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
68pete, thanks for the update. I'm affraid to look at the price of that bad boy!
Back in October i was thinking about adding  another Pro power cord to my system. The first one was really a big leap in sound quality. I have moved from the UR to the UR Helix with a nice jump in sound. when i went to the Pro level it was a huge jump in sound quality. So i felt it was time to add one to my disc player. Talking to High fidelity Cable (Rick)  he told me about a new piece of equipment that he was working on. Better than any Pro Power cord. The NEW Pro Power Conditioner. So i decide to take him up on it. It arrived in a wood crate. No plastic hard case for this big boy. Rick had given me the dimension at the start. But until you actually see it in person  the size just does not click for me any ways. It is heavy 72lbs and large than my amp at 120 lbs. Rick went all out for this piece, taking technology form its bigger brother Pro Elite conditioner and then adding grounding ports to it. You need to check the pictures out on their Facebook page or Web sight.
Right out of the crate the sound was super cleaner sounding, clarity un believable. Base was very strong and tight with a much bigger punch than what i had. Even now as i have about 40 hours on it the sound keeps improving more space between notes, wide sound stage with more 3D like stage. Its even made the picture on my older LED TV  much better sharpness and color. Rick said about a 1000 hours and it really will sing out. I have a ways to go but so far its been perfect on all sound across the board. I can easily listen all day and some time do. Zero fatigue or harshness, never heard floor noise this low or nonexistence before. the sound is just so much fuller sounding or richer.  Rick hit this one out of the park. 
The New MC O.5s Helix + is now out on the High Fidelity Face book Page. Not on the web page yet $599.00. From what I under stand this is different from what I tested. Rick want more out of it and changed it.
Well i have been listening to the 2 prototype MC O.5s "A and "B" for a while now. "A" being with stronger and more magnets, "B" has the Helix design with gold plated magnets not as strong as "A" in fact i think "A" felt heavier in hand than "B". "B" had a more smoother  sound. Also a better sound stage. "A" was more stronger- loud.  It sounded like the volume was turned up a couple notches."A" did not have the front to back in the sound stage that "B" had.
 "A" sounded like the volume was turned up, but the overall sound stage was not as good or deep.  But i did like or felt "A" strong points where shown more on symphony type music with more punch. I do feel "A" did improve video slightly more than "B".  "B" the sound stage was better and a lot softer sound over all, with more detail more space. I think Rick wants to experiment with the MC O.5s a "C" version maybe before deciding which one comes to market. Both "A" and "B" where used on the frontend of my system with the High Fidelity products i all ready have.

I did move "A" to my amp line with "B" still on the front end power line. I thought this sounded better yet for "A" than on the front end side. It was al so the best sound with both being used at the same time.
enjoy Pete
Thanks, Pete.
I like the fact that feeding the Hemisphere, I am getting benefits from multiple inputs including my plasma tv, direct box, CD player, etc.
gfroman
I have the very same set up, and found for me the Pro Pc  feeding the Hemisphere worked best. Tried it on my disc player was good but on the Hemisphere was better. You can try and move it around to see what you like better. Just remember to give it time at each spot tried. Report back if you do.
Pete
Currently have a PRO power cord feeding my Hemisphere power conditioner. Also have 2 Helix power cords connected to my CD and DA/Preamp.
Would it be better to put the PRO pc directly to my DA/Preamp??
Looking for suggestions on anyone who has similar set-up.
Thanks!!
clsmooth391
the MC-1 Pros are very good. they work well with the MC O5s. I have one on the power line that feeds my front end and was very happy with it. Report back after you get some time on it.
Enjoy Pete
clsmooth391
Not familiar with your power conditioner, but i had a PS Audio P10. The MC O .5s worked well at the wall feeding the P10 and not as well plunged into it. Later i removed the P10 and things got better. Try it as many ways as you can and give it a fair amount of time in each configuration you try and report back.
Thank you Pete. I will give them a call. I have an Akiko Corelli power conditioner so not sure how the MC 0.5s will work in combination with it.
68pete

I placed the MC-1 Pro Helix+ on the front end. As a matter of fact I have all the MC-1 Pros on the front end. I have found that you get the greatest performance increase on the front end versus placing them on the amp side. The closer they are to the input source the greater the performance increase. The amp is the end of the line and not as effective.
Hello clsmooth391
I would call High fidelity  and ask what they think. They are easy to talk to. I am using their products higher up the chain and love them. They do have a 30 day trial period with refund. A couple MC O.5s at less cost  than the cables you're looking at for a try and see if you like the sound. Very easy to install i have 48 of them spread through my system.
Good luck Pete
Would really appreciate some advice. This website says that the CT-1 interconnect 'adds a lot more meat on the bones.'

