2. amps-preamps
  3. 1311914841

Questions About CAT JC-2

Those of you who know this amp can perhaps answer some of these questions:

1) What is the input impendance (not listed on CAT's website). Is it compatable with long IC cable runs?

2) I hear that tube biasing is for each channel at a time, rather than for individual tubes. Is that correct (bias all 8 tubes together). Does that mean you have to stick to sets of 8 matched tubes? If one blows, do you typically end up replacing all 8, or can you just replace the one?

3) Does it work with other tubes besides 6550's like KT-88's and KT-90's. What tubes do people have the most success with?

4) I'm looking at an earlier JC-2, not the signature version. I realize there have been steps along this amp's evolution. This one atleast has the 10 resistors rather than the 6, so is less susceptable to blowing out. In general, how quiet is this generation JC-2?

5) I'd be using this with Avalon Indras. I've heard that the CAT is a good match with Avalons. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks, Peter
peter_s

Showing 1 response by analogheaven

analogheaven
24 posts
 
Just want to say I agree wholeheartedly w Jafox, that it excels in dynamic contrasts n more. While it is only conservatively rated at 100w into 8ohms, these are pure Class A watts, so will drive almost any speakers on the planet.

Yes, I also have the plain vanilla JL-2 using Svetlana KT88s which I prefer slightly over the stock 6550s. Don't think there is any issue with long ICs - am using 2.5m Nordost Valhalla IC between my Gryphon pre n this.

Roll the input tubes if you can, and they will bring new joy n surprises. Was using a combo of Telefunkens n Mullards, and recently due to a preference for more body n warmth, went ALL Mullards - nice ;)

Lastly, I am driving my Kharma CE 1.2 - ceramic tweeter n mid-range drivers - which is quite similar to the Indras - with the JL-2s. The results with your speakers should be similarly spectacular
More to discover