Posted by Joseph Soulier on April 28, 2003 at 12:14:47:
In Reply to: Review CAT JL-1's, Levinson 336, Parasound JC1's - Long posted by Mike Bieda on April 25, 2003 at 16:19:46:
Would like to just add that I own the JL-2 which is a updated Stereo amp of the JL-1's is even more "pure" sounding with the same powerful presentation. The noise floor has been lowered and the cost of entry lowered as well. Ken Stevens designed the JL-2 as a lower price point product but in developing the stereo version improved some things. The JL-2 is even better than the JL-1's monos. I had auditioned both and ended up purchasing the JL-2 Stereo amp ( even though I wanted the monos to sound better as I could have gotten a used pair for 5K, I really am a monoblock type of person ).
Will be picking up a used CAT Ultimate tonight at 9pm and cannot wait to put it into the music chain as I just got back into vinyl ( Notty Spacedeck ).
Like Mike above, I to have been running my JL-2 direct though a Wadia 850. But I occasionally put my Conterpoint tube preamp back in. Some cases I liked the music directly feeding the JL-2 and sometimes I enjoyed the added 3-dimensionality of a good tube preamp. I honestly believe that the CAT amps are so under-rated IMHO. Believe more people should hear what I am hearing.
Just my 2 cents ( as everyone must realize music is like wine some people like white and some like red ). Audio equipment is like that personal preferences! Enjoy the music gentleman