Well, I can only comment on the JL2 & the 450, and Maxx combo2. There was a pre involved (CAT) and no pre (my TVC). So, to save server space, let me note that the basic differences I (we all) noticed were as per Jafox above.
Further, and being reductionist in what I say, the VTL gave a more laid-back compared to the CAT. We all had the feeling of more "musical energy" emanating fm the CAT (probably due to hi-frequencies more than anything else). This difference was slightly more evident with the TVC (although the CAT pre is "dynamic"). In short: we could lay back & relax with the VTL but couldn't quite do so with the CAT.
Also, at one point when playing the CAT, we improved the overall sound by moving the Maxxes a bit into the room and closer together -- the latter, strangely, widening the soundstage, virtually, beyond the physical room boundaries i.e. walls (let's get this straight: that's a subjective illusion of course).
Why I for one preferred CAT: I like to feel the immediacy and energy of musicians when I listen to music -- as far as a reproduction system can offer that, which isn't that far.
Although the sound was "sweeter" and more listener friendly with the VTL, I prefer to be woken up, moved, attacked, by the music. I'm a sucker for dynamics. If I want to relax, I'll play the appropriate music; when I listen to live jazz or Mahler, for example, I'll prefer a sound that, as one of us put it, "keeps you at the edge of yr chair like as if you had a gallon of espresso before firing up the stereo".
Last: I think my comments and most others' re, the two brands, are actually quite close. So, it boils down to "how do you like yr sound?" Cheers
Further, and being reductionist in what I say, the VTL gave a more laid-back compared to the CAT. We all had the feeling of more "musical energy" emanating fm the CAT (probably due to hi-frequencies more than anything else). This difference was slightly more evident with the TVC (although the CAT pre is "dynamic"). In short: we could lay back & relax with the VTL but couldn't quite do so with the CAT.
Also, at one point when playing the CAT, we improved the overall sound by moving the Maxxes a bit into the room and closer together -- the latter, strangely, widening the soundstage, virtually, beyond the physical room boundaries i.e. walls (let's get this straight: that's a subjective illusion of course).
Why I for one preferred CAT: I like to feel the immediacy and energy of musicians when I listen to music -- as far as a reproduction system can offer that, which isn't that far.
Although the sound was "sweeter" and more listener friendly with the VTL, I prefer to be woken up, moved, attacked, by the music. I'm a sucker for dynamics. If I want to relax, I'll play the appropriate music; when I listen to live jazz or Mahler, for example, I'll prefer a sound that, as one of us put it, "keeps you at the edge of yr chair like as if you had a gallon of espresso before firing up the stereo".
Last: I think my comments and most others' re, the two brands, are actually quite close. So, it boils down to "how do you like yr sound?" Cheers