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
@ Ddraught. Sorry for the typos. I enter all of this on the iPad. It changes things on its own. Sometimes big companies build to a price point instead of making the best product for music. I would love to hear a system like that.
Hey I understand your approach to your system. Some time the the big companies mass produce to a price point and forget the music. Plus there are additional factors that have to be considered when putting together a system and it's components. Its like you can buy a can of stew at the store or you can have grandma cook it just like you like it.
Calvinj, Thanks for the question. I gave up on name brand equipment long ago when I realized they must use cheap parts to meet a price point. Also, I discovered I could get way better equipment for way less money. All my equipment is custom built, severely modified and painstakingly tuned. This includes the speakers, racks, shelves and hundreds of tuning devices. It also includes custom everything from the electric meter to components (example: hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers instead of the standard thermal breakers, directionalized 10 gage wire. ext…) The room and room acoustics are custom also. The new amp I mentioned in last post has been in design/development for 15 months. It is a dual mono integrated amp with dual outboard power supplies and a battery front end. It uses a number of discrete components from NewClassD in Denmark and has no ordinary parts, wire or chassis. Imagine bell bronze heat sinks. The only big brand names I'm using are High Fidelity Cables and Stillpoints. Both Amazing!! I use several CD enhancements i would not want to listen without. The best I've found are.. Essence of Music - disc cleaner. Marigo Audio - Disc mat. Hifi Tuning - disc demag. High Fidelity Cable products make the biggest improvement ever!! I have no stake in any of these 5 companies. Enjoy the Music
CalvinJ, happy you got to hear that HFC combo. I SO much want to hear the HF power cables with my HF cables and HFC-UR Magnetic power conditioner. Hard to imagine how it could sound better than it does now but it always seems to with a new HF piece. I await a new amp as my old one can't keep up with the High Fidelity Cable goodies. Enjoy the Music D
Tbg, Thanks for the reply. I too am continually amazed by Ricks Audio brainchild, The HFC line. During our regular scheduled weekend listening party, I/we were again amazed. Incredible how my old audiophile friends and I, after 35 years of working and playing with, and listening very closely to audio, are made like children again. Each week we seem to travel into uncharted territory with High Fidelity magic. My HFC Ultimate Reference speaker cable continues to open new and awesome vistas as they achieve more hours of play. Listening a lot more and enjoying music more than ever these days. Thanks for all the fun Rick.
Heard a system today with all high fidelity ultimate reference and the new high fidelity power cords it was extremely pleasant and pleasing. These cables are fast and distortion free. It was a wonderful sound. Very open and at the same time natural and musical. Rick Schultz has a real winner in this cable.
I'm sorry I wrote the above quickly when dinner was needing my attention.
Ddraudt, I have heard the Crystal Absolute Dreams,which are $18,500 for 1.5 m ics, $29,000 for 2m speaker wires, and $10,000 for 1.5m pc. But never heard them in comparison with the HFC Ultimate Reference cables The Absolute Dreams are very good. I know of nothing else that might rival the HFC Ultimate Reference line and probably never will get the opportunity to hear a comparison.
I find it curious to consider the cost of cables with components and to dismise higher prices for cables. I certainly remember running a $2000 ARC Dual 75 with a $2.95 Radio Shack pc. But recently I heard the new HFC Ultimate Reference Rhodium pc ($13675/1.5 m) on my $4500 LSA Statement Plus amp. I was totally in shock at the improvement in the sound and it rivaled amps that cost $30,000.
I certainly have not heard everything, but the HFC gear just continually amazes me. Good work, Rick. I have no stake in HFC.
Ddraudt, I have heard the Crystal Absolute Dreams but not in comparison with the HFC Ultimate Reference cables which are $18,500 for 1.5 m ics, $29,000 for 2m speaker wires, and $10,000 for 1.5m pc. They are very good. I know of nothing else that might rival the HFC Ultimate Reference line and probably never will get the opportunity to hear a comparison.
