Depends on the cables - that's really a Rick S. question. And no, there is really no elaboration on my amp comment - I messed something up and it got fixed. |
Tsushima1, is it really possible to use single ended cables between balanced out and balanced in? I use single ended phono to XLR cables as my phono stage only accepts balanced. |
Tbg, yes it is possible but you lose the benefits of balanced cable and you might get a ground hum. then you would need to lift the ground. As an example removing the ground pin from the power cable or using a "cheater plug" on the power cable.
But the way Fplanner2000 mentions is a balanced cable and you still get the benefits of a balanced cable.
Fplanner2000, I realize depending which level of HFC could make a difference in burn in and I should have mentioned which ones I had but a ball park figured would have been fine. I have long ago asked Rick, as I was one of the first to try the 2:1 adapter. I was hoping to get some direct feedback form a follow user. Just so you know I have the CT-1 for my interconnect with the RCA/XLR 2:1 adapter and I use the CT-1E with a CT-1 jumper as my speaker cable.
Also sorry I misunderstood you about the RCA and amp thing. I thought you were referring to some issue with using the cables in your system. |
Hifial- No problem. I was running CT-1 Ultimates and it took a really long time for the double run to start sounding decent. I was then without amps for a few months. When they came back, I changed to single Ultimate RCAs from preamp tp amps and they sounded good almost immediately. After a few more weeks, they are really sounding good, much better than before. Rick and his lovely wife actually came over during the RMAF (I live in Denver) to hear the system after it hadn't been played in over 2 months. COLD, the system sounded much better than I remembered it and I think Rick was impressed as well. I would say the break-in process is now pretty far along.:-)
To me, the single ended RCAs sound MUCH better than the quasi-balanced connections we tried to put together. What I really enjoy about Rick's cables is that they get out of the way of the music, more so than any others I've ever heard, yet they do so in such a way that you hear the micro details and spatial clues you've never heard before. This is done against a background of organic musicality, totally lacking any "hi-fi-ness" (which unfortunately is all too common in the vast majority of other brands, regardless of price). There is no glare, nor harshness; just music the way I think it was meant to be enjoyed. I have Ultimates everywhere except the speaker runs, which are Ultimate Reference with Ultimate jumpers.
Now that the cables are finally breaking in, it is truly a jaw-dropping experience to hear some of what is coming out of my system. GREAT JOB RICK!!! AND THANK YOU!!! |
Good Morning Gentlemen, and my thanks to all respondents thus far.
My main intent was to seek advice whether the addition of an RCA > XLR adapter would/may denude , to any significant degree, the fundamental way in which Magnetic technology transfers the audio signal from Pre > Power utilizing a standard RCA topology CT1-U .
I appreciate that in effect one would be running in an less than optimal way with regard to voltage output, however I was further considering .
Were the main point regarding the CT1 to be the case and taken together with the step-down affect of running single ended as apposed to optimally balance , whether the overall negatives out-way the benefits of running one of Ricks cables at this point in the chain anyway.
My ARC 40 Aniv Pre/Out does support the option of RCA or True Balanced XLR however my Ref 150 is True Balanced XLR Input only.
Jasper.
|
Tsushima1, I have the capability with my Exemplar XP-2 line stage and BMC M2 amps of both balanced and single-end ics. I had truly excellent Exemplar Silver Portal balanced and charged cables everywhere and once had the same Silver Portals single ended cables. The balanced were clearly better. I should say, however, in the past I had found little or no gain with balanced.
Since this I have gone through CT-1s, CT-iEs, and CT-1Us. All were, of course, single-ended. With the possible exception of the original CT-1s, the balanced were bested by the HF single-ended.
I really find the XLRs for the HF balanced cables seem hard to conceptualize. Let's hope for them to come along. |
The stopgap method for running HFC balanced, is to use a pair of RCA cables, both pointing in the same signal direction, into a Cardas 2xRCA-XLR adaptor for each channel.
Its not a normal RCA-XLR adaptor, if that's what some are thinking.
It all comes down to the quality of the adaptor. But I can't imagine this method will be as good as a proper XLR cable coming next year. Remember the technology is in the connector, so this requires a ground up XLR design, not just buying a catalog XLR like other cable companies can do.
Its very cost prohibitive and I would not like to be in their shoes to be honest.
How they plan on doing the XLR cable, is two runs of wire similar to what is currently used in the RCA, one for positive and one for negative, but the shield from both runs are connected to the common ground in each XLR connector.
At least this is what I heard from Rick a while back - they may have different plans now. |
Demoing a full loom of ct1 right now. Clear quick and open. Great with my vienna acoustics. These are great. |
Welcome Calvin, to the new world of audio.
HF cables have dramatically altered and improved my listening experience this year.
I have heard all of Rick's Magnetic cables and power conditioner.
