2. amps-preamps
  3. 1160342344

Cat Ultimate MkII Preamp mods for volume control?

This question is directed to those who may own the CAT Ultimate preamp. I am very satisfied with this pre (line stage only).The one thing that I feel is a negative is that the volume control has few steps, which for the most part does not bother me. It is when I have company, or am eating dinner and would like background music at low settings where the problem then arises. The difference between the lowest setting and no volume is enough to not listen to music at these times. I don't know if anyone has experienced this, or if there is a modification for a different contol unit. I don't know if Ken Stevens had a reason behind the few stepped control unit, but in my opinion a few more wouldn't hurt. Any suggestions?
proclaim123
tubes108
153 posts
 
Hi. I believe that you can get a diff volume control directly from CAT. The other one, which is optional when purchasing a preamp, has more steps at the lower end of the control than the stock volume control has.
jsadurni
210 posts
 
You can also add a placette
check this out:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1159194844&read&3&4&
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I tried the Placette RVC and it will work wonderfully well as a volume control, as well as providing you with remote control. I have the CAT Ultimate and this set up sounded great, but the Placett on its own might be even better in the right system.
proclaim123 OP
22 posts
 
Thanks for your input, there are a few questions though:

Tubes108
Since I have not had a chance to call Ken Stevens have you had a chance to hear an Ultimate with a "higher end" volume control unit offered by Convergent Audio?

Pubul57
I have also read your thread on active/passive pre's (I'll be honest - I don't know what the difference is). Are you currently using the Placette RVC with the CAT, also being that the CAT is an active pre as stated would the mix of a passive volume control change the sonic character of the Ultimate?
The web site for the Placette RVC states that this is a low cost unit for $1,000.00. I may be missing something here. Maybe for hi end audio this is low cost control. I wonder if Convergent Audio does have a "higher end" control unit what the price would be.

Thanks for you help
More to discover