2. cables
  3. 1335297906

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
jazzonthehudson's avatar
jazzonthehudson
277 posts
 
Would appreciate to hear your comments re upgrade from CT1E to CT1U interconnects. I have a full loom of HFC and am very pleased, having skimped a bit on the SC, I am in the midst of upgrading from the CT1 speaker cables (just listed) to the CT1E version.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
609 posts
 
Jazzonthehudson, In my experience, the U series CT-1's really separate themselves from the 1 and 1E in all aspects of musical reproduction.
everything the first two did, the Ultimate does better- a LOT better.
But Beware… If you listen to these High Dollar speaker cables, you will not want to let go of them.
Also, they take 4-EVERRr to break in fully. sound ok in a week but improves to breathtaking in 2000hrs.
I hope other Ultimate owners will comment on this.
DD
snook2's avatar
snook2
616 posts
 
I received loaner CT-1s two weeks ago. I placed them between the dartzeel pre and emmlabs cdse. There was an improvement immediately. Their sound was transparent but bright and forward. They definitely opened up and settled down after about eight days or about 40 hours listening. No brightness.
Very transparent and musical. I can't wait to hear the ultimates.

I next placed the interconnects between the dartzeel pre and dartzeel amp. Immediately they were bright, forward. No air behind the music. Just thought they needed to break in as before. Waited another 20 hours and there was no change. I usually get loud music on the volume control at the 2 o'clock setting with the dartzeel interconnects. I could not get past the 12 o'clock with the CT-1s without the sound being harsh and etched. I thought there was a problem with the preamp so I contacted the dealer. I am using the dartzeel 50 ohm bnc interconnects. He advised that there should be no mismatch. I have to conclude the dartzeel interconnects are the better cable by a large margin on that gear.
That said, I will definitely be checking out High Fidelities on the digital end again.
morningstaraudio's avatar
morningstaraudio
154 posts
 
Just a quick note with break in of these cables and my experience.
I ordered the CT-1U digital cable just a little over a month ago. I shut down the system a few times within the month for 12 hours at acrack just to give my components a little rest. I figure I have 650 or so, the Digital cable opened up and was an immediate improvement when first put in, so much so I ordered a pair of the CT-1U IC's a few days later. This all sounded very good but now I have 502 hours on the IC's as of yesterday and Thursday morning I fired up the system and was just astounded by the transformation that the system had taken on. Everything just opened up to another level. My point in my system is that 500 hours is the mark you have to hit with TC-1U IC's to begin to be rewarded.
So much so that as soon as I hear back from my accountant as to how much taxes I will owe this year, I will be ordering a pair of TC-1UR speaker cables. I would have ordered them on Wednesday after talking with Rick but between having to shell out money for a shipment of our new DAC's that will hit the market in April and the taxman calleth, I have to be sure I have enough funds to pay Uncle Sam, my accountant and Rick.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Morningstaraudio, I think my Ultimates and Ultimate Reference speaker cables are now broken in, but I do remember several big jumps in performance as you describe. I do think each successive cable in his multiple series takes longer to reach their best and that each is a jump over those preceding it. Price is the only off-putting aspect of the newer series.
More to discover