CAT SL1 vs Modwright LS 36.5

Well, since comparisons have been made, I`ll give my impression. The CAT is good and depending on system make up and matching can sound very good. The Atmasphere MP-1 is superior sounding and IMO is just in a higher tier altogether.It is across the board better without even one advantage toward the CAT if compared directly.

I could see the CAT and Modwright being very competitive yet rather different in character.The CAT consistently has demostrated a tendency in the direction of lean tonality,forwardness and more aggressive presentation. With certain component mixtures this could be desirable and in other cases a fault.Taste are going to vary as always.A used MP-1 would be within reach,something to think about.
Regards,

Daveyf,
Here`s the deal, you`re happy with the CAT and at the end of the day that`s all that should matter to you. If others don`t share your opinion, so what,you`re content with your choices(or should be). As already stated,Rfogel8 and Jwm have owned numerous CATs over the years. They have both moved on to what they found to be better preamps after extensive experience with the CAT.This is`nt a put down of CAT, the truth is(for some of us) you can find better and we simply feel we have by a noticable margin.

You`ll likely continue to enjoy your CAT for many years to come(why change if you love it?). Others will and have moved on.
Regards,

Clarrie,
I`m not familiar with the Modwright 36.5 but I`ve always read and heard nothing but good comments regarding it.
I`ve heard various CAT preamps in systems of people I know well and gave my viewpoint above. The Coincident linestage(CSL) to be blunt, in a different realm entirely from the CAT. It`s far more natural and emotionally engaging,has a much lower noise floor with superior resolution,inner detail and nuance retrival. Tone,timbre and harmonic preservation are more organic and thus realism is improved.It just sounds more convincing and like real music is being played in your room. The flesh and blood and breath of life factor is much more apparent.

Clarrie, the CSL, VAC Sugnature MK II and the Atmasphere MP-1 are all superb(despite their different design approaches).These three simply perform and reproduce music on a higher plane than the CAT.Subjective? of course, but I can only tell you what I hear. Ideally if would be good if you could hear these preamps yourself. Based on how you hear and what you want to achieve your impression may be very different and you may agree with daveyf, who knows. I can only give you my honest opinion based on my personal exposure.
Best of Luck,
Charles,

Daveyf,
Both Rfogel8 and Jwm have first rate analog systems and large record collections.I was a long time TT guy but my Yamamoto DAC and PWT combo have retired my Linn LP-12(I enjoyed my former Well Tempered TT more than the Linn).
In terms of musical communication and involvement my current DAC will complete with most. any digital or analog system I`ve heard and won`t be embarrassed.Either format can satisfy and certainly lay bare the differences among preamps put into one`s system.
Regards,

Clarrie,
Just for another perspective besides this thread, Enjoy the Music.com did a review of the CSL and made direct comparisons to the reviewer`s reference CAT preamp.Very enlightening and informative since you expressed an interest in both these units.
Regards,

Clarrie,
Just google Coincident Statement Linestage review, and that one and all other reviews will be found.
Regards,

Clarrie I think it`s very clear that preferences can vary significantly.I`ll join the chorus and state the obvious, listen for yourself when/if possible and trust your ears and your spontaneous reactions. If you do that you won`t go wrong.There`s no shortage of excellent audio gear available and you`ll find just what you want.
Best Regards,

Bombaywalla,
I certainly appreciate your input.We all can agree that subjectivity rules when discussing audio components and what we hear individually.Your impression of the CAT compared to the VAC is the polar opposite to my experience, but that`s the way it is.As is said often, that`s why there`re so many brands and choices available.Over many years I`ve heard numerous preamps in Jwm`s system as it has evolved. First Sound,VTL,CAT,Audio Research REF.The VAC he currenty has(almost 3 years) is the best by a comfortable margin. I can tell you his system sounds wonderful.Bombaywalla, I don`t doubt for a momment that you`re just as pleased with your system either.
Best Regards,