CAT SL-1 Ultim. Mk2 vs Manley Steel. for CAT JL-2

Very good explanation, John! I am glad you mentioned your story and differences between CAT JL-2 and JL-3 sig. !
Sasa

Robertje, no I can not try both!
Cincy bob, your answer is very helpful.I must said that my decision tilt a little more for Steelhead but I can get CAT preamp for $1000 less.
It is tough decission!
Thank you.

Yes, Io signature with volume pots is good solution.
But I dont see the differece between Steelhead and Aesthetix Io sig. with volume pots which is the same package?! The both are phono stages with line stage (Manley) and another without it. If Steelhaed(line stage) lacking in gain and dynamics how can then Aesthetix Io which dont have line stage inside better Steelheads dynamics and gain?
Can you tell me the web of Aesthetix and one dealer with good prices which sell it, please.
Thank you.

Dgad,
I will be using Benz Micro Ebony LP mc cart or Koetsu Jade Platinum mc cartridge.I prefer Jade Platinum more because it is more lush and more rich in texture but have good speed,dinamics and transparency. If I can not get pure neutrality from my sistem(which I suppose never will...) then I am more for warm side instead of analitical!
I heard about Placette pre but for ASR Basis phono it would be the best to drive it via balanced input(TAS recomm.) or? And I need one Transp. Audio Reference MM interconnect more in this case!

Jtinn, yes I will use only Kuzma's turntable with his Airline tone arm,because he lives 90km from my house. It is good to have someone who build turntables so close if something happened.Have you heard Kuzma Stabi Refer. with Airline tonarm, yet? Whit which cartridge?

Interesting, Jtinn, I have heard Benz Micro Ebo. LP with Kuzma combo,Steelhead,Tenor 75Wi,Wilson W/P and Transparent cables and for my taste it was something I will never forgeth! Music,natural,neutral magic music.Beautiful.
I have heard Miyabi 47 MC cart with Kuzma Reference XL turntable(better than Stabi reference)Airline tonearm,Groove+ phono,CJ ART2 and CJ Premier 350 and Avalon Eidolon speakers,cables were Transparent Reference(XL)- but I was not satisfied with results. I dont know but I missed air, a lot of air like with Tenor amp, beautifull natural texture and organic feeling if you understande what I mean!
I suppose Jade Platinum would be much better.
Thank you for your opinion.