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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
 
Lak, I look at you system pics, very pretty turntable, great looking system that I'm sure your proud of. Congrats!!!

Small tweak suggestion
from what I can see from the pic, you isolation transformers appear to be setting on a concrete or cinder block on rubberized feet on concrete floor. I suggest placing first 3/4" pine plywood on floor, then concrete block (not the lighter cinderblock), then another plywood, next some cones you like, then Iso xfmrs. with no rubber feet. I believe this will give you a tighter sound with more dynamics and purer highs.
I also think you would be shocked at what an HFC power cord would do for you.
;-) D
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
602 posts
 
Ronnjay, thanks for reporting back.
additional info.. the magnetic waveguide is also directional ( north in south out ) and even if correct there could be an internal connection issue. Rick and High Fidelity Cables have wonderful customer service so IF there is an issue, it WILL be corrected.
Cheers D
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
602 posts
 
Calvinj, I'm using a digital integrated amp (very customized as you would suspect) and an even more customized CD player. (no tubes) I'm awaiting a fully custom integrated amp and in talks for a total custom USB dac with built in card reader. I also have newer custom speakers being built.
HFCables have upped the game so extremely that I must upgrade everything else (gladly). I do sell old equipment and cables ( including HFC) to buy new HF cables. I'll have a UR digital for sale soon when I switch to UR IC's. and a 15A URR too when I switch to 20A.
I'm very glad to have met Rick and think of him as a friend. Pleased that I have been able to give him suggestions on improvements that have proved useful.
Hope you system is wowing you still. Cheers D
ddraudt's avatar
ddraudt
602 posts
 
New Video explaining Magnetic conduction is great!!
http://vimeo.com/106602846
lak's avatar
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lak
3,516 posts
 
Calvinj; thanks for the compliment, I've been working with different high end systems for at least 18 years and the two posted systems is what I currently am enjoying. Please feel free to email me through Audiogon and tell me about your present system.

Jmcgrogan2; I'm using the HF speaker cable CT1U in "Lak's Music Room 2014". I picked them up used a few weeks ago. I meant to mention it when we were communicating about power cords but as you could probably tell I have not had much time to be on the computer.

Ddraudt: thanks for your suggestions. The isolation transformers actually sit on three 1 1/2" solid brass audio points that are on top of the cinder blocks and the cinder blocks rest on top of three hockey pucks that are on the concrete floor.
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