cat jl3 signatures vs. atmashere ma2III's

Duane were you being serious? Just curious. I totally agree with the "overkill" comments, in my view less power is almost always better than more if it is sufficient for the speaker load and sensitivity and a loudness level you seek. Duke, do you think the S-30 would drive the Merlin VSM-MXe (89db, very linear 8 ohm load)as effectivley as the higher powered Atmas?

I get the sense we are talking about two great companies and the choice of one over the other is personal to the listener and the answer on how to choose must be based on audition - we all hear a bit different and have our own priorities on the type of sound we prefer. I suspect the CAT will perform with a wider selection of speakers, able to handle more difficult loads than the Atma, but others might pipe in and say that is not really the case. If one is already considering Atma OTLs, it might also make sense to add the Joule amp to the audition list.

Sounds like two SOTA, outstanding products, that only a personal audition in your system can solve. There are many people who love and swear by both. No bad choice here, unless you have a really tricky speaker for the OTLs, the Escalantes obviously are not.

Samuel33, there is no question the CAT is one of the great amps, which does not mean you will love it more than any other, personal taste does come into this -- but it stands on its own as one of the great designs IMHO.

I think you're in for a real treat. I think Ken thinks very highly of both those brands - I know he owns (owned) Wilson.

I'm using Cardas Golden Reference as recommended by Bobby who makes my Merlins. That recommendation may be specific to my speakers and might not be universal. I've heard Ken say he does not favor silver in ICs and speaker cable for his amps.

Ditto on your conclusion.

Well, I've traded my CAT JL2s for Atma-sphere M-60s. Both are fantastic amps, but on my Merlins, which are OTL friendly, the OTLs are pure magic, I clearly prefer them in almost every way, though the nod has to go to the CAT on bass IMHO - not that the M-60s are not perfectly satisfactory, but those huge transformers on the CAT are there for a reason. I suspect with other speakers the CATs would have the advantage - they can drive most anything, but if your speakers are OTL friendly I suspect nothing will sound better than an Atma-sphere amp, and proabably the Joule OTLs as well.

non-Signature. Both brands are fantastic. But, I think if you can eliminate transformers and still drive your speakers, it is hard to beat OYLs for transparency, clarity, speed, and presence. Given that, the CAT is very, very good in those areas, with incredible bass and drive and can obviously perform well with a wider array of speaker choice (almost all). We are talking cream of crop with both brands IMHO. I'm also fortunate in that 60 watts (M-60s) is way more than enough power to drive my Merlins.

My Jl2 had some teflon boards, but not to the extent of Signature. I suspect the Signature improves on the JL2, but if you are not happy with the JL2 than you may never be happy, it is an incredible amp even before the "upgrade". I still think that with the right speakers, the OTLs will give the CATs a run for their money, and might be preferred by some. Again two world-class designers and amps.