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

Ubglub: I have no knowledge of the JL-3hc even though this site lists it as a CAT product model. Perhaps this is the JL-3 Non-Signature that Brian at EssentialAudio has mentioned a few times here. But at $10k, I have to believe that would be per amp for a $20k total price; this sounds mighty close to the $22k Brian talked about for the JL-3 non-sig. Or perhaps, this is a totally different or even a non-existant model. Brian and his CAT dealer friend in Chicago know much more about the CAT product line than I do. Ideally, calling Ken Stevens would make the most sense for you to get all your questions answered. He is very helpful.

Concerning power output, the JL-2 stereo amp like the JL-1 monos, uses 8 6550 tubes for each channel to get a CAT spec'd 100w output. The JL-3 Sig uses 16 6550 tubes for each channel to achieve a spec'd 150w.....not 200w. I suspect the actual power output is higher for all these models. But the 300w Class A rating for the JL-3hc model sounds a bit fishy to me unless it is actually configured in a non-triode topology.

The CAT amps are known for some serious current output and can drive some mighty difficult real-world speaker loads out there. When I had Magnepan 3.5 speakers and the Audio Research Classic 150 mono amps, which were rated at 150 Class A, these amps shut down regularly when really "asked" to deliver to these speakers; they simply could not deliver as expected. The Wolcott P220 monos at a rated 220w output had no problem driving these speakers at all. And just before I sold the Magnepans, I used the JL-3 Sigs and again there was no problem at all. Specified power rating between models is often not apples to apples - 150 watts did not equal 150 watts between the ARC and the CAT.

John

Incredible timing - I see that while I was typing my response, Brian replied here. Ah, the psychic powers within us. 8-)

Dgad,
I will be using Benz Micro Ebony LP mc cart or Koetsu Jade Platinum mc cartridge.I prefer Jade Platinum more because it is more lush and more rich in texture but have good speed,dinamics and transparency. If I can not get pure neutrality from my sistem(which I suppose never will...) then I am more for warm side instead of analitical!
I heard about Placette pre but for ASR Basis phono it would be the best to drive it via balanced input(TAS recomm.) or? And I need one Transp. Audio Reference MM interconnect more in this case!

Jtinn, yes I will use only Kuzma's turntable with his Airline tone arm,because he lives 90km from my house. It is good to have someone who build turntables so close if something happened.Have you heard Kuzma Stabi Refer. with Airline tonarm, yet? Whit which cartridge?

Schorly: I have heard the Kuzma Ref quite a few times and was always impressed. I heard it with the Dynavector XVS-1 which was a great match. I also heard it with a few other carts that I did not like as much. I have not heard it with either of the cartridges you mention, but my taste with the Kuzma would lean toward the Jade Platinum. I have never been a big fan of the Benz.

Interesting, Jtinn, I have heard Benz Micro Ebo. LP with Kuzma combo,Steelhead,Tenor 75Wi,Wilson W/P and Transparent cables and for my taste it was something I will never forgeth! Music,natural,neutral magic music.Beautiful.
I have heard Miyabi 47 MC cart with Kuzma Reference XL turntable(better than Stabi reference)Airline tonearm,Groove+ phono,CJ ART2 and CJ Premier 350 and Avalon Eidolon speakers,cables were Transparent Reference(XL)- but I was not satisfied with results. I dont know but I missed air, a lot of air like with Tenor amp, beautifull natural texture and organic feeling if you understande what I mean!
I suppose Jade Platinum would be much better.
Thank you for your opinion.