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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
lak's avatar
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lak
4,544 posts
 
@Kzhtoo,
I own the HiDiamond P3 and P4 as well as many other power cords including a HF Ultimate power cord.
I look forward to what you have to daw about the CT-1 power cord and the Sigma HC power cords.
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juliejoema
23 posts
 
I finally got my CT-1 speaker cables broken in. Like others, I noticed I had to turn up the volume on my preamp to get the same volume, likely due to the increased impedance compared to my Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun Biwire (which are great cables themselves).

Unlike when I put in the HFC interconnect cables, there was not an immediate quantum improvement in performance. Sure, there was more detail for the most part, but the bass was weak, and overall maybe not as 'musical' as the AZ cables. After about 250-400 hours, however, I think I am finally getting the full-loom HFC effect. NOW I'm getting more music, and I'm noticing how the musicians are playing more, and getting drawn into the music even more.

So, I would say that while the HFC PC and IC cables were an instant improvement (but also continue to improve over several hundred hours), the speaker cables really need a long break-in period before they work anywhere close to their best.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,544 posts
 
@Jmcgrogan2,
I find it very frustrating to compare my HF Ultimate power cord to my other power cords.
I’m very happy with the sound I currently have. When I replace one of my power cords with the HFU for 10 days I like what I hear but I’m not sure that it’s an improvement, but maybe it is an improvement?
When I take the HFU out and replace it with the original power cord, to my ears it sounds about the same.
I spoke to Rick about this and he said (as we have heard about the HFC products) when the HFC are introduced into a system it takes a while for the full effect to take place.
When the HFC comes out of the system there is still a residual effect that lasts for a while therefore one can’t accurately do an A/B test. These are my own words not the technical way Rick explained it to me.
Sorry I’m not capable of remembering the technical terms Rick used (LOL).
In my main music room these are the power cords I’m using:
Purist Audio Design 20th Anniversary Contego Power cord on Amp.
CH X-20 Power cord on Preamp.
Stealth Audio Dream Digital Power Cord on CDP.
Triode Wire 7 Plus (going to try the Elrod EPS /2 Signature) on the Phono preamp.

In my second system:
HF Ultimate power cord on my Integrated amp.
HiDiamond P4 on my CDP.
spar
15 posts
 
@Lak, I had the same experience as you when I placed my sole HF cable, a HF URR PC, on my integrated amp; I did not experience the WOW factor the majority here describe. I thought this might be due to not having a full HR loom. However, when I switched the HF PC to a source and left it there for a month, there was a definite improvement that became obvious to me. I wonder if you switched your HiDiamond P4 to your integrated amp and placed the HF Ultimate on your CDP you might experience the same improvement I got after a month.
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