Current system after 25-years of buying, selling and upgrading.
I am waiting for an Ars Sonum 30 Watt integrated and I may replace the separates - looking for a simpler approach to audio - but I may not be able to let go of the CAT which is one of the best amplifiers in the world. We'll see. Happy for now, and may stop searching something different - at least for a while.
Actually, for two years, I was listening to the ARC as a transport for an Audio Logic DAC, so I don't trust my memory of the ARC as a stadalone. That being said, I would say the ARC was warmer than the Audio Logic, even though the DAC had a tube. I'm not comfortable with warmth as a adjective for the AA, but let's say it is very organic, with great flow, an almost analog quality. But I have an overall neutral system with Placette/CAT/Merlin - I suspect with different speakers, amps, etc, the digital source would sound warmer or more neutral based on the ancillaries. Most importantly to me, the AA was clearly more involving and realistic to me than the ARC/AL combo and they were no slouches. If I was seeking warmth, I would do it with downstream components rather than the source, but that is just me.
Pubul57 - how does the AA combo compare to the ARC player in terms of tonality ? I have no doubts that it has more resolution and stuff, but does it sound as warm and natural as CD3 ?
System edited: Everything sounds good so far. I'm considering the Ars Sonum integrated amp to replace my Placette and CAT JL2. Much less expensive but designed with the Merlin VSM in mind. Bobby@Melrin claims there is great synergy between this little 30 watt integrated and his speakers.
System edited: I replaced the CAT Sl1 Ultimate with the Placette RVC. I loved the CAT, but with a single source and proper impedance matches, the Placette was superb. I could not justify keeping the CAT. By the way, if you do have multiple sources and/or need the CAT's phono stage, the RVC provides remote volume and mucgh finer volume settings for your CAT (or other pres). It is well worth the $1,000 for that alone. Try there 30-day offer, you see what I mean.
At this moment my rack is to small to try it under the pre-amp (CAT SL1) but they should also work under the power supply . Wished i payed US prices for it, I live in the Netherlands as you see.
You should really try these ( no, i'm not a stock holder from Walker Audio ;-)
System edited: Added VenHaus Digital IC and I thought a well worth "upgrade" from DH Labs Digital Cable. This change improved the palability of the image, a greater sense of the physical volume and position of an instrument.
System edited: The additon of the Audio Logic DAC has been a worthwhile imporvment -- I had no idea the ARC CD3 could be improved so much - it sounded pretty darn good before.
I have JL2 with Symphonic Line reference tube preamp. It sounds great. Had the SL1 Ultimate Mk2 recently at home. Both preamps did a great job, the choice would depend on personal taste and particular system. CAT sounds little fuller but Symphonic Line is faster. Phono stage is slightly better in CAT. But honestly, I think both of them might be better then Hovland........
An interim step to CAT with the Vandersteens would be Audible Illusions PRE with Quicksilver V4 MONO AMPS. A wonderful combination with Vandersteen. I have also heard that Audio Research works particularly well with VS (and Magnepan and Proac), as well as the McCormack Amplifier for solid state.
Pubul, though I'm sure you get these comments all the time, my goal is to some day have a system essentially the same as yours, especially with regard to the Vandersteen speakers. I love the musicality and emotion of the speakers, and have heard that the Convergent amplifiers would be a perfect match for what I aim for in my systems, that being lyricalness and accuracy.
Hi Ray. I have never heard the MKI (I may have erroneously suggested so elsewhere). I do have the MKII and it is great. I can't say what the differences are sonically, but I do know that the changes were all in the power supply. I'm no engineer, but I do get the idea that the quality of power supplies are critical in all pieces of audio equipment, and I also know that Ken Stevens has a long track record of making "upgrades" only when they make a definte improvement. So I would think the upgrade is "worth it" once you reach the point of small (but "siginficant")but incremental improvements to your system. However, I think your best bang for the buck would be to get the VS subwoofers. It will improve theperfomance of the 3As in the mids and highs, improve dynamics, and will work really well with the PASS Alephs which are wonderful in many areas, but "weakest" in the deep bass. By having the deep bass bi-amped, I would think the PASS would really shine with their wonderful mid-range qualities.