I find it curious to consider the cost of cables with components and to dismise higher prices for cables. I certainly remember running a $2000 ARC Dual 75 with a $2.95 Radio Shack pc. But recently I heard the new HFC Ultimate Reference Rhodium pc ($13675/1.5 m) on my $4500 LSA Statement Plus amp. I was totally in shock at the improvement in the sound and it rivaled amps that cost $30,000.
I certainly have not heard everything, but the HFC gear just continually amazes me. Good work, Rick. I have no stake in HFC.
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.
400 hours on the Ultimate Reference Speaker cables and more surprises. The most surprising improvements this week are the Bass, the soundstage and the air around instruments and vocals. All three were aspects of the sound were already phenomenal with the Ultimate speaker cable and even more so with UR's insertion. With playing time these aspects reach uncharted vistas of wonderful. Such fun being awed every listening session. Question- at night I have my system playing ultra low and I wonder how much that counts? does volume 1 out of a possible 80 steps, (so low that you would have to put you ear right next to the driver to hear), help break in the magnetic cables? or does it have to be louder? Finding- The UR cables are much more refined than the U so the UR's require more refined tuning for optimum function. If your into that tweaking thing. Sweet music for all D
Tbg, You said a few weeks back the your UR speaker cables were "shockingly superior" after a month of break in. Was that shocking superior to the Ultimates? or shockingly superior to everything you've heard? If you care to share you wisdom and experience. Thanks Dave
Snook2, My first Ultimate to Ultimate Reference comparison here was exchanging MY U digital from CD to integrated amp. I was using Ultimate Speaker Cables at the time. Also one of Ricks power filters (UR-Magnetic Waveguide Power Conditioner) which is a HUGE game changer by itself. HUGE! "I digress"……. The UR digital was a picture window into audio reproduction with so much more depth and shape and solidity to the soundstage, and so much more natural- real sounding i have not looked back. I'm now breaking in UR Speaker cables as well with the Ultimates on loan to a store. I could try it when i get them Back. Cheers! Dave
Snook2, I did that once and initially thought the Ultimate were at least as good. Fortunately, I put the URs back and gave them more time. They are clearly better and ought to be given their price. Don't try them if you cannot buy them.
Tonereef, Nice post on head-fi, Thanks. The Ultimate Reference are truly superior and will delight you even more as the get hundreds of hours on them. Good listening! Dave
Entheuasiam- strong excitement about something : a strong feeling of active interest in something that you like. Sweet music is playing thru my Ultimate Reference speaker cables 24/7 and I'm really enjoying music more all the time. They have about 270 hours on them now. They have gotten wonderfully more liquid and effortless. The superb soundstage and increased tonal quality surprises. As a matter of fact, everything that was surprising about the Ultimate cables is even MORE surprising with the Ultimate Reference cables. SO VERY REAL SOUNDING!!! At the risk of repeating myself- WOW!!! ;-), D
I just received UR interconnects (trading up from the Us) and have posted initial impressions on head-fi in The Stax Thread III (page 137). Also some brief comparisons with other ICs I've listened to over the last few months. I can already say this: the URs make a huge improvement in my Stax SR009 system.
Tbg, that's wonderful news!! …….I want some. Funny What HF products do. Most product comparisons end in an "aha" moment where one is way better than the other. Improvements in High Fidelity stuff brings disbelief, amazement and awe because HF designs allow music to be heard in a new way. Much more real than I/we imagined possible. So realistic that it confounds the brain for a time. Too wonderful to be comprehended. you said, "more to come but not here". A curious statement. If not here, where? if not now, when would be my question? Thanks Norm, Enjoy the music- Dave
Ddraudt, I must say that yesterday I had really the first instance where something was jaw dropping. I got several HF power cables. We put one in prior to the HF Magnetic Waveguide power filter, listened briefly and went to lunch. On our return Rick and I both looked at each other in disbelief for what we were hearing.
I find this jump greater than any other I have ever had. More to come but not here.
Nice read Dave, I love when I read someone is enjoying audio, you have the same enthusiasm as I do!, I look forward to what you say when all is burned in, cheers.
