I have a CAT preamp with phono, it is by far the best preamp and phone stage I have heard in my system. I became tired of always getting up to change the volume. I read a review in The Absolute Sound on the Placette Remote Control. I bought one with the 30 day return policy from the company.I can not detect any loss of sound with the Placette, it is very transparent and really mates well with the CAT.Many CAT owners have this combination.Good luck, you just can't go wrong the CAT.It sounds wonderful and has great resale value.