I have a system similar to yours, especially when you had the Pass Aleph 2's: CAT SL-1 Ultimate Mk I, Aleph 4 and Vandersteen 3A Signature (no 2WQ's). I love my system. I am trying to find out about the Ultimate Mk II vs. the Ultimate. Have you listened to both? What were the sonic differences? Is it worth an upgrade in your opinion?
I have the 3A Sigs at home as well as my 5s. The 5s stay plugged in for a reason. Simply put, they are better top to bottom in every way. Yes, the 2WQ subs will get you most of the way there, but it's still not quite the same. The 5s are more transparent and have less of a sound of their own. Especially in the imaging. I suggest going to a dealer to listen to the differences.
When you get the JL2, be sure to have several friends with you. At 200lbs packaged it is a back breaker, but I feel fully comfrtable knowing that it is not likely to ever be stolen while left unattended. I switched to the JL2 from a pair of Pass Aleph 2s - I could not believe the improvment. What was stunning to me was how much my bass improved (acoustic bass). I wasn't expecting that from a tube amplifier. As far as upgrading the SL1 - the one you have is pretty darn good. Some have argued it is better than the Ultimate - oh well, keeps the hobby interesting.
Cool system, Pubul57! I am, myself, a CAT pre owner - SL1 Sig. Mk 3. I really like this preamp a lot! Each time I listen, it's sound pleases me a lot. Ken S. informs me that the Ultimate Mk2 is head & shoulders better. One day I'll upgrade to that. Also, someday I'll join all of you in the JL2 club. It's on my radar!
Brian, are you still considering the 2Wqs? I would assume there would be some improvement in the clarity of the bass, positioning flexibility, and an improvment in the midrange by taking the deep bass out of the box (intermodulation distortion?). I have to assume the 5/5As would be better than 3a/2wq, but it is hard to really demo this, at least im my area. Anyone who has gone through this process, please add your comments.
I've had the 3A Sigs. for a few years and really like their highly musical presentation. However, I've always been slightly disappointed by what I've felt was slightly limited bass extension and definition. When I first bought the speakers, I talked to some 3A Sig. owners and a couple of them said that the speakers were capable of producing terrific bass. This didn't happen for me and I've always felt something was slightly wrong even though there have been a lot of amps and speaker cables through my system in the last three or so years since I've had the speakers. Because of this, I too have been thinking of the 2WQ subs.
The amps have all been solid state, some very powerful including a Classe CA301. Presently, I'm using two Bel Canto 200.2s. Although I've been through several speaker cables and had just about given up in that area, I had a strange thought about trying some MIT cables. I've never had MIT and thought the boxes were hokey and the prices inflated. But, Joe Abrams had a new pair of S2 Shotgun biwire cables for about half price, so I decided to take a flyer.
Break-in is a little tough with MIT, but now that there are several hundred hours on the cables I can report something that, to me, is amazing. For the first time I've got bass extension and definition to the point that I now think that the very bottom is one of the best characteristics of these speakers. Mid range is full and well textured and the high end has plenty of extension and sparkle.
I still think the large network boxes are hokey and I don't feel any desire to try their interconnects. Nonetheless, my hat is off to MIT for giving me the speakers I originally dreamed of owning. If your wallet is bulging, there are several models above the S2 Biwires presumable offering even further improvements.
Czapp, I have not heard it with any other amps - it is a recent replacment for my Pass Aleph 2. There are not many owners, but those that have used it seem to think it is the best they have heard. Many claiming it is superior to not only the JL1 monoblocks, but the JL1 Special Edition. Who knows if it is true, but it is nice to here if you own one.
