Tale of the preamps

Siddh: I've been tempted by the transparency muse from time to time since I got my JP80 about 9 years ago, but I've never changed after listening to other preamps of the like you're mentioning, even though they do certain things better. I do think the JP80, in its original form (I don't know about the current versions, which use different capacitors for the power supplies), does slightly roll off those frequency extremes and may slightly blunt the leading edge of transients. I think it does have ultimate transparency, but you have to listen more closely to hear it, as it probably does have a higher noise floor than some others in its class. Partially as a result of these shortcomings, I had mine modified by Andy Bouwman of Vintage Tube Services a few years back in a manner that kept its sonic character intact, made it even more grainless and natural but also improved the frequency extension, particularly in the bass (my system goes down to about 18hz). Even without the mods, though, I probably would not change preamps, this one just sounds so natural and right that I can live with its faults, particularly since the bulk of my listening is classical. I would say that the CAT is an excellent piece, and may work very well with those amps (how much did you have to brace your floor for those beauties?) and speakers, but you should try to get one for an extended audition, then switch back to the Jadis and see how much you miss what it does right. My decision has always wound up to give up a little ultimate resolution and fidelity to the source I'm listening to for the naturalness and musicality of the Jadis and its fidelity to the original musical event. I'm curious to see how you come out on this one; you really can't lose at the levels you're considering.

HI Rcprince,

Thanks for input. I have read the opinions of others with similar experience when the Jadis is modified. When I spoke to Andy he expressed his admiration with this piece, but added the changes were neccessary to attain a clearer, less colored picture. Apparently, he no longer involves himself in such endeavors. Have you knowledge of anyone who does? How expensive was the modification, and are you at all concerned with Jadis policy regarding warranty? Obviously, at 9 years not much is left on warranty, but Northstar seems very accomodating. Lastly, how great an improvement have you realized with the mods? Have you had any long running experience with the Ultimate? Rumor has it, CAT manufactured the Ultimate to emulate the musicality of the JP80 without sacrificing detail or frequency extension.

Thanks again for your shared experience,

Steve

Siddh, I would be very careful in changing a chain that has kept me happy for a long time. As I remember the JP80, it plays music "beautifully". IMO, the CATs --pre/power combo-- play music "handsomely, with gusto"; with one I forgot shortcomings and was drawn to the music, with the latter I was happy to notice the strengths. (not sure I'm making sense here...)

If you switch to Ultimate's line you will have more analysis. The Eidolons are very analytical; but they're also musical. I think you're now enjoying the musical Eidolons. My opinion: make sure it stays that way, with added analysis, if you change your pre...

Good luck!

Steve: Other than Da Hong, whose modifications in my view change the character of the Jadis and may no longer be available (and may not be that well-executed, judging from at least two separate sources), I don't know of any modifiers of Jadis equipment. Andy's mods were expensive and probably voided any warranty I had left on the preamp, but it was well out of the warranty period anyway. The downside to them is that now, other than Andy, there are very few techs willing to work on the unit, because space inside is limited and Andy had to use a lot of it--it is certainly not neat and tidy. In theory this could also make it more susceptible to noise, although I haven't noticed that. The upside is better frequency extension at the extremes (this may be due to some Audio Note bypass caps he put in), a bit more transparency and a virtual elimination of the last bit of "electronic" sound that the unit had (which wasn't that much to begin with). The improvements on an objective scale were not cost-effective and certainly were no more than subtle (except perhaps in the additional bass extension), but I consider them worth it subjectively because, as a bit of an obsessive compulsive, I'm somewhat nuts I guess.

When you look inside the unit, you'll see that a lot of the capacitors and parts appear to be nothing special and could be replaced with better ones, but the danger there is that (in my view) the Jadis equipment in large part was designed by ear and when you change the parts you can change the character of the unit. I only agreed to let Andy do his mods because he assured me the character would not change and because he did them at my home (stayed over a few nights), we listened as he did them at various stages to be sure I was happy with the sound and he agreed to undo them if they were not to my liking. Without those conditions, I'd be hesitant to have your unit modified, and even then you'd have to weigh against that the loss of any remaining warranty you might have and the possibility that no one will want to service your unit if something goes wrong. I'd therefor advise you against modifying the unit--you might want to consider a JP200 instead, the one unit I'd consider to replace mine.

Unfortunately, I have no long running experience with the CAT Ultimate except on short demo at a dealer. Prior CATs impressed me, but more from the intellectual rather than emotional standpoint. If the design goal was as you noted above, it should be a great piece, and definitely worth an extended listen. But heed Greg's advice, make sure you don't lose what you like about the Jadis in exchange for improved resolution. Hope this all makes some sense.