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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I now have a WGPC Ultimate Reference, which now has about 14 hours on it. After about a half hour, I thought that it had the characteristic HF attributes, namely defined bass, sweet and extended top in, and great easy and clarity. I had four StillPoints Ultra Fives lying around. No, I don't just have a box of them sitting here. They had been under my line stage which now has Ultra Minis under it. I put them under the rails extending front and back of the WGPC. My initial impressions were quite favorable, but supper called.

About two hours later I returned to play more music. I sat in awe most of the remaining evening and hesitated to go to bed. Since these use Ultimate Reference wave guides, I expect a long break in.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
nglazer
734 posts
 
When the fabled CT-1E's arrive tonight, where do you valued A'goners suggest I put them. (No, not there!) From PS Audio PWD MKII DAC to Wyetech Opal preamp (replacing Stealth Indra) or from pre to Krell 300cx amp (replacing JPS Aluminata), OR, from Sansui modded 919 vintage tuner to pre (replacing Nordost Valhalla)?

Some say from source, some say from pre to amp to encompass all sources. What say ye?

Neal
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
I`d begin furthest upstream,DAC -preamp.Of course you have the opprotunity to try all locations and compare.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Nglazer, I tried the dac to linestage first and linestage to amps second. I thought the line to amp made the biggest improvement.

For the first hour or two they will sound great, then they go south for a day, only to come back much better. After about three day, they will pretty much stabilize but will gradually improve. If you move them at all, it will take at least three hours for them to come back. Make sure you have them on fully and make sure the wave guides are not touching each other. A blow in card works fine to keep them separated. Don't treat the connectors with anything. They already are.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I would definitely try your source to preamp FIRST. That worked best for me, laying the foundation upon which the other cables built upon.
More to discover