From Arthur Salvatore's Website
CONVERGENT AUDIO TECHNOLOGY (CAT) JL-1 The CAT is the most versatile, "powerful" and expensive amplifier we have ever recommended. It may also be the finest in overall performance, though that will obviously depend on speaker matching and personal listening priorities and tastes.
So far, only one of our (tight knit) group as heard this amplifier in depth. However, he has an "all-out" analog system and extensive experience with every other amplifier on this list, plus hundreds of others in his 30 year audio "career". I trust what he has told me, though I will add a personal "caveat" at the end.
The Facts These are mono amplifiers that weigh 190 lbs. each! The "standard" model, which was both auditioned and purchased by my associate, costs $ 20,000 a pair. The "Signature" version, with silver wire output transformers, cost $ 50,000 a pair. The output transformer weighs 55 lbs. by itself. The power transformers are even larger. This is a serious amplifier. The designer and manufacturer is Ken Stevens.
The JL-1 doesn't use (direct-heated) triode output tubes, like every other amplifier that has ever been in this class. It is also the first "push-pull" amplifier ever listed in this class. Instead, it uses (8 per channel) pentode tubes that are wired in triode. It is, like the more recent Jadis JA-80/200, able to work with 6550s, EL-34s or 6L6s. This particular model, used by my associate, was operated with 6550s.
(Important Note- A reader, who is also a distributor, informed me that this amplifier sounds best with the KR Enterprises KT-88s.)
The input tube (and phase splitter) are a 12AX7 and a 12AU7, plus there are two 6DJ8s used as driver tubes (which is unusual). The input tubes, as this is written, are still stock EIs from Yugoslavia, which will allow further sonic improvements to be made when the finest NOS tubes are used as substitutes.
A Short Sonic Description According to my associate; "the JL-1s are the most emotionally exciting amplifiers I have ever heard". He feels they provide an overall "visceral" experience that is unique.
While they are rated at "only" 100 watts per channel, he claims they have more "impact, solidity, weight and control" than any other amplifier he has heard, and that includes many of the 500 watt (Jadis, Krell, Classe, Pass etc.) "monster" amplifiers, and the Altec/Tutay 1570 and Wytech Topaz tube amplifiers already on this list.
What about "refinement"; especially considering the CAT's triple disadvantages of a push-pull circuit, and 8 (pentode) output tubes per channel? He claims that the amplifier is still very pure, but not quite the equal of either the (also Class A) Wytech Topaz or the Golden Tube 300B in their greatest areas of strength; liquidity, purity etc. This observation is not surprising of course.
He felt that on digital sources, the differences were virtually inaudible, though on the finest analog sources, the above mentioned SET designs still had a noticeable advantage, but only on the best recordings, and even then, only where the music is simple and uncomplicated. On the other hand...
On high-power, complex orchestral works; he feels the JL-1s are so far superior in their (dynamic) strengths, that any "downsides" are "relatively trivial", and aren't worth talking about. This is the reason why he much prefers these amplifiers, overall, to any rival he has yet heard.
What about "value"? Are they really worth $ 20,000 (in parts, labor etc.)? My associate has taken the amplifiers (not literally) apart. He feels they are very well built, but still somewhat overpriced. Of course, we don't know what the unique and gigantic output transformers actually cost to build, but he felt they should sell, in an ideal world, in the $ 15,000 to $ 16,000 range. They still offer equal, or better, value than most of the amplifiers in the $ 20,000 range. (Of course, considering their sonic achievement, they are the best value we know of in that price range, or above.)
Personal Caveat- I only "heard" these amplifiers once but, if I remember correctly, it was in show conditions, which is basically meaningless. My associate's "taste" is slightly different than mine. I favor purity and low-level information somewhat more than he does, but those qualities are still high priorities for him also. I believe his "taste" is more "mainstream" than mine is, so most readers of this website will probably agree with his assessment and feelings concerning these amplifiers.
