BAT 75 SE vs. CAT JL2 or JL2 Sig.

Outstanding,
Thank you for the valuable input.

The CAT amps are arguably the most powerful tube amps ever made ("powerful" in the sense of their wattage ratings being almost meaningless -- they can drive virtually any speaker to loud levels cleanly). They also do finesse, especially the all point-to-point wired $50K limited edition monoblocks with the outrageous 55 lb. output transformers. The newer models with circuit boards aren't chopped liver either.

The only downside is that they could be less finicky about requiring only the most carefully vetted output tubes, and when tubes blow, they take out resistors, which, given their outrageous weight (192 lbs. each for the limited edition monoblocks), makes owning them an obsessive's pastime (the comparison to Ferrari's best before those cars became reasonably reliable is not off the mark).

In short, while BAT makes a very fine product, the CAT amps are an extreme product that is without peer in my experience.

Raquel,
Very thoughtful and knowledgable response, as always.
If I'm not mistaken, latest CAT JL2 Sig. use fuses, instead of resistors.
Do you still have your VAC 140/140?
As you probably noticed, I'm using VAC PA 90 C1 in my system, (as a temporary solution, while I'm looking for a more permanent replacement).
I have a feeling, PA 90 doesn't have enough "drive" to play big symphonic pieces with enough dynamics on my speakers (they are 92 dB, 8 ohm).
I was just wondering, if you could share your opinion on VAC PA 90 C1?

Sorry guys but I have a different opinion.

Yes the Cat amplifiers are magnificently built, but I have never thought the sound they produced was magically in any capacity.

When I worked at SBS and they had the CAT amps on display, the amplifiers sounded good but not great, and as a sales item there were very few pairs sold, while the preamps sold extremely well.

I heard a full CAT system with Wilson Sophia's recently and again the sound was good not great. In direct comparisons with other really high quality amplifiers the CAT amplifiers were well balanced but didn't stand out in any way.

Today there are amplifiers which are much more magically such as the big VTLs, the VAC amplifiers, and believe it or not the Antique Sound Labs sound terrific and are cheap. I haven't heard in my own systems the ARC amplifiers but I would think those are also a contender.

The BAT amplifiers offer a lot of very clean sound and are very transparent. I would need to know more about your system to say if these amplifiers would be the right choice as well.

Audiooracle,
Thanks for the input.
My system is posted under my name, and if you could offer any suggestions regarding amplification, it would be greatly appreciated.