CAT SL1 + JL2 or JL3 compared to Lamm L2 + ML2.1

I think the CAT amps are as good as any amplifier made - in that I have not heard one better. The JL2 should be able to drive just about any speaker load, but I would ask Ken Stevens for his opinion regarding the speakers you are considering. The JL2s 100 Watts of CLass A Triode should have no problem. I've not heard a better amp and it would certainly challenge almost any SS amp in the bass department.

By the way, if I am not mistaken, I believe Ken owns a very expensive pair of Wilson Speakers, so I would expect there would be great synergy between the CAT and the Wilsons. Frankly, you are talking about some of the best stuff made with either brand - you cannot go wrong with either, unless your Lamm 18 watters just can't drive the speakers.

I think the beauty of the CAT amp is that it has power with SET like transparency; it is the very best PP tube amp made IMHO. At this price point it must be auditioned.

Was the CES setup with an ML2.1?

I found that the CAT amp with the Joule preamp provides just that added touch of organic nuance (not that the CAT pre was not an excellent performer) that provides a more emotional connection to the music. I think the CAT will give you what you need "voiced" by the preamp you pair it with. In addition to the Joule, the Lamm LL2 was quite wonderful paired with the CAT amp. No doubt CAT is the dynamics champ in amplifiers. But, really we are talking about SOTA equipment, and if you can't be happy with either, you are not likely to find something that will satisfy you.