2. amps-preamps
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CAT Preamps vs Amps

I'm a proud owner of a CAT JL2 amplifier. Most of the threads on Audigon say great things about CAT's amps JL 1-3. People laud over the musicality, transparency and dynamics of these amps. However, when it comes to the preamps (Signature and Ultimate versions), it seems like the reviews are a mixed bag. In many cases, some CAT amp owners use other preamps.

Therefore, are the current CAT preamps (Ultimate) as good as their amps in terms of musicality, transparency and
dynamics? Are they on par? If not where do they fall short compared to the amps? What are better matches?
aoliviero
posbwp555
72 posts
 
Rayhall, I am describing the sound I heard with the CAT U2
in my system with stock tubes. As stated, replacing the stock 6922's and 12AX7's with Amperex was transformational.
I was considering the preamp for my next upgrade but am now looking to the digital front end as the weakest link.
So the preamp wasn't the problem, just the Sovtek 6922's.
The EI 12AX7's are decent but the Amperex are better. Yes the sound was as bad as I described with the stock tubes.

Bart
soundwise
39 posts
 
actually the phono stage is better than the line stage and the overall sound is musical and detailed. You could say the midrange is a bit lean. You need to spend alot of money to really improve overall sound. The amps are hands down the best on earth, period and that BASS!!!!ss amps run for cover...
soundwise
39 posts
 
my understanding is that the newer preamps from cat are limited to only amperex for rolling, and as we all know they are noisier and sloppy bass but yes, musical in.... the mids....enjoy!
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