Joule, Blue Circle, CAT SL1

Thanks very much for the input...i am looking for a slightly warm, fast and airy presentation.

The Blue Circle and Joule are a similar price used...i might go for one of them.

Ray, which preamps do you think have eclipsed the CAT? Any for around the same price?

Richard

Thanks Ray...i really appreciate your detailed answer.

There is also a growing amount of chatter about the Audio Horizons TP2.0 preamp. I'm still trying to work out how much is hype (i'm a decent cynic!) however one of the buyers replaced his FS Paramount SE preamp with this model.

I'm cut between wanting upmost transparency but also a slight warmth (call it distortion!) and am wondering if the TP2.0 might be too much through the Merlins..making many tracks unlistenable. I've been through THAT phase in audio and dont want to go back!

I know people have a great deal of respect for the CAT and FS preamps...all subjective at this level.

Thanks again

Richard