Have had a CAT Signature MK3 for a looong time, at that time i partnered it with a grashopper 3 of 0,65 Mv.
the Volume sat around 10 to 11 oclock, in which the tubes just started to 'whisper'.
depending on the sensitivity of the poweramp used, i got the experience that the CAT does not work well with say 0,60 or less output.
after the CAT i listened to other pre-amps and i encourage you to listen to the BAT pre-amps, the LAMM, and the discontinued but still mightyfine CELLO Encore or if you have the money the AudioSuite.
i liked these much better than the CAT, and have ordered a BAT VK-51SE right now.
The CAT relies very heavily on tube rolling, if you are lucky to get the right ones which stay ok, the CAT is a great pre-amp.
I got tired of all the tube rolling, i have no experience with the Ultimate though.
keep the vinyl spinning !
the Volume sat around 10 to 11 oclock, in which the tubes just started to 'whisper'.
depending on the sensitivity of the poweramp used, i got the experience that the CAT does not work well with say 0,60 or less output.
after the CAT i listened to other pre-amps and i encourage you to listen to the BAT pre-amps, the LAMM, and the discontinued but still mightyfine CELLO Encore or if you have the money the AudioSuite.
i liked these much better than the CAT, and have ordered a BAT VK-51SE right now.
The CAT relies very heavily on tube rolling, if you are lucky to get the right ones which stay ok, the CAT is a great pre-amp.
I got tired of all the tube rolling, i have no experience with the Ultimate though.
keep the vinyl spinning !