Ultimate PreAmps-CAT SL-1 Ultimate vs. ?


I have a CAT Ultimate and am interested in auditioning other of the absolutely top preamps against it. As I am building a second system even as I upgrade the first, I want to know if there are other preamps that anyone thinks are equal or best the CAT. I lean towards a preamp over a linestage, but will consider linestages. I am targeting for audition ATMA-SPERE MP-1 MK 2, Spectral DMC-30, Thor Audio TA-2000, Blue Circle 3000, Mark Levinson No. 32 and Ayre K1. Any help you can give me on comparisons of sound characteristics of these preamps vs. the CAT will be appreciated, as some of this equipment is difficult to find what with small dealer networks etc. Please don't reply if you have not directly heard or cannot compare the CAT vs. other preamps which you think are equal or better. Comparison vs. the CAT of any vintage is OK. I currently have, and intend to keep, Pass Aleph 4, CAT, Plinius SA-100 MK III. I also have Snell C/V loudspeakers and a Philips CD-80 CD player. These will be replaced next year. I use JPS Superconductor interconnects, Kimber 4tc/8tc biwire and Kimber PBJ between CD player and the CAT. Thanks,
rayhall
Also, throw Lamm Industries L1 in there as one of my auditioning choices. Thanks
I heard the CAT signature against a Bruce Moore Companion II Line Stage pre-amp and the CAT LOST! no joke. The Bruce Moore retail for only $1,800. This is the pre-amp you should A/B against the CAT. You will be blown away. Soundstage and dynamics and the smooth top end you ever heard. Good Luck. The good news is when you sell the CAT you can get a good resale!
I use the Ultimate now, I've owned and auditioned Audio Research, Melos,Illusion and have friends who own Krell, Bat etc. To hear the differences you need to start at your cables. We switched cables in systems and you will be amazed the differences. What you are using now didn't compare well with NBS. When switching componets you could clearly hear diferences you couldn't beleived existed.