CAT SL-1 Ultim. Mk2 vs Manley Steel. for CAT JL-2

The issue of "best possible" is something that we all ultimately chase but such success comes with a lot of experimentation, personal choice and compromise. And once we feel we have this, along comes another "best" component to make us no longer content with what we have.

I agree with Bob's advice here to seriously consider separate line and phono stages. A full function preamp like the CAT or the Steelhead may be a good starting point. And then you can experiment with other separate line and phono stages.

As an owner of the JL-3's, the mono version of the JL-2, the one thing that I paid dearly for with these amps was their dynamic and resolving capabilities. Careful selection of upstream products that might limit these strengths, as Bob wrote with the Steelhead directly driving his amps, would be something I would pay much attention to.

I tend to like a very large 3-dimensional presentation, volume of space portrayed, decays, image size, etc., so my attention has been here for many years. With the CAT amps, hearing their strengths and a much more neutral presentation brought me a little closer to center. But my gut feeling is that the CAT preamp would go too far toward an analytical sounding presentation for my own personal taste. The key is to find a system balance between the one side of resolution, dynamics and neutrality and the other of space and dimensionality.

I have found the Aesthetix Callisto/Io combination to be an incredible match with the JL-3's. This is over your $7500 budget but the Io can be configured with volume controls and such a used unit does fit in your budget; they simply are not for sale too often. Audiogon member Rushton has much experience with the Io Signature with volume controls. Hunt down some of his posts as I suspect this might be worthy of your consideration.

John

Robertje, no I can not try both!
Cincy bob, your answer is very helpful.I must said that my decision tilt a little more for Steelhead but I can get CAT preamp for $1000 less.
It is tough decission!
Thank you.

Schorly: I totally agree with Cincy_Bob and since you seem to be only concerned with playback through the Kuzma, I would lean toward the Manley Steelhead. Depending on the cartridge, I would also suggest trying a MC cart through the MM section.

Disclaimer: I am a dealer for Manley, not CAT. I do have a lot of experience with both products.

Yes, Io signature with volume pots is good solution.
But I dont see the differece between Steelhead and Aesthetix Io sig. with volume pots which is the same package?! The both are phono stages with line stage (Manley) and another without it. If Steelhaed(line stage) lacking in gain and dynamics how can then Aesthetix Io which dont have line stage inside better Steelheads dynamics and gain?
Can you tell me the web of Aesthetix and one dealer with good prices which sell it, please.
Thank you.

Schorly, just for clarification, the Aestheitx Io inserts the volume control and single high level input in front of the last gain stage. The Io was designed by Jim White to directly drive an amp to full output. So, it has an active "line stage," but not on par with the dedicated full-function line stage of the Callisto. I don't know how the Steelhead is constructed in this regard, but I would suspect it's similar.
.