I've owned the CAT MK III and tried several CJ's, owned ARC LS-25, VAC STD LE, the best by far is the Hovland HP-100, used with a PS Audio AC Lab cable, feeding a Mark Levinson 336, into Dynaudio Confidence 5. The Levinson is now gone, being replaced with a VTL MB-450.
Preamp choice: CJ vs CAT vs First Sound vs ...
I'm looking at moving on from my beloved Audible Illusions M3A. Would you please post your experiences listening to or comparing the following preamps:
- Conrad Johnson LS 17, 16, 16 mkII
- CAT Ultimate, CAT Sig III
- First Sound
- others of distinction (Joule?...)
Please note what power cord you used. I've found that power cords have a night & day effect on preamps in particular.
I've had the First Sound on long term loan in my home and consider it FANTASTIC, expecially with the new Shunyata Taipan powercord. It's a bit softer and warmer with the Black Mamba. (on the first point all present agreed; on the second there was some dissention)
Thanks,
Art
- Conrad Johnson LS 17, 16, 16 mkII
- CAT Ultimate, CAT Sig III
- First Sound
- others of distinction (Joule?...)
Please note what power cord you used. I've found that power cords have a night & day effect on preamps in particular.
I've had the First Sound on long term loan in my home and consider it FANTASTIC, expecially with the new Shunyata Taipan powercord. It's a bit softer and warmer with the Black Mamba. (on the first point all present agreed; on the second there was some dissention)
Thanks,
Art
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