I heard Jafox's Aethetix AND a CAT SL-1 Sig III in my system, and I MUCH preferred the Aesthetix. It was in nearly every way (except maybe bass) better to my ears than the CAT. I found the cat sterile and slightly artificial (but not bright) by comparison.
That's not to say the CAT preamps arent great, they are, but just not for me. At the time, I had Berning amp with Verity Parsifal Encores, and an AA Capitole II feeding the mix. Now, to be fair, i did not have the very best tubes i nthe CAT, and that may have had something to do with it as well...
That's not to say the CAT preamps arent great, they are, but just not for me. At the time, I had Berning amp with Verity Parsifal Encores, and an AA Capitole II feeding the mix. Now, to be fair, i did not have the very best tubes i nthe CAT, and that may have had something to do with it as well...