Will buy Pre-amp today, help please !!

Can't give any info on the CAT, but I love my BAT 3i (which has both balanced and single ended in and out). But the experience I have had with BAT's customer service has been remarkable. I bought mine used and have had to talk to them twice for advice and assistance. Their response has been rapid, accurate and they even sent me some upgrade advice and minor parts at no charge. A real class outfit.

i had cat reference once in my system. It is not as good as the signature. There is a big difference between the Reference and even Signature MK I. reference is a bit bass shy. In fact, I talked on the phone with Ken Stevens (CAT), who confirmed it. He did not recommend bying a Reference. My (as well as his) suggestion would be to find any CAT Signature; MK I, II, III, or the Ultimate, which is in the top 3 preamps at any price.

Go for the Joule Electra.

I have been fortunate enough to have
owned the Cat Ultimate SL1 as well as the Signature MKll
They are both Amazing pre amps. Cat has to be one of the Very Best.
However, you don't get much Bloom. The Imaging is absolutely incredible.
The Base is extremely tight, sometimes more than a Base would actually sound
To me the Cat has a lot of feelings with no emotion, all brains with no heart

A Joule Electra LA 200 replaced my CAT Sig MKII (I have two systems, one with Joule, the other with Supratek Syrah). Tube regulated power supply on board (as opposed to CAT SS with umbilical), easily superior harmonics, voice etc. CAT had horseshoe-shaped soundstage beginning at speakers and extending back; Joule extends wider and envelope of sound reaches out to listener. Put an NBS IC on it with a big PC (Electraglide, BMI Whale) and save yourself a good chunk of change. (Joule goes for $1500-2000 used. Get the MkIII)