CAT Legend vs WAVAC PR-T1 ?

I don't know about the Wavac, but with CAT, although the sonic is good, my personal experience is you probably going to change tubes every 6 weeks at least. CAT eat tubes like there is no tomorrow.

>> 01-29-09: Yjk
>> I don't know about the Wavac, but with CAT, although
>> the sonic is good, my personal experience is you
>> probably going to change tubes every 6 weeks at least.
>> CAT eat tubes like there is no tomorrow.

That's TOTAL bullshit!!
where did you come up with that???? From experience or hear-say??
You bias against CAT is very clear!

The CAT SL1 Signature Mk2 preamp did need tubes changes frequently back in 1996-97 when the input stage used a 12AU7. That issue was resolved in the SL1 Signature Mk3 preamp that followed - the input stage tube is now a 6922 biased differently. So, now for 10+ yrs longevity of tubes in a CAT preamp has NOT been an issue. I say this from personal experience.

Hi Bombaywalla:

That is actually my personal experience, I did own the signature mk 2 pre-amp back few years ago. It drive me crazy to change those tubes every 6 month or so. You can check with Andy at the vintage tube. After those bad experience, you think I still dare to try the mk 3 ? You may be right with the mk 3 but it will take a while for people gone though their bad experience with mk 2. I did said the sonic is good but there are so many other great pre-amp that don't have this problem. I am speaking in a reasonable mood and not in a emotional mood.

Yjk,
>> I am speaking in a reasonable mood and not in a
>> emotional mood.
OK! Thanks for the feedback. Sorry that you had a bad experience w/ the Sig Mk2 pre. Indeed it did have an issue w/ tube life. The Mk3 is not that way at all - I've had mine since Nov 2001. The tubes live long in this preamp.

The general advice would be to choose a CAT pre that is a Sig Mk3 or later. Later than a Sig Mk3 would be an Ultimate Mk1, Mk2, Renaissance or Legend.

>> but there are so many other great pre-amp that don't
>> have this problem.
sure! However they cost much more than the CAT, no??
There are very few that rival the CAT in the CAT's price range, IMHO.

Hi,I have had Cat pre-amps for the last 15 years,currently the outstanding Legend and the last thing to worry about with Cat pre-amps is tubes.Kens design is very easy on the tubes and it shows by the lack of problems with them.His new Legend is the finest I have heard to date bar none,If you want another opinion there is a review on soundstage.com of the Legend.

Robert