https://audiobacon.net/2017/12/19/survey-audiophile-rca-interconnects-cables/

I need to do this but through a power cable and was wondering if the CT-1 power cable will do it as my current setup sounds is a little thin.
benji
Thats great, where did you place the MC-1 Pro Helix+? Front end on amp?
Thanks for the update
Last week I added a MC-1 Pro Helix+ to my system. Very impressive. I have a few MC-0.5 and a few MC-1 Pro's already in my system. The Helix+ brought out even more detail from the music. Just keeps getting closer to a live performance. I think the biggest boost in my system was the effect on a singers voice. It is like they are in the room with you. It's scary good! Music sounds very natural and alive. I only have about 125 hrs of play on the Helix+ so I know from past experience with HFC products there is more improvement to come. Another great product. I have said it before, these magnets are a game changer.
HELLO lak
The 2 new MC O5s are not produced yet, that i am aware of. The ones i have are test samples marked  "A" and "B" I believe High Fidelity is waiting on feedback, before they manufacture one or both. There is a pretty big difference between the two. "A" has the stronger and more magnets in it and "B" has less magnets but the Helix design. I have put a little over 125 hours on "A" and now listening to "B". Will give a review early  next week.
@68pete, from your post I assume there is a new MC-0.5 being produced? I looked on the HFC website but did not notice any?
I did like the video that is there explaining how the MC-0.5 works...very interesting.
Testing the New MC O.5s will report early next week.  Big difference between A and B marked MC O.5s.
agisthos 
I've had the pleasure of hearing All the Magnetic cable versions.
I'd say that the Ultimate blew the E out of the water. Totally!!
 and that the UR was even more fantastic. The Pros are another level entirely. Each iteration brings more magic. more realism, more enjoyment.
Dave
I have been happily using a complete loom of HFC for years now, with digital (CT-1UR) / interconnect (CT-1UR) / speaker (CT-1E).

Recently I attempted to maybe replace my CT-1E speaker cables, with an eye to perhaps selling them as they have now been discontinued. 

There was no comparison, the competing cables I tried could not touch the CT-1E. I wonder how good the CT-1U or UR is.
Just installed, I’m refraining from being a fan-boy or kicking an anthill, some of these forums become a battlefield.
rx8man let us know what you think? I think i would have given the Pro 1 a listen before the speaker cables. But that just me good luck
Pete
I see the MC 1 Pro Helix is now on the web sight has any one tried it yet? or compare to the MC 1 Pro?
Thanks Pete, things are good with Mad Scientist digital rca, HF CT-2 inters and Western Electric 14ga solid core speaker.

The CT-2's and MC 0.5's been here 3 days, I might try a Pro much later.
Hello rx8man
Its never to late to to have good sound. Some people chase the next best thing and they should if it works for them. I have been using High Fidelity now for a while and have only up graded up the line for better sound each time. They have some pretty nice upgrades coming around the corner. If you can Try a Pro MC-1 or the newer Pro MC-1 Helix It just gets better. Mine are mixed with Transparent Cable XLRs and speaker cables. 
Enjoy Pete
7 years later to the cable game, two pair CT-2 rca's and a pair of MC 0.5s added, imaging excellent and very liquid sound, nice.

I noticed some folks changing from High Fidelity to Teo and now to Cerious, combining interconnects and speaker cables?
 

 
Hi Pete
I hear that the Pro Helix has been produced and it Wowed during testing. IT is just about to be available. I will get one soon and let you know what all the excitement is about.
Enjoy the music!
Dave
Hi Dave
Have not heard of the new MC-1 Pro Helix yet. Have heard of the New Pro Power Conditioner, to fill in right below the Pro Elite conditioner in the High Fidelity line up. Also heard talk again of adapters for speaker cables. Keep us posted
Thanks Pete

Hey Friends! I've just heard of the MC Pro upgrade to the MC Pro Helix.
I really look forward to hearing them.
I love my four MC-1 PROs and was planning to get more but Hey...
guess I'll get some of the new Helix ones.
Has anyone heard them yet??
Cheers Dave
Reveal is excellent at the $999 price point. Using Reveal Speaker and Power cables. I am a single-ended guy so I cannot compare the two.
You can not go wrong with MC O5s, you can add them slowly a couple or one at a time. MC 1Pro is very nice but its little more than a few MC O5s
Post removed 
Thanks, Robert, but I asked about an affordable option. Looks like the only possibility for me would be Reveal XLR.  But how does its sound quality compare to original CT-1?
By far the best choice would be HFC XLR with CT-2 Helix Technology. This new technology is nothing short of astounding.
@mtrot, that's a good question. If you don't receive any responses to your question from individuals that have direct experience (which is possible), I'd recommend phoning HFC directly and asking them.
I've had a set of the original CT-1 interconnects(RCA connectors) for several years now.  Having just procured my first separate pre-amp, I now have another connection to complete.  I will use the XLR connections to the power amp. 

What is the most affordable High Fidelity cable to equal the performance of the original CT-1?  I did buy a set of Silnote XLRs for about $350, but so far they don't seem to have the openness, clarity, focus, or sound stage of my CT-1s.  They were supposed to have burned them in before shipping, but I am letting them settle into my system for a while before making a final judgement. 
My audio system is gone!!!
My speakers disappeared a while back but now there is no system.

