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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

Showing 8 responses by jcaudio

jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
Mine still seem to be changing almost daily after almost two weeks. Bass has still not tightened up to where I would ultimately like it but midrange, treble are unsurpassed.

Since bass always seems to be the last thing ( at least IMO) to settle down, not concerned at all. Overall, incredible.
jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
Supposed to receive the just released CT-1 Ultimate speaker cables this week. Can't wait to compare to my Stage III and Valhalla cables.
If you would like pictures you can email me or go to my site for pictures. Should have them posted by this weekend.
Full disclosure, I am a dealer so will not be commenting on this forum to how good they are or aren't.
Just an FYI they are now available.
For pictures of them you can go to www.jcaudioconsulting.com
jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
Break in is dramatic but changing much faster (for the better) than my other high end cables.
First day:
Out of the box sounded really good, but by that night sounded brittle, flat and decided best to let it cook.
Day two:
Treble still pretty harsh on piano registers but better extension. Bass still really bad!
Day three:
Treble starting to show its mettle and hearing things in the music I never heard before. On Keith Jarret Kohn Concert, while I always heard him moaning in the background, with good peddle noise, I all of a sudden thought he was in the room, uncanny. Bass still not tight though.
Day four, early morning:
Starting to come together. Today was the first day I could actually sit and enjoy the music. Bass starting to really tighten up and the highs are just incredible now. Very natural. Piano sounds like real piano. Great weight with soundstage and imaging finally locked.
I am guessing at present rate that by this weekend will be really something.

Quite surprised at the speed of this change as I am more accustomed to great cables taking at least a month to really settle down.
So far, very encouraged
jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
I have had numerous emails regarding what the Wave Stabalizers look like on the Ultimate Speaker Cables.
I will post some pictures on my website tonight at following link

http://jcaudioconsulting.com/high-fidelity-ct-1-ultimate-speaker-cables/

Best guess will be about 8:00 pst.

I think they are pretty cool looking
jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
Ok. Finally got good enough pictures to post of the Waveguide units.
I think their cool as hell but wife is skeptical. This proves their cool and us audiophiles will love them :)
jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
Great review Norm
jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
I am changing my main system configuration and will be needing a longer cable than my current 2.5 meter Ultimate CT-1 speaker cable if anyone interested. I thought I would let you guys know before posting it to the masses.
jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
Sorry about the lack of pictures on my site of the Waveguide units on my Ultimate speaker cables. Phone camera was real fuzzy but will take a bunch of pictures this weekend if anyone interested.

I agree with Calloway's assessment of these regarding Valhalla. I used to be a Reference dealer for Nordost and always had a deep love for the Valhalla but these are just scary what I now hear in my recordings. In fact I have been listening to many of my old standby recordings just to see what I have been missing.
Don't get me wrong, the Nordost is still a fantastic cable and I could easily live with them forever, but, these are really special, even with only 6 days if break in.
Real test will be this weekend as my wife plays piano and is brutally hard when she evaluates my systems as she correctly states many systems just do not sound like a real piano😄
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