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Cat Ultimate MkII Preamp mods for volume control?

This question is directed to those who may own the CAT Ultimate preamp. I am very satisfied with this pre (line stage only).The one thing that I feel is a negative is that the volume control has few steps, which for the most part does not bother me. It is when I have company, or am eating dinner and would like background music at low settings where the problem then arises. The difference between the lowest setting and no volume is enough to not listen to music at these times. I don't know if anyone has experienced this, or if there is a modification for a different contol unit. I don't know if Ken Stevens had a reason behind the few stepped control unit, but in my opinion a few more wouldn't hurt. Any suggestions?
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proclaim123 OP
21 posts
 
Tubes108
I contacted Conv. Audio today and spoke with one of their technicians. The preamp that I have is line stage only which I was informed has the CD taper volume control unit. This CD taper volume control unit has smaller changes built in the unit (meaning more) vs. the Ultimate pre w/phono which has fewer stepped changes. I was advised to e-mail Ken to see if there is any other way through Conv. Audio themselves to achieve this. I'll keep you posted.
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Unfortunately, what you are dealing with is endemic to a a high gain pre-amp with a stepped attenuator. The stepped attenuator is reported to sound better, but coupled with the high gain inherent in the design, it makes for very large volume changes at the low end. Its actually one (not the only one) of the reasons why I sold mine. You can put a fixed attenuator in line btwn the pre and the amp and it will help some. I used a 12 dB unit and it made it acceptable, but it was clumsy with heavy interconnects and puts a lot of stress on the rcas. YMMV.
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proclaim123 OP
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Just an update for those interested. I spoke with Ken Stevens from Convergent Audio today. His suggestion would be to have resistors installed on the volume control unit itself which would lower the gain by 6db overall. This install could either be done by C.A.T. themselves or he would send out the resistors for free to either have myself or another qualified person install. Ken charges a minimum of $375 for an "over all check up" of the unit and would include the resistors with that. The check up would include a diagnostic check with minor repairs if needed.
He also stated that the Placette remote volume control unit could be used on the tape loop only, but wasn't too keen on the idea.
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
That is probably the best solution.
rugyboogie
178 posts
 
Proclaim123
I had my Cat MK II updated to a series III and when this was done I had Ken install the resistors in the volume control. I was one of the first to have this done and what a difference this made. Now the useable range of the volume control was all the way up to 3 o'clock for loud listening which before was at 9 o'clock. Late night listening sessions at low volume was now between 8 and 11 o'clock. Prior to Ken's resistor installation the volume increase between notches was simply too big of a jump.
I say go for the mod, you will be happy.
Good luck.
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