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CAT versus Berning

I have a CAT JL2 amplifier driving Merlin VSM-MX speakers. I'm considering changing to a Berning ZH270. Anyone have experience of these two amps either in the context of a Merlin or other speakers. I am using a Placette Passive (after a few years of the CAT SL1). I have no good reason for changing, as the JL2s are exceptionally good, but as we all know, part of the hobby is change, I just don't want to go backwards.
pubul57
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Were you ever able to audition the Berning?
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
You might just ask Bobby Palkovic for his opinion. I'm sure he could articulate the differences between the two since he is intimately familiar with both with his speakers.
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,083 posts
 
Where does the Ars fit in this equation? You could keep all three for a personnal "Flavor-of-the-Month" club? I heard the Berning with the Caliburn TT in the Signal-Fi room last year in L.A.(I forget the name of the speakers)and it sounded great.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
I was only able to audition the Joule amps (with the LAP-150) and Merlin speakers at RMAF last year and chatted with Bobby P. quite a bit in the process. Overall, while I enjoyed the sound, it was a bit too warm for my tastes. My thought in using a Berning with the Joule preamp was the comments I read about the Berning being a very neutral amp. I thought this would compliment the LA-100 MkIII which tends to be a tad more neutral than most tube preamps, but still has a lush and warm sonic signature.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
The ARS will be used in summer, when the CAT runs to hot for my comfort. I'm thinking along the lines of Clio09, that the slightly warm Joule pre would work real well with the Berning (cool running), and that I could possibly sell the CAT -- if, I did not find the Berning to be a step down in any significant way. Owning three amps goes against my grain, I a little excessive, but I do have limits.
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