AudiogoN Forums: Cat Ultimate MkII Preamp mods for volume control?

Cat Ultimate MkII Preamp mods for volume control?

This question is directed to those who may own the CAT Ultimate preamp. I am very satisfied with this pre (line stage only).The one thing that I feel is a negative is that the volume control has few steps, which for the most part does not bother me. It is when I have company, or am eating dinner and would like background music at low settings where the problem then arises. The difference between the lowest setting and no volume is enough to not listen to music at these times. I don't know if anyone has experienced this, or if there is a modification for a different contol unit. I don't know if Ken Stevens had a reason behind the few stepped control unit, but in my opinion a few more wouldn't hurt. Any suggestions?

Proclaim123 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

10-08-06

Responses (1-13 of 13)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

10-09-06 Hi. i believe that you can get a diff volume control direct ... Tubes108

10-09-06 You can also add a placette check this out: http://forum.au ... Jsadurni

10-10-06 I tried the placette rvc and it will work wonderfully well a ... Pubul57

10-10-06 Thanks for your input, there are a few questions though: tu ... Proclaim123

10-11-06 Hi proclaim123. no, i have not heard the other vol control. ... Tubes108

10-12-06 Tubes108 i contacted conv. audio today and spoke with one o ... Proclaim123

10-12-06 Unfortunately, what you are dealing with is endemic to a a h ... Swampwalker

10-16-06 Just an update for those interested. i spoke with ken steven ... Proclaim123

10-16-06 That is probably the best solution. Swampwalker

10-17-06 Proclaim123 i had my cat mk ii updated to a series iii and w ... Rugyboogie

10-16-06: Rfogel8
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.
Rfogel8 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

10-17-06 Thanks for the tried and true responses!! it seems this will ... Proclaim123

10-27-06 Proclaim123 the placette rvc is used in series between the d ... Pubul57