are enjoying the Pro Power so much.
I'm really liking my new MC helix too. I want more...
grounding wire- I believe that the finest gauge copper wire will work well because it will pass high frequency noise well. I believe that highly polished silver wire works well because high frequency noise can pass easily down the surface of this wire.
IF the grounding wires pick up vibration or Rf signals or magnetic flux, these are all noise adders and defeating the purpose.
I have used 3 pieces of 7 strand of 32 gauge copper wrapped in silk and
Braided together and I liked it best so far. A friend says 48 gauge is a tiny bit clearer. really fine copper wire needs to be chemically stripped.
I'd forgo the crimp-on parts because you are trying to offer the absolute least resistance to ground noise. just wire and maybe contact enhancer.
I'm not personally a fan of silver wire or silver coated wire but folks much more into grounding like it. Must be very highly polished thou. 
I wonder what Rick thinks? maybe a magnetic flow wire.
There is available some mulit stranded  copper ground wire the equals 8 gauge. I have some to use on earth grounding to rod because it passes Hi fq better. never tried it on any ground blocks.
solid 8 gauge is ok for electrical house grounding but not for audio IMO
More ground wire experiments are way down on my list of experiments I'm thinking of running but I have heard some very interesting things using different wires. mostly, I've found that most wire available is
not very good for audio signal, audio power or audio grounding.
I found one really good wire and nothing else was even in second place.
Happy listening
Dave
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