2. amps-preamps
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BAT 75 SE vs. CAT JL2 or JL2 Sig.

I would like to know how this two amps compare.
I do realize the price difference, but still, would like to hear your first hand experience with both.
I'm especially interested in the differences (or similarities) in the areas of tonal character, dynamics and ability to play complex, dynamic music ( I listen to classical, rock mostly and everything else in between)
You can see my system below.
I should also note, that I used to own BAT 75SE in the past, albeit with different speakers and preamp, so I'm fairly familiar with this amp., and have been thinking about trying it again.
Never heard CAT before.
maril555

Showing 1 response by audiooracle

audiooracle
387 posts
 
Sorry guys but I have a different opinion.

Yes the Cat amplifiers are magnificently built, but I have never thought the sound they produced was magically in any capacity.

When I worked at SBS and they had the CAT amps on display, the amplifiers sounded good but not great, and as a sales item there were very few pairs sold, while the preamps sold extremely well.

I heard a full CAT system with Wilson Sophia's recently and again the sound was good not great. In direct comparisons with other really high quality amplifiers the CAT amplifiers were well balanced but didn't stand out in any way.

Today there are amplifiers which are much more magically such as the big VTLs, the VAC amplifiers, and believe it or not the Antique Sound Labs sound terrific and are cheap. I haven't heard in my own systems the ARC amplifiers but I would think those are also a contender.

The BAT amplifiers offer a lot of very clean sound and are very transparent. I would need to know more about your system to say if these amplifiers would be the right choice as well.
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