CAT Ultimate


Hi!
> Can anyone tell me abt the CAT pre-amp (Ultimate), how to make the sound better, with what cables (Power cord, or interconnect), tubes, matching , can i use the E188CC as 6922, I was told by my local dealer, u can't replace the E88 or E188CC, as the voltage is different, hope to hear soon.thanks!
>
> Best Regards,
> Mike
hifi
My experience agrees all the way with Rayhall, also Tele or Siemens for the phono section (if you have one).
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the helps, however my Mullard E188CC,shows 6922 as well, but not on the tubes, can it still be used? N also, wht power cords r u guys using, I ve heard the ESP Essence is a great match wiht Ultimate, ve u guys try before.Pls adv. thansk'
If the E188CC was OK to use in the CAT, it would be listed in the manual. It is definitely NOT the same as a 6922, even though it can be substituted for one in some circuits. If you use it, you take the risk of damaging the CAT. If you want to be sure, email Ken Stevens of CAT. His email address is in the Manufacturers Directory.

As far as the ESP Essence with the CAT, I have tried it. In my opinion, it made absolutely no difference as compared to using the stock power cord! I am not biased against aftermarket power cords and use one on my Pass amplifier, so I am doing my best to be objective here. In my opinion, you would be wasting time and money trying this power cord. Perhaps there are others which sound better and do offer sonic improvement but IMO, all the talk about synergy of the CAT with the ESP Essence is all hype.
If I had a CAT Ultimate I'd built two ladder stepped attenuators on Elma switches and put them in where the Volume and Balance controls are now, dual mono, and thus get rid of a mediocre series stepped attenuator that limits the performance of a lot of excellent circuitry. From simple comparisons in passive preamps, it's very clear to me that series stepped attenuators sound a lot worse than ladders. Why CAT uses them is a mystery to me. This upgrade would yield a more transparent, better-sounding preamp, IMHO.