CAT vs. Aesthetix vs. Supratek - Preamp Choice

I'd be interested in the CAT/Aesthetix comparison, particularly if someone has heard them both in the same system.

BTW, from talking to the CAT designer Ken Stevens, I'd guess that he might take objection to the idea that his preamp offers a "flavor" to be used synergistically with components of other "flavors".

I can only respond to the supratek and that it is everything the owners and reviews say. Along with thor, these are my two favorites.

I have the Chenin. I can only respond to the Supratek-Odyssey combo. I used to have the Stratos monos and the Supratek is a "very good" match. Things that really stands out with the combo were how deep the bass becomes and how true-to-life the vocals become compared to the other preamp I tried (VanAlstine, ARC LS16, and ARC LS12). I was using Martin Logan Ascents when I had the Stratos.

Another thing is that I sold my Wright Sound WPP100C phono preamp after one week owning the Chenin. The phono section is marvelous and it gets better with better tubes. One thing to be aware of is that the phono section of the Chenin takes MC only up to 2.5 mV. If you are in love with MM, then it could be a problem. My remedy is to buy a MM preamp (Hagerman Trumpet) just in case I plan to go to the MM route.

goodluck

I can only speak to the CAT and the Supratek Cortese, as I have owned these and a set of Pks 57 Quads. The Cat worked with everything, MM and MC, etc and SS by Symphonic Line and Levinson 331, tubes by Jadis, Audio Valve Callenger with cryoed el-34s, Art Audio Jota.

The Cortese I heard and fell in love with was owned by the guy from whom I bought Wayne's Quads. He used Transition Tube amps and and Reference 3as (while waiting for a triple stack from Wayne!) After that, I looked for one for over 6 months and found one said to be "the best sounding one", that Mick's partner ever heard. It was liquid and smooth, (or was it slow, thick, lush, creamy), but out of my system in 3 DAYS! I've never had a unit move in and out so fast.

Go ahead guys, tell me all about my tin ears. I've been in high end for over 20 years and even sold gear for a while, so insults will be taken good naturedly...I trust my ears. I'm sure you trust yours.

I know those who have Suprateks love them, but I didn't like the Cortese nearly as much as the CAT (any of them) and my Emotive Audio Sira. I have heard and think that the lesser priced Suprateks have a similar family sound (so if you like it, go for it). I just didn't like the Cortese IN MY SYSTEM, even though I thought it might compliment or "slow down" my (very fast)VDH Black Beauty.
(I'd used Benz, Grado, naked Blue Points, Dynavector 17D with the CAT)

Older CATs are extremely inexpensive for what you get and Kent's service is fabulous.(I only needed one repair on one of the units in 5 years of ownership). I'm sure Suprateks must be great, I've heard one, but I sure didn't like the one I had in my system with VPI HRX, VDH, and Audio Valve Challengers/ Art Audio Jota with 300 B XLRS and Waynes Quads. CATs just seem more flexible/adaptable, but the Supratek IN MY FRIEND'S SYSTEM sure sounded good.

Jeff