What I know for certain is - knowing him as long and as well as I do - if a picky person like him is so impressed and enthusiastic about these amplifiers as he is, they must be damn special, and that's why they are here.
Further- Since the above recommendation was written, the Antique Sound Lab Hurricane became available. According to my associate, it is "competitive", though still not quite equal to the CAT. It is now, in Triode operation, in Class B (Upper). It is only $ 4,400 a pair.
CAT JL-2- This is their current model. It is a stereo amplifier, in triode operation. None of us has heard it, but I have received appraisals of its performance from some readers, and everyone of them has been very impressed with it. One reader recently wrote that he actually preferred it to the JL-l in a direct comparison. Here is the relevant part of his letter:
(The JL-2)..."drives my Soundlabs M-2's like no other amp ever has. If your colleague loved the JL-1 monos he would find the lower priced stereo version "purer" with a lower noise floor but still outstanding bass (but not quite as good as the JL-1's ). I had the chance to compare them directly as I wanted the JL-1's to sound better. As I am a monoblock type of person. ...They only looked more impressive, sounded fantastic but not as fantastic as the JL-2. The JL-2 reminded me more of the single ended triode sound."
FROM GERMAN REVIEW:
THE CAT by Reinhard Wendemuth AUDIO August 2001 THE FANS OF THE LOVINGLY CALLED "CAT", THE CLASS TRADEMARK OF "CONVERGENT AUDIO TECHNOLOGY"; NO LONGER BELIEVED, THAT IT WOULD EVER HAPPEN, THE STEREO-VERSION OF THE LEGENDARY TUBE MONOBLOCKS JL1. BUT NOW IT IS HERE - AND EXCEEDS THE HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS. In issue 4. 1998 AUDIO magazine celebrated the JL1 LIMITED Edition as "the best amplifier of all time". The Limited Edition version of the JL1 monoblocks , from Convergent Audio Technologies, sounded better then anything that we had ever heard up to that time. At that time it topped the "AUDIO BEST LIST" at 125 points, which in the meantime has been topped only recently by the extremely expensive, 300.000 Mark, "Krell MRA". This rating is especially remarkable since this is a tube unit. With this rating technique, "Audio", is especially careful with recommendations, because of the universally problematic characteristics of tubes. The CONVERGENT amplifier is an exception to this rule. The measured values are far beyond good. The JL2 has practically no limitations regarding choice of loudspeaker. Exceptions are absolutely seldom. Tubes in general have a shorter lifespan than transistors, but are very easily replace. With every "amplifier" one should be prepared that with the rare failure of a power tube, the hardwired cathode resistor will be lost. In this case a good service technician is needed, to ensure a weekend of musical pleasure.
However, the quality of the Russian 6550 power tubes supplied by Convergent, is so great that such problems will be limited to every 2-3 years. Surprises can be controlled with visual monitoring of the tubes. Tube lifespan is recognizable by the deterioration of the silver mirror finish.
Convergent became quieter and quieter since the Drum-role of the "Limited Edition" a good three years ago. In the beginning we still hoped soon to be able to present fans with the price advantaged stereo version of the JL1. But the German distributor had to keep asking us to be patient.
Ken Stevens, president and manager of R & D is not to be rushed. He releases a product only, when he is fully satisfied. Because of this he has lost many potential clients over the years. Other manufacturers constantly bring new or just slightly up-dated products to the market, just to stay in the picture.
Self Competition Those who waited for the JL2, will now be rewarded for their patience. As advertised the new stereo amplifier not only sounds better, but is also comparatively more price advantaged than the Monoblocks of the JL1, which is widely known for its exotic wound transformer and sold for in excess of 100.000 Mark. This raises the suspicion that Convergent does not want to sell anymore JL1s and certainly no more "Limited Editions". It is hard to imagine a worse marketing strategy. But the people at Convergent are honest. Actually it would not have done any good to hide the quality of the JL2. During the AUDIO listening test, the performance of the JL2, was so outstanding, that it left no doubt as to its superiority.
