CAT versus Joule Preamp

I agree, I like the CAT too.

At $5,250.00 the Joule LA-150 is a superb pre and, in my system, betters the C-J 16LSII by a large margin. It is pure, transparent, and sweetly musical at the same time. Does have damn good bass as stated above. Also has a nice remote control for volume and balance.

I've not heard the CAT in about 13-14 years and have not heard any versions past, I think, MKII so got no opinion on it. Think it's now quite a bit more expensive than the Joule.

Thanks for your feedback. It sounds like standing still is moving forward, especially since I have the CAT JL2 amp. I was considering the Joule since I just purchased Merlins and have heard that they are particularly good match - and 'cuz I can't leave well enough alone.

Check with sbank, He has Merlins and has used both Joule and CAT preamps with them.