UR cables are singing sweetly in my system with 48 hrs of playtime. My Ultimate Reference Speaker cables are already surprisingly superior to the Ultimates in two days. since the UR takes 600 - 1000hrs to really show what they can do, I have confidence they will reach Shockingly Superior in due time. Image, bass and realism were the best I've ever heard with the HF Ultimates. I/we were awed by how much more is possible, buy how much more the Ultimate Reference delivers!! Wow! High Fidelity Cable products have been a wonderful ride so far. Opening up new vistas in "life like" re-production with every upgrade. Each step a re education in amazing. The UR cables are again, so superior to their predecessor that I need time to comprehend such a huge alteration. Perception questioned, then redefined as the Ultimate Reference are not merely way better then the Ultimates, the UR's are a different universe…or heaven! Thank you Rick
Hurray!- Haza!- Whoopee! I just heard that my long and anxiously awaited HF-Ultimate Reference Speaker Cables are to ship Monday!!! I've been wanting them for at least the last 5 or 6 pages. When I went from Ultimate to UR on my digital cable, it was, As Tbg said, "Shockingly Superior". Worlds better in every way. My experience with High Fidelity Products has me expecting to be totally shocked all over again. ENJOY!!! Dave
Tbg, Thanks for your post. Shockingly Superior. Excellent 2 word description of the difference between HF Ultimate and Ultimate Reference.
An audiophile visited yesterday. One who has been to every US audio show many times. They said the best systems they've heard over the years was ones with uber expensive tube amps and my system was every bit as good as the best systems ever and they could not hear ANY faults. I can imagine what it will sound like with my new UR Speaker cables
Tbg, Thanks for your post. Shockingly Superior. Excellent 2 word description of the difference between HF Ultimate and Ultimate Reference. An audiophile visited yesterday. One who has been to every US audio show many times. They said the best systems they've heard over the years was ones with uber expensive tube amps and my system was every bit as good as the best systems ever and they could not hear ANY faults. I can't imagine what my system will sound like when my new UR Speaker cables finally arrive. Happy listening to all… Dave
You should be able to hear the results with just the digi cable. I found the digital cable was the most improvement in my system.
If you can't hear any improvement then just accept that your current cable is good enough. Don't try too hard to hear improvements. Trust your hearing.
The only HF cable in my system is the CT1-U and its impact is significant and much appreciated. I consider it an outstanding addition to my digital source. Mcondon's comments aren't surprising, different system and ears. No matter how good a product is someone somewhere is going to have a contrary opinion. Exactly why there's no universal best of anything.
Mcondon, Probably just different systems. I thought the Blackcat was terrible in my system. Sounded very digital sounding. Highs hurt my head, but you enjoy it , and thats all that matters.
I borrowed a number of digital cables from the Cable Company recently to connect a Bel Canto transport to my Behold Gentle G192. Having read so many good things on Audiogon about High Fidelity Cables, I asked to borrow the CT-1 digital cable. The salesman Joe at the Cable Company also recommended I try the Black Cat Silver Star 75, the PAD Proteus Provectus, and a Wireworld Gold Starlight 6. I did not think the High Fidelity Cable at $800 was a stand out, no better than the Wireworld. I thought the Black Cat Silver Star sounded better than the CT-1 (more precise and incisive) and cost only $150. The PAD, also around $800, was different than the others -- warmer sounding. Overall, the Black Cat cable was my favorite. Am I missing something here? Are the speaker cables better than the High Fidelity digital cables?
I learned last night that the HF Ultimate References take a month to reach their best, which is shockingly superior. Too expensive but absolutely imperative if you want realism.
@Ddraught I might be changing my pre amp and im gonna try the Ct1 in that set up. Im not sure yet but i think the qualities of the ct1 will work in that set up. I will be looking into it. The ct1 seed and clarity may be welcome in the set if I change that pre amp. I have a classe cp800 currently but I may have to get something better.
