I'm 3 of 4 but sadly I can't say they were all in the same class so comparisons would be unfair. I've had an ARC LS16 which I liked but even with amperex tubes I found a bit lean and lacking in over all gain. I still own a BAT VK-31 SE with all the goodies which I think is ergonomically great, very quiet, does not call attention to itself but needs to be partnered with big solid state lest the lower octaves lose impact. I own two Lamms the LL2 deluxe which I wish had a remote and finer steps between volume notches. It too does not call attention to itself has more solid bass transients and unlike the BAT can be tube rolled to your hearts content. Currently I have Mullard CV491s and Mullard e88ccs. What would likely go up against the CAT being in the same price bracket is my L2 Reference. This is the best preamp I have ever owned. If it were a projector it would be 1080p vs the VK-31 and LL2's 720i. Like I said however these are not it's natural competitors so the comparison really isn't fair.
The only time I ever heard a CAT preamp was in the Hansen, CAT, Koetsu display at CES 08. I have no idea what the CAT pre brings to the table by itself. I can say however that despite the bad room, the display was still a very good sounding one. I guess that at the very least one might say the CAT did not screw anything up. It left me with enough of an impression that should I ever look for another preamp, it could very well be on a very short list of pres to audition.
The only time I ever heard a CAT preamp was in the Hansen, CAT, Koetsu display at CES 08. I have no idea what the CAT pre brings to the table by itself. I can say however that despite the bad room, the display was still a very good sounding one. I guess that at the very least one might say the CAT did not screw anything up. It left me with enough of an impression that should I ever look for another preamp, it could very well be on a very short list of pres to audition.