It is a wonderful experience
Enjoy the music
Dave |
Hi, I have a question that a friend talked about, a straight forward question here, Did the virtual Dynamics cables also use magnets on those cables? |
I am. They are great. I'm using my classe cp800 and once I calibrate my system and place my speakers properly It will sound even better. |
Calvinj...welcome...I dare you to try the CT-1Es...!!! |
Completely and totally different technology - simplest answer without getting into the engineering, which nobody would be dumb enough to do on this forum, even if they knew it, which they don't. Rick S. has the key. I've had the best of both - there is literally no basis to even begin to make a comparison. |
I think Rick tried experimenting with some passive magnets on his last VD cables. The VD cables were never sold this way but I presume that's where he got the idea for this new stuff.
btw I have had a few cables before from other companies that have tried putting rare earth magnets into the surround of the connector. In the initial stage it works to an awesome level, then each day the sound deteriorates to the point you need to pull them out.
Marty de Wulf from BFS came across this same problem with a power cable line, at the start they were the best power cables he had ever had, then deteriorated. He would have to pull them out for a few days for the system to demagnetize.
Initially I was worried this technology was going to be like that, but its not. The key difference is the magnets are active in the signal path itself, not external just as a passive device. |
My HF cables get better every day!! :-) |
They are great. Really fast. Clear and musical. |
Keep up the eulogizing please folks , I am going stir crazy waiting on my HF's to show . |
@ Fplanner2000, Hi, thankyou for your answer, I assume the answer was that the virtual dynamic cables did have magnets on their last models before the cable line was no more, It is also my belief that the virtual dynamic cables have to have some sound similarties coming from the same designer!, I understand that this effort is far superior than the last attemt on cables Rick done, Happy listening. |
There is a musicality, sense of ease and openness that was totally lacking in the VD. Hearing the 2 side by side you would never suspect they were made by the same designer. |
@ fplanner2000, Hi, I believe you 100%, My friend calvinj that has commented on this thread is likeing the High-fidelity cables too!,they are on my short list of must hear product, when, I do not know, I do know when a product gets this much positive buzz I make a point to go and hear why, cheers. |
Audiolabyrinth, I think the only real problem with thee High Fidelity cables is which can you afford and like best. Apart from the standard CT-1s, I have had full loom experience with the Enhanced and Ultimates, and soon will get Ultimate Reference ics to join my Ultimate Reference speaker wires. In my experience, the Enhanced were a major improvement over the Standards and the Ultimate References, I suspect, will be a giant jump over the Ultimates, judging from the improvement with the Ultimate Reference speakerwires.
I should also say that each improved level of these cables comes with a substantial time needed to settle or break in. With the Ultimate Reference speaker wires we are talking about months. And all these wire hate to be moved at all and take time to recover.
But they are great! |
I agree with Fplanner2000 and Tbg that the HF cables just get better and better.
Probably for thousands of hours. My system started sounding very good in 48 hours and was unbelievable in a week. Still getting better months down the road.
I have an all ultimate system now along with a prototype Ultimate Reference Wave Guide Power Conditioner.
My friends and I are awed every time we listen and have never heard anything like it. The subtle nuances in the Noiseless background that make it sound more real than I ever imagined possible. the dynamics, the texture, the air, the Naturalness and intimacy ... WOW!!!
In the next year, I hope to sell all my Ultimates and get all Ultimate Reference.
Happy listening everyone!
DD |
@ Tbg, Hi, Thankyou for your post, good to talk to you again, yes, I read this thread all the time, everyone says the same, the higher you go up the cable food chain with HF cables, the longer it takes to break-in, I am supprised to be told months of Ricks best cable, WoW!, that is long time!, TBg, I bet your system is top notch with these cables, congrats are in order, you have also been a great advocate for High-fidelity cables, you deserve their best!cheers to you Tbg. |
Hi Guys,
I red the whole thread with interest and i'd like to ask you all a simple question. When you explain that you had never heard anything like this before, can you give me the High-end cables you compared the HF cables with?
Thanks guys |
You probably won't get a specific answer to a question like this - it makes no sense to belittle or disparage any other brands on a thread like this. Cable choice is also very subjective as well as system dependent. For these and many other reasons, if curious you just need to hear them for yourself and make up your own mind. So, your "simple" question is really not so simple after all. :-) |
@Fplanner : I understand your point of view. Anyway, every new HF buyers had previously owned other cables? So it should be great to know what they previously owned to make up our mind and guide us a little bit forward.
I agree to the fact that i can try by myself but not everyone (included me) has a HF retailer down his street...
