2. amps-preamps
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CAT Preamps vs Amps

I'm a proud owner of a CAT JL2 amplifier. Most of the threads on Audigon say great things about CAT's amps JL 1-3. People laud over the musicality, transparency and dynamics of these amps. However, when it comes to the preamps (Signature and Ultimate versions), it seems like the reviews are a mixed bag. In many cases, some CAT amp owners use other preamps.

Therefore, are the current CAT preamps (Ultimate) as good as their amps in terms of musicality, transparency and
dynamics? Are they on par? If not where do they fall short compared to the amps? What are better matches?
aoliviero

Showing 1 response by c123666

c123666
871 posts
 
I do not know how the current units are set up but the earlier preamps (Reference) had their capacitor quite solidly glued to the board with some glue that only CAT can dissolve for service of the caps.

I intended to go through my new (used) CAT Reference phono preamp and upgrade the caps, wiring, and tubes. When we spoke to the owner, Ken Stevens, he made it quite clear he want ONLY CAT to work on his products. I posted it for sale the same day and it is long gone. Too many other options to put up with that proprietary nonsense.
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