I added a 3rd and 4th MC-1 Pro to my system and let them play constantly for a week or more.
the results of 4 MC PROs is uncanny, miraculous, spell binding.
I can no longer detect component coloration but simply musical performances floating in my room.
On the best recordings, I can hear no flaws, which is a first for me.
The listening team describes the sound as immersive, entrancing, hypnotic, pure, holographic at a previously undiscovered level.
It's hard to describe the sense of REAL.
Dead silent background, Image as solid as a rock. Richer and fuller than ever before. Tone so natural that it redefines my understanding of that term. the bass is extended, more powerful and better defined.
the highs are cleaner clearer, smoother, more detailed, real and effortless.
The mids' are like being there.
The MC Pros appear to make a bigger improvement than many of my more expensive HFC jewels. This could be the one!!!
     Joecasey and others considering adding MC Pros.
Go For It!!!


Friday Morning 09:21, as we work through the 8th day of a continuous signal. I am reviewing "Live at the Fillmore".

What?
Who is Live?

Well, that could be any number of famous acts. It could be:

Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Frank Zappa, The Allman Brothers Band, Jimi Hendrix, Sly & The Family Stone, Dead & Company, Grateful Dead, Humble Pie or in this case, Derek and the Dominos. (And that is not a complete list, just what I have on file.)

Indeed a popular venue for those bands.

I am listening to a standard quality CD, and it sounds much better than I can recall hearing this, before HFC Magnetic Conduction.

It would be fair to say that Rick Schultz has impacted the Time and Space Continuum.

Audiophiles speak in terms of "Pre-MCT" and "After-MCT", and our periods of time are based on 100-hours. Every time we upgrade a cable or unplug an interconnect, we sigh, and say "Four more..."

The 24-hour solar clock- it only affects volume levels, when the neighbor and small baby are home.

With the sustenance of a few boxes of Oatmeal and jugs of drinking water, a true audiophile can listen for hours on end to his stereo, in the "A-MCT" period, when "P-MCT" was marked by short, unsatisfying encounters with Music...

A True Believer in Magnetic Conduction Technology may become a bit over-bearing when guests visit, peppering the guest with questions like, "Have you ever heard this CD like this before?" while providing them with cold oatmeal and water.

The guests commonly respond, "Yes, it sounds good, turn it up and shut-up for the next two songs..."

Electromagnetism bends space and time in Audiophile Sound Systems.

One poor fellow adopted the Evangelism of door-to-door missionaries.
He kept knocking on stranger's doors, and asking them, "Have you a minute for me, to share the Magic of Magnets?"

Rejection, although infrequent, is sometimes a nasty affair.
One True Believer was escorted to the waiting ambulance, as he cried, "Give me your stereo for 72-hours, and you will hear a noticeable improvement in SQ and the complete elimination of a noise floor..."

Bless his Heart.

Fortunately, an ad hoc support system has developed on a long-running forum thread, where fellow MCT-devotees can meet, greet, drink lots of coffee.

Some have been around since the first post, back in 2011, some have over 16 MC-0.5s on strange configurations of three-way plugs and short extension cords.

Occasionally, a reluctant Audiophile shows up on the Forum and espouses view which goes against the commonly held beliefs.

They either hear the difference or they don't.

A person has a pre-disposition to noise-free high fidelity music reproduction, but many are in denial.

You see them getting their music from their phone, and earbuds...sad.

If only I could bring them to Magnets...

Okay, it may not be that bad, but it is eight days into a 17-day burn-in. Yeah, sure, the stereo sounds great, but if only I could just help one Audiophile make the Decision which will change their lives...

As I have said before, you can only say, "Wow, this Stereo Sounds Great!" in so many ways.

I think this is where some audio reviewers go off the rails, maybe they suffer from a writer's cramp of the brain.

That's why there are still turntables and vinyl.
Those are the folks that have got it real bad.
Did you know that they sell record-washing machines for over $1,000? And I saw a cartridge for the turntable that was over $10,000.

That is two reasons why the Computer Audiophiles wear garlic and make the sign of the cross with their fingers when someone mentions analog or vinyl..


Yes, I have Magnetic Adapters on the SPDIF and CT-2 RCA. More  Magnets Make Music.
@cheapbob 

I'm not clear on whether you have the magnetic RCA adapters ddraudt mentioned. I found his comment very interesting that he heard an improvement on the top of the line "PRO IC's".

I haven't considered these until now, since I have the "Ultimate" IC's...
Now, the most profound observation I can get from this. The system sounds so much better than before, and having no idea what to expect, I was very impressed. With the main signal interconnects backwards, it sounds great. Correct, is even better.
Thanks, @ddraudt .

I hate to admit this, but I will. In my haste and excitement, I placed the CT-2 RCA interconnects in the wrong direction. What is the only thing an audiophile can do wrong with HFC?  Yes, fail to follow the instructions, arrows go in direction of the signal path. So everything will have 400 hours on Saturday, September 1, except the CT-2 RCA interconnects, who will need an additional 200 hours to catch-up... I was wondering why I wasn't getting all the "Gee Whiz", and discovered the error quite by accident. Otherwise, I would have been blissfully ignorant, and just kept on listening....