Cat Ultimate MkII Preamp mods for volume control?

I've had every Cat(with phono) going back at least six generations and currently own the Ultimate II. I definitely would NOT use any other volume control other than one provided by Ken otherwise sound quality WILL suffer.

Having the CD Taper is definitely a step in the right direction giving you smaller adjustments in gain. I would take Ken's advice and send your unit back to him to have the lower gain(6db less)stepped attenuator installed. Having to spend the extra $375 is a bitch but at least you'll know it was done correctly and your problem will be solved.

The reason you're having the problem with too much gain at the low end of the volume control is that most digital sources today provide way more output voltage than what's necessary. If you were running a passive unit I could see it but passives have pretty much disappeared. Reason is, they're really not very dynamic without a buffer stage and usually quite boring after you've lived with them for a while. I know from experience having owned a couple really good ones before switching to the Cat.

The Cat's 26 db of gain compared to around 20 db with most other brands is part of the problem but if you were using his phono stage with 46 db of gain to drive a MM or med. output MC cartridge, there'd be no problem. You'd be glad to have the extra gain in the line stage. Many people buy the full function Cat because for a few hundred dollars more you get a very good phono stage and eliminate the need for another box and interconnects.

My advice is to bite the bullet and have Ken do the work. Next time you order a new Cat specify CD Taper and minus 6 db stepped attenuator. Ken is very aware of the "problems" some people have with gain and should really point out the options that are available.

Good luck and happy listening.

Thanks for the tried and true responses!! It seems this will be the road I'll take with the CAT and most likely have Ken do the work since I know it will be done right.

Proclaim123 The Placette RVC is used in series between the DAC and the CAT. I disagree with Rfogel8 statement regarding the use of another volume control and the sound quality suffering - at least in relationship to the Placette RVC. I absoultuely cannot tell the difference between the sound quality of the CAT straight up and with the use of the RVC to attentuate the volume (two other friends have tried the experiment with me, they cannot tell the difference either). Now perhaps there is some difference and we just can't hear it, but what you do get is remote control (with no active circuitry to interfere with the sound) and 128 discrete steps of volume control and that range can be adjusted by simply using your CAT attenuator to affect the high and low volume range - in other words, an incredibly fine control of volume gradations, and remote to boot. As well all know, we must all judge with our own ears - all I can say is Placette will let you try it for 30-days and you make up your own mind. P.S. You can also play the Placette straight (no CAT) and if you don't need source switching, have high impedance amplifiers, and don't need to run long interconnects you just might prefer the RVC to the CAT. Don't take my word for it, try it.