I actually think there's a family resemblence between the CATs and the J-Es. I found the Joule LA100 MkIII to be happier with a good power cord - really helped the dynamics, which were pretty good but much improved with the TG Audio SLVR pc. The LA150 is a somewhat of a different animal. Either amp can be custom adjusted.
Both preamps do the soundstaging, imaging and layering things well. The top CAT preamp is a hair more resolving in the midrange and renders highs more delicately...the Joule maybe had better, moreimpactful bass.
Both are excellent preamps. Try to listen to each. It will really come down to your system and taste.
Both preamps do the soundstaging, imaging and layering things well. The top CAT preamp is a hair more resolving in the midrange and renders highs more delicately...the Joule maybe had better, moreimpactful bass.
Both are excellent preamps. Try to listen to each. It will really come down to your system and taste.