So a little bit more infos should be great for every readers! |
Fplanner I agree with your nswer. It does become somewhat pointless to list other cables you've own/heard , doesn't mean much due to numerous variables involved. I got an audition pair from the Cable Company so I could judge for myself. |
So it's pointless to assert that HF cables is the best cable ever heard for the same reasons... |
Iblieve,
Not that I am siding with Fplanner2000 and
Charles1dad, but I think if you are ready to move to the HF cables, going through the Cable Company to obtain audition pairs and listening/comparing them in "your system" is the best way. This way, you are relying on your own ears. OTOH, you can list the cables you have had and currently have in your system to see if others have compared them to the HF cables. |
@i believe. I have owned MIT. I have owned Nordost TYR. I have owned clarus crimson. I have tried a buch of different audioquest cables. I have tried the KCI silkworms. The HF cables are bell clear. They are also have great speed, pace and seperation.They are real good. They dont have any glaring weaknesses. Maybe they could be a little bit fuller but it also could depend on your electronics. I've tried probabably 15 different cable and i would say these are in the top 2 or three so far and in a lot of areas like clarity pace and seperation they are the best i've heard so far. |
It pointless to declare anything the"best" . You can hear an audio component and subjectively say it's sounds excellent, which is what we all do if we're really impressed. Nothing will ever be the"best" to everyone under any and all circumstances. The HF- CTI series are very fine cables, just take a listen. |
Charles1dad, I might suggest that you try the Crystal Absolute Dream versus the High Fidelity Ultimate Reference. |
Come on, give me a break. IMO, there is NOTHING wrong in mentioning what cables you owned prior to what you own now. Of course it may be different form system to system, but that can be said about ALL things Audio and even about ALL the reviews too.
Iblieve. From what I can gather from all the posts I have read all over the web, the High Fidelity CT-1 Interconnect out performed other highly respected brands cables that were priced at a MUCH higher level. I gather in most cases it was from as little as $6,000 to way over $10,000.
Of course that does not mean HFC has out performed ALL brands. Regardless whether it would sound as great in your system as someone else who already tried it does not mean another brand might sound even better in your system.
I agree that you will not know if it will work for you until you try it in your system.
But that does not mean others who have tried it and find it better (or not) should not give a bases for comparison, such as what is now and or has been in their system.
Guys, this is an open forum for all of us to share our experiences all things audio. There is no allegiance to manufactures. If others who own the product that you feel is not as good comes to defend it so be it. Debate it.
Just my 2 cents.
PS I will be adding my own experiences in a week or two. |
Hifial,
You make a good point but if Iblieve has read the entire thread then he's seen many references to other cables used. Many people have chosen to name cables, some others don't bother with it.
Tbg,
I suppose one can keep trying different cables forever as the number of them are unlimited it seems. I reach a point where I'm happy and just stop.
Charles, |
Charles1dad, yes, there are too numerous cables to try them all. I hate to think of how many I've owned or just tried. I was confident that the Exemplar Silver balanced Portals were it for me until I heard the first High Fidelity CT-1s and their speed, detail, dynamics and involving character. As I have said so often, if you are happy, don't try other cables, dacs, preamps, etc.
For me, however, I will keep listening to other cables, dacs, etc. There is no question for me that my system has greatly improved these last several years. |
Hi 4ooreal,
That's my only point in attempting to offer constructive advice, get a sample pair from the C. Company and listen. 20 people can list 10 different cables in all manner of system configurations. I'm not sure how this helps in any real sense. |
4orreal, my initial exposure to the High Fidelity cables was through a pair of both the CT-1 Standards and the CT-1 Enhanced. But beware, the Enhanced take several days to sound their best. Even if the cables you receive are used, they will take some time to get back to their well-broken-in status. |
Hi Gentleman, I blieve is my friend, He is modest, I see all of you keep saying go to the cable company, I blieve lives in France!, I talked to him on the phone, He is a very well seasoned audiophile, His opinions to me hold substantial weight, He is a gentleman as well, cheers to all. |
Hifial, I agree with you in that its crazy that you can't name other wire you had. This would let one know their taste and would help to know where this new wire fits in. For instance if their last wire was Nordost or say Cardas this would help because one of these cables are warmer where the other is thinner. Come on now be an adult these wire companies have no shame in taking your money for something that costs so little to make. Profits on wire are huge. |
It's as if some of you haven't actually read this thread at all, many comparative brands have been named. You all need to read what's been written in this 'very long' thread. |
Charles1dad, I agree that one could read the "very long" thread and see some brands named. But it is a very long thread and how hard would it be to name them again.
I have been following this thread from the start and check daily, but I could not say for certain what are all the brands that might have been mentioned.
But that was not even mentioned to do when the question was asked. The answer was it was not the right thing to do by mentioning brands for comparison.
The has to be some point of reference in any comparison of anything. |
Oh, and one more thing. If I hear one more person answer a question by saying to go use the Cable Company I will...well it will not be pretty.
