[RKlages]

I have now had my CT6s for about a week and it is time to give my first impressions. The short of it is that I rather like them. I find the CT6 smooth and musical with lovely detailed mids and highs. Bass is natural and deep without the too common over emphasis. Some believe there is a mid bass hump and if there is one it seems to me very minor. Recordings with deep bass have deep bass. Cymbals sound like cymbals and a kick drum isn't a muffled whump, it sounds like a drum.

I have decided to re rip previously acceptable lossy tracks into lossless due in part to the CT6. Properly engineered recordings sound airy and realistic. Poorly recorded tracks receive little mercy. However I don't think the Sleeks are "analytical" or cold. I run mine off a Pico DAC/AMP connected to either my MacBook or iPod touch. The Pico adds focus to the Sleeks and I rarely listen to them without it. The music gains immediacy and intimacy.

Very complicated orchestral music sometimes seems congested and instruments become indistinct. This may well be the fault of the recording as it doesn't apply to every piece I have listened to. I do have other phones that seem more friendly to poor recordings. 

Recommended demo albums: Charlie Haden & Pat Metheney: Beyond the Missouri sky, Jorge Mester, Pasadena Symphony Orchestra: Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra; Saint-Saens: Symphony No. 3, "Organ." (Binaural recording), Mstislav Rostropovich: Bach Cello suites (both disks), King Crimson: Discipline and Pink Floyd: Wish you were here.

The isolation is superb, the finish very nice and the fit is quite comfy. So far I stand by my belief in single full range drivers and with joy recommend Sleek Audio and the CT6 to any one in the market for a treat.

-Rick
 

 



Ps the customs were a fit on the first throw (see below for update).
PPs paragraph removed as it had nothing to do with the CT6
PPPs added photos

 

[Junliang]

Nice and simple review

How about some pictures

Btw, I also have the impression that it "Sounds congested in complicated passages" though, but I don't think its due to the recording on my side, tried it with other phones.

 

[RKlages]

It has now been about 9 months since receiving the CT6 and I am still pleased.  I have however just sent them back to Sleek to have them "shortened" a little and add another layer of acrylic.  I have lost weight and had some work on my jaw and palate which seems to have affected the seal. The price of this service is only $30 so I will not complain.  This service would have been free if during the first month.  These are my first and so far only customs so learning what to expect is part of the game.  Sleek had all my original order information available and will have my ear-molds on hand when they receive my canal-phones.  I will report back when they are returned to me.  Otherwise my only real complaint is with the cables.  They feel flimsy and I have torn two already.  I still like the sound and isolation so nothing new to report.  No noticeable change in temperament so burn in looks unnecessary with this phone.
 
-Rick

 

[RKlages]

Today is 10/25/10 and UPS has dropped off my fit adjusted CT6 from Sleek. I just listened to 2L's wonderful recording (and re-performance) of Edvard Grieg's "wedding Day at Troldhaugen (op. 65)  and Album Leaf 1&2 (op.28). The sound?  Wonderful.  Fit?  The length is much better and the seal no longer breaks when I yawn.  The right canal phone might even be a little too tight.  More later. Happy listening...
 
-Rick
 
 
Ps  a day later: I don't think the right canal phone is too tight.
PPs It is too tight!  back it goes...

 

[RKlages]

Back again and all is well.  -Rick