CATSL1 best pre under 3K?


Is a CAT SL1 preamp the preamp to buy used under 3k or are there better
dvdgreco

Showing 6 responses by charles1dad

I'm very familiar with the CAT preamp and have heard it in different friend's
systems over the years. For a bit more money(used) the TRL DUDE and the

Coincident Statement Line stage are significantly better sounding.
Dvdgrdco, this is just my personal listening experience and nothing more.
Subjectivity is the rule and you'll get a diverse range of responses. It always
depends on what type of sound you're seeking. The CAT could be ideal for
your taste.Ifpossible audition the two I mentioned and see for yourself. The
VAC Signature is also better sounding than the CAT IMO but even used will
be well above your stated price range.
Good Luck,
Charles,
Ironically,
What I found more appealing with the 3 preamps I listed earlier are superior dynamics, tonality/harmonic development and they sound more natural and less mechanical. Again you'll have to listen and judge by "your" standards.
Daveyf,
Yes I agree that there are too many variables that influence what we hear. That's why no component can be declared the "best". In the end just choose what sounds better to you for your particular circumstances. The great point is we only have to satisfy ourselves.
Charles,
In the spirit of fun and experimentation I hope you two can pull this off. I've
heard both the DUDE and CAT and no way would I conclude that the CAT is
more dynamic or resolved than the DUDE.In my system compared
directl(DUDE and Coincident), the DUDE is quite dynamic, bold and
"big" sounding yet very good across the board. The Coincident
is also very dynamic but is more nuanced and resolved/transparent (at
least in my system against that "particular" DUDE, I know there are different

individual custom versions available). The point is that either will be chosen
based on specific preferences and a multitude of variables. So it's difficult
to turn this into a "mine is definitely better than yours" battle.
Excellent active preamplifiers enhance any good audio system in my
opinion.
Have fun you two.
Charles,
Jwm and I are neighbors and friends for well over 20 years. Between the two of us we have heard a slew of highly regarded preamps. Jwm had the CAT for a good while then bought a ARC REF 2 and later replaced that with the VAC Signature MK II. In his system the VAC was the better sounding by a good margin in my opinion (none of these were bad however). Jwm's current Absolare Passion is simply wonderful and has eclipsed the excellent VAC. There are many fine preamps available.
Charles,
Hi Daveyf,
If you look at the system page of Jwm you'll see he has a stellar Basis TT
and their top tonearm along with the (ZYX Universe II cartridge) and also
the excellent Aesthetix Romulus Signature CD player. Both make beautiful
music and are "quite resolving" and they easily distinguish
between various components placed in this system very well. I'm a former
analog aficionado(Well Tempered table and arm) and still enjoy listening to
fine analog systems but I find
high quality digital equally pleasing (just depends on the set up) I love my
Yamamoto based digital front end. When comparing the CAT, its line stage
input is judged against other line stages. We're all experienced enough to
know this is really just an interesting discussion revolving around
subjective taste. The OP asked about what's available in his stated price
range. For a little more money an used DUDE or Coincident would IMO be
superb alternatives to the CAT. He has very good options to consider and I
hope I was able to contribute in some small way.It would be best if he could
actually hear these candidates under good system set up conditions.
Reading the comments posted here, he must accept that we all reflect our
individual bias and preferences.
Charles,