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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Jcaudio, get the Ultimate speaker wire off the floor. You will be amazed.

Cenline, everybody tells the same story in different words.

Everybody the Ultimates take over a month to breakin and maybe longer. Also don't move them are you waste a full day.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,475 posts
 
I had a golden ear friend that's real picky come over to hear the CT-1E's in my system, during the 2 hour audition he didn't say a word, he left shaking his head in disbelief and told everyone else!

I'll probably do the same hearing the Ultimates, unbelievable.
juliejoema
23 posts
 
After more listening to my custom 'low-mass' CT-1E phono cable on my RS Labs tonearm, I now have to add that the cable has removed some of the grit I thought was part of the recordings. Again, this adds to the enjoyment of the music, and allows me to enjoy more records more often, and for longer.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I've been breaking in new speaker cables - High Fidelity Ultimate Reference with Ultimate jumpers. Have about 250 hours on them as they are FINALLY starting to really open up nicely. I have so much more bass energy that I have turned my sub off - the 7's are loving this!! Isolating the m/t speaker box from the bass, and then coupling the bass to the floor is allowing the cables to really "do their thing". I am at the point now where every day brings a new audio surprise or two. Marcus Miller just got a LOT better!!

One caution with High Fidelity cables - make absolutely sure that you get the current direction correct. Even being very careful, turned out I had reversed the polarity on 1 pair of Ultimate jumpers for 225 hours. I noticed the sound out of 1 speaker seemed a bit "off" as they finally started to open up. Sure enough, I had the jumpers backwards on that speaker.

Another point is to be really patient with these cables. Depending upon your system, breakin can take quite a while. Obviously, the more magnetic devices between the 2 cable ends, the longer breakin will take. Rick and I have discovered that it really doesn't matter how long these are "cable-cooked" - there is no breakin shortcut, at least there hasn't been one for my cables. There is a light at the end of the tunnel,however, as I am slowly, finally finding out. Resolution, speed, realism and soundstage are now increasing every day, or so it seems. Small details in songs are now popping up for the first time, which is really exciting. These cables have easily surpassed my prior speaker cables, and they are at most, maybe 60% broken in, if that. My guess is 53% :-) YMMV.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Fplanner2000, I'm sorry but I don't think you are 60% broken in. I have over a thousand and just experienced a big improvement, that I initially thought was on a preamp I'm using. When I went back to my old preamp I discovered that it too had greatly improved. Nothing else was changed in the system. I have never experienced something like the HFC Ultimates. I really wouldn't be surprised if a year from now I experience a further breakin improvement.

I once was told that Lowther drivers take six years to breakin. I can believe it as two years were clearly not enough.
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