ARC Ref 3 with CAT JL2 or do you need CAT SL1


To All,

I recently changed my Krell KCT with an ARC Ref 3 preamp. I like the preamp very much and am now thinking about upgrading to a tube power amp. There are a few on my list:

ARC Ref 300 or ARC Ref 600
Cat JL2 MK2

I now play with FPB700CX on Wilson Puppy 7.

Will the ARC be a good match with the CAT. Do I not loose bass. I like a strong controlled bass very much and this is why I now play with FPB700CX. How good is the CAT. Everybody says it's bass matches the big Krell amps. Is this true.

Is the SL1 a better preamp than the ARC Ref 3. I heard many people prefer the ARC ref 3. I need balanced out for my FPB700CX so I guess ARC is a better choise for my amp.

Who has compared ARC Ref 3 with CAT SL1. Does the Ref 3 match with the CAT power amps.

Peter
sprbggr
As Dearing says, the three amps mentioned are all excellent. I own CAT JL2s and they are the best I have ever heard. But for the money you are spending, you must audition the ARC, VAC, and Lamms. The CATs will drive difficult loads and produce "solid state" bass, with SET transparency in the mids and highs - a worthy contender.
Hello Pubul57

Well the solid state bass I do ot want to loose. But what I heard from people that own a CAT is that the bass will be as powerfull as the big Krell amps. So in that case I will be a good buy for me.

I just worry about the reliability. If it breaks down two times in one year I will definately sell it, no matter how good it is.

If it is like dearing says I do not want it, no matter how good it is. Can you comment on reliability.

Peter
I went from a Krell FPB 600 to the CAT JL2. I don't miss the bass from the Krells. The CAT does everything better.
I have owned CAT equipment for 12 years without any reliability problems. I listen to my system almost every day.
With my Soundlab M1's, my CAT JL1's purrrrr.

Prior to the CAT's, I had a Levinson 336, choosing it over a Krell FPB 600. Both were auditioned using the Martin Logan reQuests which I owned at the time.

The CAT's were hauled home with Parasound Halo's to audition against the Levinson. After only a few minutes, the CAT's were clear winners in all areas, even bass!

I'm using s Supratek Chenin pre-amp, and am quite happy.

No reliability problems here.