imjerrys

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.60 of 5, 5.00 votes

Price Paid:  $5000.00 from Dealer

Summary:
This is a great preamplifier. The high resolution presentation is very true to the recording. Not always warm and inviting, you will hear the faults elsewhere in your system. The phono section is superb. Use a cartridge with more than 0.5 mv output or get ultra-low-noise tubes. Used in a system of similar quality components, i.e. "the best", and the CAT will never fail to please.

Strengths:
Neutral, high resolution. A highly refined design worthy of inclusion in any system.

Weaknesses:
I could have used a few more volume settings between 11:00 and 2:00. System dependent: can be noisy with low output cartridges.

Similar Products Used:
BAT VK-P30 and 50SE, Rowland Synergy 2i w/Cadence phono, Atmasphere MP3, Aesthetix Rhea, Tom Evans Groove and Microgroove+, Cary PH-302, Sonic Frontiers Phono 1SE, Audio Research LS16-2 and LS25-2, C-J Premier 15-2. Please see www.10Audio.com for complete reviews.

Price Paid:  $6000.00

Summary:
Just got this pre hooked to my system.Damn good,nothing more nothing less it just music.For annalog lover please review this pre-amp,it willll beat any pre cost several times.This pre comes with a serious power cord.The ultimate will give your money worthwhile. For this i give this pre 5 star in every regards The system: watt/puppy 6 gryphon antileon signature cat ultimate notingham dais koetsu jade kimber select wiring

Strengths:
it just music,no strengh no weaknesses This pre is not for reviewer,it's just for u

Similar Products Used:
BAT VK50Se,AR Ref II MK2,Jadis JP 200MC,Conrad jonson LS16

Price Paid:  $8000.00 from Italia

Summary:
Extremely detailed, holographic presentation of music; sounds equally good with vinyl and digital and it has that all important polarity switch.

The Ultimate also has a truly astounding dynamic range, and the transient attack of instruments is quite amazing. A plucked instrument leaps off into thin air, seemingly appearing 5 feet or more in front of the speakers.

The tonality of the midrange and highs is dead-on: violins sound like violins. Massed strings sound luxurious and woodwinds simply sound gorgeous. One of the most appealing aspects of the CAT is that the entire sonic presentation is cut from a single cloth. No one part stands out, but it sounds coherent, articulate, and alive.
Whit the Ultimate all genre music,(From Maler to Iron Maiden) sound very well!!

Strengths:
Fast, fluid, neutral, dinamic, very good Phono stage...incredible sound stage and placement of voices and instruments

Weaknesses:
Only two line inputs, no balance in/out, step attenuator.

Similar Products Used:
ARC LS25, Millenium, ARC reference, Nagra.

Price Paid:  $6000.00

Summary:
I have this preamp for more than a year. Sonically, I can not say enough good things about it. It make me forget about the audio components and just enjoyed the music. Emotional engagement is something we audiophile look for. This preamp provide it with spade. I love this preamp.

System:

Muse Model 8, 296 DA, Krell FPB 300, B&W Nautilus 802, NBS Monitor I and II interconnect and speaker cables, Synergistic Designer Reference power cords, ESP Essence power cords, PS Audio PS 300

Strengths:
3D soundstage, smoothness, neutrality, built quality

Weaknesses:
No balance output, step attenuator,

Similar Products Used:
BAT 30SE

Summary:
I haven't heard all preamps so I can't say if there isn't anything better out there, but when you plug this one in, RIGHT AWAY, you know you are in VERY rarified air. It does everything well. It doesn't sound bright. It doesn't sound dark. It just sound's like the music that you are putting through it. No grain, no noise, no RFI, no upper midrange or high frequency glare. Just music. It sounds full-bodied and rich in the mids. Bass extension is outstanding without any bass boom. High frequencies are not extremely prominent in comparison to other pre's. Yet, the CAT is not lacking in high frequency extension. Outstanding dynamics with excellent soundstage width and depth. Detail is very good, but never gets in the way of the music. I recommend this product unequivocally.

Strengths:
Smoooooothness. Musicality. Bass extension. Soundstage. Midrange Presence. Detail. Dynamics. In that order.

Weaknesses:
Only two line inputs. Detented volume and balance controls don't allow settings which are precise enough.

Similar Products Used:
Audible Illusions Modulus 3A. Lamm L-1. Ayre K-1. ARC SP-9.