Cat Ultimate MkII Preamp mods for volume control?

Unfortunately, what you are dealing with is endemic to a a high gain pre-amp with a stepped attenuator. The stepped attenuator is reported to sound better, but coupled with the high gain inherent in the design, it makes for very large volume changes at the low end. Its actually one (not the only one) of the reasons why I sold mine. You can put a fixed attenuator in line btwn the pre and the amp and it will help some. I used a 12 dB unit and it made it acceptable, but it was clumsy with heavy interconnects and puts a lot of stress on the rcas. YMMV.

Just an update for those interested. I spoke with Ken Stevens from Convergent Audio today. His suggestion would be to have resistors installed on the volume control unit itself which would lower the gain by 6db overall. This install could either be done by C.A.T. themselves or he would send out the resistors for free to either have myself or another qualified person install. Ken charges a minimum of $375 for an "over all check up" of the unit and would include the resistors with that. The check up would include a diagnostic check with minor repairs if needed.
He also stated that the Placette remote volume control unit could be used on the tape loop only, but wasn't too keen on the idea.

That is probably the best solution.

Proclaim123
I had my Cat MK II updated to a series III and when this was done I had Ken install the resistors in the volume control. I was one of the first to have this done and what a difference this made. Now the useable range of the volume control was all the way up to 3 o'clock for loud listening which before was at 9 o'clock. Late night listening sessions at low volume was now between 8 and 11 o'clock. Prior to Ken's resistor installation the volume increase between notches was simply too big of a jump.
I say go for the mod, you will be happy.
Good luck.

I've had every Cat(with phono) going back at least six generations and currently own the Ultimate II. I definitely would NOT use any other volume control other than one provided by Ken otherwise sound quality WILL suffer.

Having the CD Taper is definitely a step in the right direction giving you smaller adjustments in gain. I would take Ken's advice and send your unit back to him to have the lower gain(6db less)stepped attenuator installed. Having to spend the extra $375 is a bitch but at least you'll know it was done correctly and your problem will be solved.

The reason you're having the problem with too much gain at the low end of the volume control is that most digital sources today provide way more output voltage than what's necessary. If you were running a passive unit I could see it but passives have pretty much disappeared. Reason is, they're really not very dynamic without a buffer stage and usually quite boring after you've lived with them for a while. I know from experience having owned a couple really good ones before switching to the Cat.

The Cat's 26 db of gain compared to around 20 db with most other brands is part of the problem but if you were using his phono stage with 46 db of gain to drive a MM or med. output MC cartridge, there'd be no problem. You'd be glad to have the extra gain in the line stage. Many people buy the full function Cat because for a few hundred dollars more you get a very good phono stage and eliminate the need for another box and interconnects.

My advice is to bite the bullet and have Ken do the work. Next time you order a new Cat specify CD Taper and minus 6 db stepped attenuator. Ken is very aware of the "problems" some people have with gain and should really point out the options that are available.

Good luck and happy listening.