New CAT owner with a few questions????


I recently purchased a CAT Ultimate(here at Audiogon). Being a relative newcomer to high-end audio, I would appreciate a little help. I'm really enjoying this Preamp and I just want to make sure I'm doing everthing possible to maximze the preamp and my enjoyment.

1. I don't understand the use of the phono plugs provided and the loading issues. My system includes a Well-Tempered Reference and a Transfigration Spirit cartridge.
2. The CAT manual mentions the use of tube dampers on certain tubes, thoughts on this.
3. Power cords and phono interconnect for the CAT?
4. NOS for the CAT.
5. The manual mentions grounding issues and floating the system? How important is this?
5. Did I miss anything?

Thanks for any of your thoughts on the above items.
grandpoobah

Showing 1 response by aslater

I am a CAT owner...I agree NOS tubes usually are an improvement but with the CAT, they are only different...I tried Telefunken, Amperex, RCA cleartop and Mullard...no improvement...actually slight softening of focus...conclusion: tubes that came in the CAT were an integral part of the "voicing" process for final sound...any others do not match as well...just enjoy the full range, big sound of the CAT as-is...if you want to re-prove you picked the best, just AB with an ARC...pick any...soundstage smaller, no impact, less detail...just less of everything...the CAT is King...goes very well with my Krell CD...if you have experience and know better, please post it...Al