Leicachamp, Thanks for your report. As you say the CT-1 is the base model. Ct-1 is great!!! but only vaguely hints at the miraculous image, solidity, naturalness, air, dynamics and the "like you are there" presentation the Ultimate brings. I look forward to hearing your impressions of the ultimate. Audiolab, I'd love to hear you impressions of HF please. that's why we come here. I've never enjoyed music more. hope that is true for all of you!! Dave
@ Leicachamp, I am in the habbit of giving respect to others when asked of me!, I do not know these folks, let them enjoy their thread, they can believe what ever they want to believe, concerning, to what's best available in cables, This is America!, some like general motors, some like Fords, tast is a perception that is ingraved to each individual!
Well i got the Hidiamond 8 Speaker Cables. In terms of perceived value the Hidiamond wins hands down. The cables weigh a ton and are very very well made. For the price you get a lot of cable for your money.
Sound wise i give the HD the edge over the CT 1. As others have mentioned the HD cables just sounds so dam musical. It has a very dense sound and a lot of weight on notes. You tend to forget about he details, even though they are there if you wish to spot light it.
The CT 1 cables do really wow you when you first insert them in. The precision of the voices and instruments is amazing. But everytime i listen to them i am in awe instead of listening to the music. Its kind of spectacular, but one does not get lost in the music.
I too find having HF ic with the HD speaker cables to be a great match.
I have to admit, the fact that the HD 8 cables are the top of their line, while the HF CT-1 is their base model, does influence my opinion. It also helps relaxes one mind knowing that there is no ladder to climb up the Hidiamond ladder. I am already on top!!!!!!
I have not decided which cable i will be keeping. i have 14 day trial on the HD cable. But most likely i will keep the HD 8 cable and use the savings to upgrade my HF Ct-1 to the CT-1 ultimate
I agree with Ddraudt and TBg, I believe this thread is better to stay on topic, and focus on just that, nobody enjoys reading drama and accusations!, what about the people that have not been to this thread, I do not know about you, if I read some kind of drama on a thread, I stay out of it and do not post nothing even on topic on that thread, it's just not good for any one, it's meaningless!
@everyone. We are so sensitive about our audio and what cables we choose to use. I just enjoy the fact that I found brands that have delivered for me sound wise. I hope high fidelity keeps up the good work but if another brand does it for you then good for you. We all have different equipment and music preferences. All I know is I hear good things when I listen to the high fidelity ct 1 and I will compare it to everything I have and listen to in the future and will write about it here. Sometimes we want exclusivity to cover up for other things. I hope more people listen to the cables and read this thread.
Metralla, since there is no universal agreement about cables, and turmoil in all generitic threads, I think Ddraudt is right, that thread with a single focus are the only beneficial threads. Of course, all that those of us interested in the High Fidelity cables should just ignore the intruders.
Yes they do. Sometimes the best parts happen in spite of the desire by some to keep a narrow focus. All is fair in audio forums as far as I am concerned.
If you can't handle the 'to and fro' here, be grateful you were not around in the rec.audio.hifi days - they would have chewed you up and spat you out.
Ddraudt, These threads have a life of their own. You should not get your panties in a wad over people having fun with each other. Sometimes, on the best threads, one group will spillover to another for a while.
Jmcgrogan2 said he was borrowing some CT1 cables to try, and Calvinj, gave a nice comparison between the CT1 and some Tara's.
@Ddraught hey I believe you I'm going to be planning out my last system down the line and high fidelity is a cable that I trust to deliver great sound. I now have a system that mid fi classe ,smaller Viennas and a parasound cd1. Maybe in a year or 2 I will be able to go up to the vienna imperial grand and get an EAR 868 pre and an EAR 890 tube amp and try those higher level ct1 cables on it. I have tried nordost, mit, audioquest, wireworld, fusion audio, cardas, vovox, atlas, kimber. The cables I have liked the most are high fidelity ct1 and the tara labs that I have now. These are two cables that have delivered. The ct1 wowed me the first time I heard them. The tara labs sound good as well but in a different way.
Hi John, You're a welcome contributor here and there's absolutely no reason to leave. We're all mature adults who share a similar passion, music and quality audio equipment. I hope you reconsider your stance and post your CT1 impressions on this thread as I respect your perspectives and insight. Charles,
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