Joule, Blue Circle, CAT SL1


Hi,

I need a pre under $4000 that can match Hyperion HT-88 monos into Merlin VSM-MXE speakers.

Looking at Joule 150, Blue Circle BC3000, CAT SL1...can someone tell me the sonics of these? If there are any big differences at all? Also the cheaper the better :)

Phono would be nice and obviously a tape loop.

Regards

Richard
enjoy_the_music
Richard,
You can test the Audio Horizons preamp in your system under the 30 day trial policy. I use the Audio Horizons TP 2.0 preamp through Coincident Super Eclipse MK III loudspeakers, which are not warm sounding loudspeakers. The TP 2.0 delivers a tonally balanced signal across the frequency spectrum which is not edgy at all. I imagine part of that result comes from the remarkably low signal to noise figures of the preamp (better than -110 dB with the fully tricked out version.
Rand
Blue Circle is very good stuff, but if you are buying used, the possibilty you will find a unit with a remote control is pretty slim. Sonically BC is very good. Convience is not there though.
As a former LA-100 MkIII owner, get the Joule, it has what you are looking for and is remote ready. I agree with Kenreau, the LAP-150 MkI that Signature Sound has for sale is a great preamp. I had the pleasure of listening to it at RMAF last year. For about $500 or so you can have it upgraded to MkII, which will make it an even more dynamic and extended.