Morrison Preamp

Thanks Oahuan for your well-written and informative post. I was wondering what preamps you have really liked and what you have previously owned. I have heard the Aleph P, Rowland Synergy, certain VTL's (2.5? as well as others), Audible Illusions Modulus 3, VAC's, Lamm L1. I have heard CAT Signature and own a CAT Ultimate. I need a second preamp. I was wondering what else to listen to. I favor the tube sound but I heard a solid state preamp which really impressed me. That was the Ayre K1. Have you heard this one? It is not a typical solid state sound. Very smooth, although in the system in which I heard it, I am not sure about its dynamics or deep bass extension? What else should I hear? Thanks,

I have never heard anything better. To my ears, it just does everything well: Great extension (on bottom and top), great dynamics,very smooth response, good soundstage and detail, distortion free and dead quiet. You also don't need to spend a lot of money, in that I think any CAT will put you in audio's highest echelons. I have a friend who bought a CAT Signature. It is a little brighter than mine, and even more dynamic. I think he paid $1500. He claims that he wouldn't mate it with other bright equipment. Even so, I have heard his unit and I would say it was just a shade brighter than neutral, yet with all the other good qualities I have described above. However, the Ultimate is definitely smoother and less bright. I have never had an audio product that made me as happy. I just don't want to buy another as I would like a slightly different sound in a second system. I hesitate to say it, because this is such a subjective hobby but, ... I think, particularly if you like a tubey sound, you could almost buy a CAT without audition. I doubt you would be disappointed. Also check out Stereophile's "follow up" review of the Ultimate in Aug 1999, if you haven't done so already.

Also the CAT has a terrific phono section. No RFI, no noise, no grain, and the same smooth sound you get from the line section. The Ayre can be bought with phono and it too has an outstanding phono section. If you get a chance, check out the Ayre K1 or K3. Even though they are solid state, I think you'll be surprised by what they can do if the rest of the equipment is up to snuff and well matched.