Give me a break. First the Cable Company does not carry every make and model. The do not always carry the latest. It took them awhile to carry the High Fidelity Cables.
But not everyone is in the position to use their services, even if the live in the USA. It is not free if you decide not to buy and as modest as it may seem to some of you it does add up and for some can make the difference in the audio budget.
Yes, I think it is a great service too but I wish people would stop using it as a way to answer a question about their posting. Sure make the suggestion but at least also answer the question. |
|
Hifial, I will guarantee that all brands have not been mentioned. I will also guarantee that no one here has heard even 10% of all the brands. I also will guarantee that there will never be any brand that is viewed as best by 10% of audiophiles. So what is the benefit of listing which brands were compared? |
@ everyone. Try the cables yourself. Different strokes for different folks. I see a lot of people impressed with them and not complaining. I am impressed. I have one ct1 interconnect. I have an ultimate interconnect and the enhanced speaker cables. They do a pretty good job. Try them. Maybe you like them. Maybe not. It's up to your gear and your tastes. |
Hifil,
Honestly I see your point but I must say Tbg makes the same example as I did earlier, multiple brands combined with multiple opinions= ?
The Cable Company is referenced for obvious reasons, they have these cables available for audition. They offer a practical and direct way to hear this cable in 'your own system', what's a better way to decide if you want /considering something to purchase? The loan service isn't free and why should it be? The user charge is modest and is worth more than multiple opinions/comparisons.
It sure helped me make my decision to buy them following the in home audition. Why are you tired of people recommending the valuable service? Listening to any cable(in your system) when possible is by far the best method |
Sorry for the misunderstanding but yes i'm french and there is no dealer that carry HF cables around me right now.
Anyway i red the whole thread and i agree, some named brands but not models. I also agree with @Charles1dad, it's very system dependent. That's why it looks important to describe the system involve and give the previous cable's models used on it before introducing the HF wires inside it.
The goal of forum, despite congratulate ourselves on our gorgeous system, is to provide informations on our experiences.
For example if you say : this is the best cable ever! without mentioning that you use it on a 300B tube system with high efficiency speakers, the one who use SS amps with low efficiency speakers has many chances to be disappointed!!!
Another fact is when you say :" i previously use Nordost cables" without giving the model, you may compare low priced speaker cables to 3000$ pair of HF cable! It's not fair! |
@Audiolab : your mark of respect touched me my friend! I try to do my best to share my experience and it's sometime disapointed to read sterile post even if i accept every opinions. |
@ Iblieve, Your welcome my friend!, I can really understand your point of view here on what brand and model cables on what brand, type solid state or tube, model of equipment that all mentioned cables, including High-fidelity cables were used, thats smart to want to know that!, going by the rule of thumb, All cables are system dependent!, Happy listening to all Here. |
FFS this thread has turned into a real secret girls club. What`s wrong with you guys???(excluding Calvinj and few others)
Firstly I agree, from my experience, High Fidelity cables is kinda special. Obviously better than MOST under virtually any circumstance...... but cmon now! If a gentleman is interested in our experience with other cables in W/E system and W/E circumstance, or regardless of, then why not.... who cares?! You guys are really that concerned you are going to lead some innocently inquiring gentleman astray or something? We`re all big boys with big toys and obviously some somewhat big wallets.... so chill out! I`m sure we all understand variables and percentages which can make things very difficult for any accurate general assessment blah blah blah. So what. We hear this a million times. I even say it myself. I just read all these posts above dribbling on about why we shouldn`t reveal our past cables and I must say I`m bored to death yet kind of stunned. By now you all could have listed at least some, with or with out extra details, and just got on with it. If someone makes some sense from it then great. If not then so be it. These things are sometimes interesting/fun to know(remember the old audioreview.com days) and sometimes just sometimes actually can help! This is partially what these forums are supposed to be about. Don`t we have enormously enough control dictatorship in this `hide everything from the masses` messed up world already? Now it has pretty much entered a audio cable thread lol. Well this is just dandy. FWIW I will join Calvin and list some myself next time I get on here. It`s been a long time between cables for me. Regarding IC`s I have currently settled on, as some of you already know, older generation Teo liquid MkII(latest greatest Teo Ref$ coming) but shall check out HF again(CT-1U model) at a later date. Will be auditioned on a SOTA highly accurate 114db-sensitive short signal path open baffle horn system. Straight from 768kHz DAC into speaker baffle mounted amps(enclosed in large phase plugs) which are isolated from the open 3x 15" drivers firing from behind(woofers don`t touch baffle). . Of course would be happy to provide any extra specific detail on past cables or w/e if anyone is interested. Ok carry on with all the justifications for secretly withholding innocently requested harmless relevant possibly interesting information. Have fun *rolls eyes* |