Just how did Ken Stevens do it? Two monoblocks which share the same housing, but otherwise with the same technical efforts can be accepted. However the JL1 (AUDIO 6/97) did not have the same openness and detail and registered 5 points lower. The answer to the question: what he worked on in that long development time, kept the developer to himself. He only gave the lame reply "many buildingblocks were exchanged for better sounding ones", and that he optimized the already comprehensive, 22 layers boxed transformer to deliver the advantages of pure class A single-ended triode sound..
The JL2 also improves in the area of convenience. Previously the multimeter power supply was simply shipped as a separate unit, it is now built in. This makes the recommended fine tuning after a tube change childs-play.
Convergent does not need any special attention in the set up of the unit to prove its absolute world class superiority. Basically the new JL2, was clearly less capricious than other tube amplifiers, without sacrifice to the certain special something, which is inherent to this species. This certain something makes even lesser recordings a musical experience. In addition the exceptional qualities were not limited just to the mid range, but also on both ends of the frequency spectrum JL2 underlined its unmistakable superiority. It was unbelievable how well she handled the not at all easy to control reflexsystem "Wilson Watt/Puppy 6", with regard to precisely controlled basses. In fact how wonderfully the JL2 harmonized with the legendary Wilson boxes, is proof of how much less critical it reacts to the selection of the speakers, in comparison to other tube units. Amazing also is the strong sound of the clarinets, without the usual mistake to cover the sometimes sharp sound of the instrument. Just as the Spanish say of their famous artist Diego Velazquez, to have the ability to paint in the air, the Convergent JL2 is equally capable with its three dimensional and lively sound.
Happy those who can obtain one of these rare units!
Czapp, I have not heard it with any other amps - it is a recent replacment for my Pass Aleph 2. There are not many owners, but those that have used it seem to think it is the best they have heard. Many claiming it is superior to not only the JL1 monoblocks, but the JL1 Special Edition. Who knows if it is true, but it is nice to here if you own one.
From Arthur Salvatore's Website
CONVERGENT AUDIO TECHNOLOGY (CAT) JL-1 The CAT is the most versatile, "powerful" and expensive amplifier we have ever recommended. It may also be the finest in overall performance, though that will obviously depend on speaker matching and personal listening priorities and tastes.
So far, only one of our (tight knit) group as heard this amplifier in depth. However, he has an "all-out" analog system and extensive experience with every other amplifier on this list, plus hundreds of others in his 30 year audio "career". I trust what he has told me, though I will add a personal "caveat" at the end.
The Facts These are mono amplifiers that weigh 190 lbs. each! The "standard" model, which was both auditioned and purchased by my associate, costs $ 20,000 a pair. The "Signature" version, with silver wire output transformers, cost $ 50,000 a pair. The output transformer weighs 55 lbs. by itself. The power transformers are even larger. This is a serious amplifier. The designer and manufacturer is Ken Stevens.
The JL-1 doesn't use (direct-heated) triode output tubes, like every other amplifier that has ever been in this class. It is also the first "push-pull" amplifier ever listed in this class. Instead, it uses (8 per channel) pentode tubes that are wired in triode. It is, like the more recent Jadis JA-80/200, able to work with 6550s, EL-34s or 6L6s. This particular model, used by my associate, was operated with 6550s.
(Important Note- A reader, who is also a distributor, informed me that this amplifier sounds best with the KR Enterprises KT-88s.)
The input tube (and phase splitter) are a 12AX7 and a 12AU7, plus there are two 6DJ8s used as driver tubes (which is unusual). The input tubes, as this is written, are still stock EIs from Yugoslavia, which will allow further sonic improvements to be made when the finest NOS tubes are used as substitutes.
