Received The Absolute Sound Golden Ear award in 2002. Considered to be on par with some of the finest high performance pre amps on the market during this time. Excellent build quality with relay controlled switching, fully enclosed shields for power supply and left and the dual mono gain stage channels. High and low output gain adjustment, and the muting switch which is always nice to have.
The H CAT pre amp employs the Wavefront circuit, which is to the best of my knowledge allows for adjustment of spatial cues in the circuit. Now this is not a variable negative feedback circuit, nor does it make phase adjustments, or is it a tone control. This control does not alter tonal balance at all, but in some ways reminds me of the Tilt circuit that Quad uses. I find that it makes small but noticeable changes to the focus of the system, and its application varies with the equipment it is used with, and the room the system is in. Allows for a simple fine tuning of the imaging and focus of the system, without doing harm to the presentation of the music. Ingenious device really.
This pre-amp is in excellent shape. With no major dings, dents of scratches. Has not been modified or worked on, its fully stock. Functions perfectly with no issues. The current version of this pre-amp is $5995 but you get digital display, remote volume control, and it is reported that the Wavefront circuit is improved. But we are talking 6 grand! This unit originally sold for $2995, and was considered an excellent value for its price. Pick it up at $475 and you get a great pre-amp for the cost conscious audio person.
Paypal users please add 3.5% to cover their fees. Will be well packed. Check my feedback on Audiogon under Neonknight if you want to see my selling history.
