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ARC Ref 3 with CAT JL2 or do you need CAT SL1

To All,

I recently changed my Krell KCT with an ARC Ref 3 preamp. I like the preamp very much and am now thinking about upgrading to a tube power amp. There are a few on my list:

ARC Ref 300 or ARC Ref 600
Cat JL2 MK2

I now play with FPB700CX on Wilson Puppy 7.

Will the ARC be a good match with the CAT. Do I not loose bass. I like a strong controlled bass very much and this is why I now play with FPB700CX. How good is the CAT. Everybody says it's bass matches the big Krell amps. Is this true.

Is the SL1 a better preamp than the ARC Ref 3. I heard many people prefer the ARC ref 3. I need balanced out for my FPB700CX so I guess ARC is a better choise for my amp.

Who has compared ARC Ref 3 with CAT SL1. Does the Ref 3 match with the CAT power amps.

Peter
sprbggr

Showing 1 response by catamps2c36

catamps2c36
5 posts
 
The ARC REF 3 will work fine with any CAT power amp, even the latest Sig 2 Version of the JL2 (and JL3). I think that your concern stems from my insistance that the ARC REF 2 (TWO) was not a good preamp for use with CAT amps, because the CAT amps inherent transparency will reveal the harshness and grain of the Ref TWO all to clearly - especially if highly revealling speakers are also used.
The ARC REF 3 (THREE) however is a much more refined preamp the the TWO and therefore I regard it as a good match with our amplifiers. (Of course I have auditioned both the REF 2 and the REF 3 with CAT amps)
Yes, the SL1 will be even better (bass, transparency, dynamics, timbre) but this does not diminish the fact that the ARC REF 3 will also be a worthy match and perhaps even preferable for those who insist on a remote control preamp.
Ken Stevens
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