Cat jl5

4music

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Apr 15, 2013
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Anyone has any first hand experience with the CAT JL5 especially the amorphous core version? In Feb 2015 german magazine HiFi & Records reports it as the best tube amplifier they have ever heard (they have also tested the JL2 recently).
Tim
 

ashandger

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Jun 14, 2013
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Do you happen to have an English version of the review? What other amps did they compare it to? I have owned the JL2 for many years so am also interested in the latest developments including the Amorphous core. Many thanks
 

4music

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Apr 15, 2013
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Do you happen to have an English version of the review? What other amps did they compare it to? I have owned the JL2 for many years so am also interested in the latest developments including the Amorphous core. Many thanks

No english translation. I've used the google translate for the conclusions section.The original pdf can be located at the German distributor site.
 

DaveyF

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Jul 31, 2010
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Having heard many of the other CAT amps, I am sure that the new JL5 with the amorphous core is very special. I recently heard a new CAT Renaissance with the Black path cap mods...my new favorite preamp!
 

MadFloyd

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Anyone know what the amorphous core is all about?
 

ack

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Anyone know what the amorphous core is all about?

Usually it means low loss, but they have other problems... best to ask CAT about this. Changing amps again????
 

MadFloyd

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Usually it means low loss, but they have other problems... best to ask CAT about this. Changing amps again????

Need something to drive my new speakers.
 

ack

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Need something to drive my new speakers.

New speakers... OK; I must have missed a chapter. Or do you mean the Pass cannot drive your M-Pros...
 

MadFloyd

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I'm thinking of getting S7's.
 

KeithR

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sorry to hear the M-Pros aren't doing it for you, MadFloyd - hope you can find a speaker that really suits you.

as far as CAT, working with that company requires patience. and you should be warned his amps can heat a small barracks :)
 

MadFloyd

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sorry to hear the M-Pros aren't doing it for you, MadFloyd - hope you can find a speaker that really suits you.

as far as CAT, working with that company requires patience. and you should be warned his amps can heat a small barracks :)

I never said anything about my M-Pros not doing it for me. I hug them at least once a week and at 400lbs each, they provide me with lots of exercise. :)
 

nextlevel

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I never said anything about my M-Pros not doing it for me. I hug them at least once a week and at 400lbs each, they provide me with lots of exercise. :)
Hello MadFloyd. I see that you are using the CAT JL7S! Congratulations! How is the sound compared to the Pass XS-150? Are you using the KT-150 tube?
 

MadFloyd

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Hello MadFloyd. I see that you are using the CAT JL7S! Congratulations! How is the sound compared to the Pass XS-150? Are you using the KT-150 tube?

The JL7's have a richer midbass & midrange than the Pass which is more extended (as you might expect between tubes and solid state). Yes, I have the KT-150's which I love. Both amplifiers have their virtues. The Pass can sound a little more mechanical and steely in the upper midrange (the latter can benefit some instruments). I think the Pass is also more detailed (or at least one can perceive it that way due to more high frequency energy) and has a wider soundstage.
 

bonzo75

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Hi so did you get the S7s? What pre do you use with the CATs?
 

MadFloyd

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Hi so did you get the S7s? What pre do you use with the CATs?

No, I never got the S7's. I was actually just attempting to get a rise out of forum member ack (of course it didn't work). I wasn't starting a second system and I'm totally satisfied with my M-Pro's.

I'm currently using the Pass XS pre with my CATs. That may change. :)
 

bonzo75

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No, I never got the S7's. I was actually just attempting to get a rise out of forum member ack (of course it didn't work). I wasn't starting a second system and I'm totally satisfied with my M-Pro's.

I'm currently using the Pass XS pre with my CATs. That may change. :)

Always wanted to listen to a quality SS pre into a quality valve power. Normally get to hear the other way round. It would be good if you can audition the CAT pre and see the difference.

What differences have you found in vocals, tones of violin and woodwinds, brass, and general orchestral?
 

Ron Resnick

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The JL7's have a richer midbass & midrange than the Pass which is more extended (as you might expect between tubes and solid state). Yes, I have the KT-150's which I love. Both amplifiers have their virtues. The Pass can sound a little more mechanical and steely in the upper midrange (the latter can benefit some instruments). I think the Pass is also more detailed (or at least one can perceive it that way due to more high frequency energy) and has a wider soundstage.

I am glad you are enjoying some of the virtues of tubes!
 

ashandger

Well-Known Member
Jun 14, 2013
406
174
348
The JL7's have a richer midbass & midrange than the Pass which is more extended (as you might expect between tubes and solid state). Yes, I have the KT-150's which I love. Both amplifiers have their virtues. The Pass can sound a little more mechanical and steely in the upper midrange (the latter can benefit some instruments). I think the Pass is also more detailed (or at least one can perceive it that way due to more high frequency energy) and has a wider soundstage.

Many thanks for the update. What is recovery of low level info such as hall ambience like with the JL7s? Are you using any support under the amps and what power cable are using? Look forward to further updates especially if you get to try a different preamp such as the Legend.
 

DaveyF

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Jul 31, 2010
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La Jolla, Calif USA
No, I never got the S7's. I was actually just attempting to get a rise out of forum member ack (of course it didn't work). I wasn't starting a second system and I'm totally satisfied with my M-Pro's.

I'm currently using the Pass XS pre with my CATs. That may change. :)

Ian, if you do change your preamp to a CAT, I think you will then see why I am such a big fan of Ken's gear.:)
 

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