A Short Sonic Description According to my associate; "the JL-1s are the most emotionally exciting amplifiers I have ever heard". He feels they provide an overall "visceral" experience that is unique.
While they are rated at "only" 100 watts per channel, he claims they have more "impact, solidity, weight and control" than any other amplifier he has heard, and that includes many of the 500 watt (Jadis, Krell, Classe, Pass etc.) "monster" amplifiers, and the Altec/Tutay 1570 and Wytech Topaz tube amplifiers already on this list.
FROM GERMAN REVIEW:
THE CAT by Reinhard Wendemuth AUDIO August 2001 THE FANS OF THE LOVINGLY CALLED "CAT", THE CLASS TRADEMARK OF "CONVERGENT AUDIO TECHNOLOGY"; NO LONGER BELIEVED, THAT IT WOULD EVER HAPPEN, THE STEREO-VERSION OF THE LEGENDARY TUBE MONOBLOCKS JL1. BUT NOW IT IS HERE - AND EXCEEDS THE HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS. In issue 4. 1998 AUDIO magazine celebrated the JL1 LIMITED Edition as "the best amplifier of all time". The Limited Edition version of the JL1 monoblocks , from Convergent Audio Technologies, sounded better then anything that we had ever heard up to that time. At that time it topped the "AUDIO BEST LIST" at 125 points, which in the meantime has been topped only recently by the extremely expensive, 300.000 Mark, "Krell MRA". This rating is especially remarkable since this is a tube unit. With this rating technique, "Audio", is especially careful with recommendations, because of the universally problematic characteristics of tubes. The CONVERGENT amplifier is an exception to this rule. The measured values are far beyond good. The JL2 has practically no limitations regarding choice of loudspeaker. Exceptions are absolutely seldom. Tubes in general have a shorter lifespan than transistors, but are very easily replace. With every "amplifier" one should be prepared that with the rare failure of a power tube, the hardwired cathode resistor will be lost. In this case a good service technician is needed, to ensure a weekend of musical pleasure.
However, the quality of the Russian 6550 power tubes supplied by Convergent, is so great that such problems will be limited to every 2-3 years. Surprises can be controlled with visual monitoring of the tubes. Tube lifespan is recognizable by the deterioration of the silver mirror finish.
Convergent became quieter and quieter since the Drum-role of the "Limited Edition" a good three years ago. In the beginning we still hoped soon to be able to present fans with the price advantaged stereo version of the JL1. But the German distributor had to keep asking us to be patient.
Ken Stevens, president and manager of R & D is not to be rushed. He releases a product only, when he is fully satisfied. Because of this he has lost many potential clients over the years. Other manufacturers constantly bring new or just slightly up-dated products to the market, just to stay in the picture.
Self Competition Those who waited for the JL2, will now be rewarded for their patience. As advertised the new stereo amplifier not only sounds better, but is also comparatively more price advantaged than the Monoblocks of the JL1, which is widely known for its exotic wound transformer and sold for in excess of 100.000 Mark. This raises the suspicion that Convergent does not want to sell anymore JL1s and certainly no more "Limited Editions". It is hard to imagine a worse marketing strategy. But the people at Convergent are honest. Actually it would not have done any good to hide the quality of the JL2. During the AUDIO listening test, the performance of the JL2, was so outstanding, that it left no doubt as to its superiority.
Just how did Ken Stevens do it? Two monoblocks which share the same housing, but otherwise with the same technical efforts can be accepted. However the JL1 (AUDIO 6/97) did not have the same openness and detail and registered 5 points lower. The answer to the question: what he worked on in that long development time, kept the developer to himself. He only gave the lame reply "many buildingblocks were exchanged for better sounding ones", and that he optimized the already comprehensive, 22 layers boxed transformer to deliver the advantages of pure class A single-ended triode sound..
The JL2 also improves in the area of convenience. Previously the multimeter power supply was simply shipped as a separate unit, it is now built in. This makes the recommended fine tuning after a tube change childs-play.
