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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
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
602 posts
 
I have to agree with TGB and Charles about accessories.
I discovered over 30 years ago that I could achieve a better sound with cables that cost more than the other equipment. Also that a lot of proper damping and shielding can create wonderfully smooth and surprisingly detailed sound with great bass.
And that the room is a component of the sound and should be afforded the amount of time and money as other components.
Ricks HF products, for me, make the most monumental improvement of all the stuff I've tested since 1972. i think maybe Stillpoints might be 2nd. they both allow micro detail that was previously impossible.
and therefore, create a "previously impossible to achieve" soundstage.
My mind still boggles at how it could sound so "real".
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Yes I've come to appreciate the substantial contributions properly chosen accessories can make on an already solid foundation system. Duelund CAST capacitors, High Fidelity CT-1U digital cable, Tripoint Troy(lucky to obtain used) and Star Sound Apprentice platforms have been nearly phenomenal in what they've done for my audio system, truly superb products. They elevate major components that were on a high performance plane to begin with.
Charles,
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
602 posts
 
Bill, congrats on the UR speaker cable. I'm definitely going to get some UR speaker cable after hearing my UR digital cable totally alter perception. Making the choice is easier that coming up with the money.

On the Ultimate Reference Wave Guide Power Conditioner, which Norm, Rick and I have.
UR WGPC has three large UR speaker cable waveguides ($16K)
The UR power cord has 3 UR interconnect waveguides. ($10,900. 1M, + $675 for each 1/2M added.)
I have not heard the power cords yet.
I'm sure the power cords are as great as all Rick's other products, but I don't think they would replace the UR WGPC. I'll never let go of mine.

FYI: there are also Ultimate WGPC and power cords.
Dave
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
Wow!, I would love for any of you to post on the Taralabs 0.8 thread about cables and accessories that better the sound of most componets, this is my same exsperience, my cables cost way more than the componets in my system, I thought I was maybe alone with believing that cables and accessories make the big difference with sound in a High-end system, They think I must be crazy to even say what all of you have here, cheers to all, this makes me happy to read there are believers!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth,
You have to trust what"you" hear and have confidence in your personal assessment regardless of what others may say of your findings. I wouldn't advocate that cables and accessories always trump components. However in certain situations their impact can be startling and exceed what one might have predicted. Totally subjective and each case is unique.
Charles,
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