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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
romazicon's avatar
romazicon
17 posts
 
Hi, new to this thread but not new to HFC.  I own a CT-1U from my wall to my MC-6 Hemisphere and then a CT-1UR Helix from my Hemisphere to my Chord DAVE DAC.  I own 3 other CT-1 power cords for other ancillary gear including an SACD transport and microRendu music server and all components benefit but my Chord DAVE DAC is my most important digital component by far.  I also own CT-1UR RCA interconnects and most recently, I upgraded to CT-1U speaker cables and I was especially impressed by how much difference the speaker cables made, maybe more difference than the other HFC gear I have.  I'm not sure if this experience is shared by others.

I just pulled the trigger on a Pro series power cord although I'm not entirely sure what to expect given that the speaker cables so far has provided the biggest difference.  Can anyone share how much improvement I might notice with the Pro series power cords over something like the CT-1UR Helix?  Would it be best to use it to feed my Hemisphere so that everything that I have plugged into my Hemisphere benefits?  Would this essentially give me the equivalent of a UR Helix power conditioner?  Or should I use this Pro series power cord for my DAC and use my CT-UR Helix to feed my Hemisphere?  Thanks in advance for your input.
romazicon's avatar
romazicon
17 posts
 
rlawry, I currently am using RCA magnetic adapters (both source and destination) along with my CT-1UR interconnects and they provide a clear improvement.  They do look odd and will extend the rear clearance necessary for the components you plug them into but they seem to provide at least the equivalent benefit of 2-3 MC-0.5s.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
3,516 posts
 
+1 romazicon,
I agree, works for me also.

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
3,650 posts
 
I wish there was a XLR version of the magnetic adapters.
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
602 posts
 
Rlawry, Yes, you are right that I seldom leave my listening room now that I have Pro Speaker, power and interconnects. 8 hours a day minimum listening time. (music is on now).
I would agree about the break in process you described. The Pro's start out way better than previous models and improve from there. The Pro Speaker Cables have gotten more refined in 5 days. From better than ever to even more involving and "real". I can hardly waite for next week, next month!! I am hearing more "back wall reflections" among other improvements.
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