I have not heard the CAT phono stage so I cannot compare, but I just bought the Herron audio phono stage... Auditioned it vs. the ARC P3SE, the ARC Ref 1 (great but too much money), and the BAT P50(their top of line phono). The Herron was easily better than the P3SE and the BAT, and the BAT cost about 50% more. Herron phono is more forward sounding with images right up to the plane of the speakers. Very good unit for the price. MG.
