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
It is actually possible for Rick to in essence "create" a balanced cable by using 2 runs of rca's in opposite directions into a 2:1 rca to XLR Cardas connector. Its expensive, because you need to buy 2 cables for each run, and it takes longer to break in than a single run. It does, however, allow you to turn Rick's rca cables into a balanced design. It worked for me when my amps started misbehaving in RCA mode. They are now all better and running rca's.
Fplanner2000, I am using the 2:1 adapter, though by Purist Audio, also. How long would you say it took to break in?
Also can you elaborate on the "amps started misbehaving in RCA mode. They are now all better and running rca's."
Depends on the cables - that's really a Rick S. question. And no, there is really no elaboration on my amp comment - I messed something up and it got fixed.
Tsushima1, is it really possible to use single ended cables between balanced out and balanced in? I use single ended phono to XLR cables as my phono stage only accepts balanced.
Tbg, yes it is possible but you lose the benefits of balanced cable and you might get a ground hum. then you would need to lift the ground. As an example removing the ground pin from the power cable or using a "cheater plug" on the power cable.

But the way Fplanner2000 mentions is a balanced cable and you still get the benefits of a balanced cable.

Fplanner2000, I realize depending which level of HFC could make a difference in burn in and I should have mentioned which ones I had but a ball park figured would have been fine. I have long ago asked Rick, as I was one of the first to try the 2:1 adapter. I was hoping to get some direct feedback form a follow user. Just so you know I have the CT-1 for my interconnect with the RCA/XLR 2:1 adapter and I use the CT-1E with a CT-1 jumper as my speaker cable.
Also sorry I misunderstood you about the RCA and amp thing. I thought you were referring to some issue with using the cables in your system.