CAT SL-1 questions


I've been researching these pres and I have three basic questions-
1. Whats the diff between SL1 Mk1, 2, 3 and SL-1 Signature.
I know that the SL1 Mk1 had a rep for eating tubes, which suppossedly was tamed in the MK2 and 3. Is a SL1 MK2 more desirable than a Signature MK1?, etc.
2. Does the phono stage of an SL1 or an SL1 Sig have enough gain for a Benz Glider low output (0.3 mv)?
3. Anyone ever use them with McCormack DNA 0.5 Rev B or Rev A?

Thanks for your help.
swampwalker

Showing 1 response by marakanetz

I take one(used) to audition this weekend and I'll tell more. Folks say that the phono section in CAT preamp is superior to ARC PH3 and if it's realy true(i have one to compare with) than I keep the unit if it's not, well, I'll just kick it back.

Dealer told me that the input sencitivity of the phono section is 0.5mV. If the specification sais so I wouldn't try to go lower. Even the lack of .2mV can reduce dynamics significantly especially in Benz Glider.

McCormack amps bring more colours than you can only imagine to drive the sound away from real music, so I bet you won't be able to grade properly $6000 preamp IMO.