cat jl3 signatures vs. atmashere ma2III's

Samuel 33. So now that you own the CAT on your avalons, what is your sense about the synergy? Does it take them to the next level?

thanks. Louis

Well, I've traded my CAT JL2s for Atma-sphere M-60s. Both are fantastic amps, but on my Merlins, which are OTL friendly, the OTLs are pure magic, I clearly prefer them in almost every way, though the nod has to go to the CAT on bass IMHO - not that the M-60s are not perfectly satisfactory, but those huge transformers on the CAT are there for a reason. I suspect with other speakers the CATs would have the advantage - they can drive most anything, but if your speakers are OTL friendly I suspect nothing will sound better than an Atma-sphere amp, and proabably the Joule OTLs as well.

HI Pubul57,

Was your CAT JL2 or JL2 Signature?

non-Signature. Both brands are fantastic. But, I think if you can eliminate transformers and still drive your speakers, it is hard to beat OYLs for transparency, clarity, speed, and presence. Given that, the CAT is very, very good in those areas, with incredible bass and drive and can obviously perform well with a wider array of speaker choice (almost all). We are talking cream of crop with both brands IMHO. I'm also fortunate in that 60 watts (M-60s) is way more than enough power to drive my Merlins.

There is a huge difference in transparency between JL2 and JL2 Signature MKII. It has the purity of SET and OTL and beats them in every other area you mentioned: bass, drive, dynamics. As you probably know, nobody uses top of the line Black Gate caps except Kondo, Audio Note UK, and CAT. As far as the Teflon circuit boards, they are exclusive to CAT Signature amps and the Legend preamp.