Convergent does not need any special attention in the set up of the unit to prove its absolute world class superiority. Basically the new JL2, was clearly less capricious than other tube amplifiers, without sacrifice to the certain special something, which is inherent to this species. This certain something makes even lesser recordings a musical experience. In addition the exceptional qualities were not limited just to the mid range, but also on both ends of the frequency spectrum JL2 underlined its unmistakable superiority. It was unbelievable how well she handled the not at all easy to control reflexsystem "Wilson Watt/Puppy 6", with regard to precisely controlled basses. In fact how wonderfully the JL2 harmonized with the legendary Wilson boxes, is proof of how much less critical it reacts to the selection of the speakers, in comparison to other tube units. Amazing also is the strong sound of the clarinets, without the usual mistake to cover the sometimes sharp sound of the instrument. Just as the Spanish say of their famous artist Diego Velazquez, to have the ability to paint in the air, the Convergent JL2 is equally capable with its three dimensional and lively sound.
Happy those who can obtain one of these rare units!
What about "refinement"; especially considering the CAT's triple disadvantages of a push-pull circuit, and 8 (pentode) output tubes per channel? He claims that the amplifier is still very pure, but not quite the equal of either the (also Class A) Wytech Topaz or the Golden Tube 300B in their greatest areas of strength; liquidity, purity etc. This observation is not surprising of course.
He felt that on digital sources, the differences were virtually inaudible, though on the finest analog sources, the above mentioned SET designs still had a noticeable advantage, but only on the best recordings, and even then, only where the music is simple and uncomplicated. On the other hand...
On high-power, complex orchestral works; he feels the JL-1s are so far superior in their (dynamic) strengths, that any "downsides" are "relatively trivial", and aren't worth talking about. This is the reason why he much prefers these amplifiers, overall, to any rival he has yet heard.
What about "value"? Are they really worth $ 20,000 (in parts, labor etc.)? My associate has taken the amplifiers (not literally) apart. He feels they are very well built, but still somewhat overpriced. Of course, we don't know what the unique and gigantic output transformers actually cost to build, but he felt they should sell, in an ideal world, in the $ 15,000 to $ 16,000 range. They still offer equal, or better, value than most of the amplifiers in the $ 20,000 range. (Of course, considering their sonic achievement, they are the best value we know of in that price range, or above.)
Personal Caveat- I only "heard" these amplifiers once but, if I remember correctly, it was in show conditions, which is basically meaningless. My associate's "taste" is slightly different than mine. I favor purity and low-level information somewhat more than he does, but those qualities are still high priorities for him also. I believe his "taste" is more "mainstream" than mine is, so most readers of this website will probably agree with his assessment and feelings concerning these amplifiers.
What I know for certain is - knowing him as long and as well as I do - if a picky person like him is so impressed and enthusiastic about these amplifiers as he is, they must be damn special, and that's why they are here.
Further- Since the above recommendation was written, the Antique Sound Lab Hurricane became available. According to my associate, it is "competitive", though still not quite equal to the CAT. It is now, in Triode operation, in Class B (Upper). It is only $ 4,400 a pair.
CAT JL-2- This is their current model. It is a stereo amplifier, in triode operation. None of us has heard it, but I have received appraisals of its performance from some readers, and everyone of them has been very impressed with it. One reader recently wrote that he actually preferred it to the JL-l in a direct comparison. Here is the relevant part of his letter:
(The JL-2)..."drives my Soundlabs M-2's like no other amp ever has. If your colleague loved the JL-1 monos he would find the lower priced stereo version "purer" with a lower noise floor but still outstanding bass (but not quite as good as the JL-1's ). I had the chance to compare them directly as I wanted the JL-1's to sound better. As I am a monoblock type of person. ...They only looked more impressive, sounded fantastic but not as fantastic as the JL-2. The JL-2 reminded me more of the single ended triode sound."
