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

Showing 2 responses by mcondon

I borrowed a number of digital cables from the Cable Company recently to connect a Bel Canto transport to my Behold Gentle G192. Having read so many good things on Audiogon about High Fidelity Cables, I asked to borrow the CT-1 digital cable. The salesman Joe at the Cable Company also recommended I try the Black Cat Silver Star 75, the PAD Proteus Provectus, and a Wireworld Gold Starlight 6. I did not think the High Fidelity Cable at $800 was a stand out, no better than the Wireworld. I thought the Black Cat Silver Star sounded better than the CT-1 (more precise and incisive) and cost only $150. The PAD, also around $800, was different than the others -- warmer sounding. Overall, the Black Cat cable was my favorite. Am I missing something here? Are the speaker cables better than the High Fidelity digital cables?
I am grateful for High Fidelity Cables, not because I own the cables, although I have demo'd them.  Mostly, seeing their price tags a few years ago and the numbers of people who I generally respect who have bought them made me realize how seemingly crazy this hobby can get. I have worked successfully in finance for 25 years, so I can easily afford these cables, but I originally come from a blue collar family and just could not bring myself to fork over HFC-like money for cables and power cords.  HFC finally led me to realize that this hobby has unhealthy, addictive characteristics and I have happily just enjoyed the music for the last three years or so, changing nothing about my setup (except switching to a computer-based source, mostly to improve convenience without sacrificing sound quality. ) I have HFC and this thread to thank for that. 

I am not trying to be snarky or dismissive of others -- I just trace the change in my own behavior to the rise of the popularity of HFC. And I realize there are far worse hobbies than being an audiophile, so I am not trying to dismiss anyone for staying fully involved in this one.