Convergent Audio Technology
Preamplifiers & phono stagesAmplifiers
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ken Stevens |
Convergent Audio Technology, known as CAT, is an American maker of valve electronics founded by the designer Ken Stevens in the 1980s. Its SL-1 preamplifier, with a built-in phono stage, became one of the most respected valve preamplifiers of its time and has been developed over many years through versions such as the SL-1 Signature, SL-1 Ultimate and SL-1 Legend. CAT's designs are known for very high gain and extremely low noise, making its phono stages particularly well suited to low-output moving-coil cartridges. The company also makes valve power amplifiers such as the JL-1 and JL-2. CAT has always been a small company, building to order and updating its designs gradually rather than replacing them, which has helped keep older units valuable. Its preamplifiers are usually described as dynamic, transparent and lifelike, and they have long been used as references by reviewers. Its products are hand-built in the United States.
Notable Convergent Audio Technology products
- SL-1 preamplifier
- SL-1 Ultimate
- SL-1 Legend
- JL-1 power amplifier
- JL-2 power amplifier
More about Convergent Audio Technology
Turntables Beautiful design is one characteristic of Clearaudio's turntables. Another is the use of carefully selected materials and resonance avoiding construction. Clearaudio has won international acclaim as one of the premier manufacturers of analog products. Hi-fi magazines all over the world have found the turntables to set the standard of excellence against which to compare other turntables.
It took years of research and development to create a world class design like the Master Reference. Naturally, the knowledge and experience gained from this project has also been applied to the more affordable turntables. The Solution, the smallest turntable in Clearaudio's range features a simple yet unusual and futuristic design and a number of clever technological details. It does not limit its owner's creativity: up to three different tonearms can be mounted.
The design of the Evolution turntable is more traditional. Certain elements will be found in all of the turntables. They include the inverted bearing made of bronze, brass and hardened steel. Motors are decoupled and shielded to eliminate any negative impact of the motor on the turntable's chassis and thus the cartridge.
Consequently, Clearaudio can guarantee that all turntables will run smoothly, without wow or flutter. Clearaudio supplies a number of tonearm mounting boards; besides the successful parallel-tracking tonearms, all pivoted designs can be used without any problems. This allows the owner complete freedom of choice. A wide range of tonearms and cartridges can be specified.
Custom versions are available. A new service: the Clearaudio upgrade program: Turntables, tonearms and cartridges can be upgraded to the next model up in the Clearaudio range. Base) EQUI-MASS Tonearm Superlight titanium design, 3 g Superlight titanium design, 3 g Horizontal bearings 3 Miniature precision stainless ball bearings 3 Miniature precision stainless ball bearings Vertical bearings Swiss conical sapphire vee bearings on hardened C-420 stainless steel axle Swiss conical sapphire vee bearings on hardened C-420 stainless steel axle Transport track Reinforced, pure quartz rods, Ø 3 mm, Straight to better than 0,01 mm Reinforced, pure quartz rods, Ø 3 mm, Straight to better than 0,01 mm VTA-adjustment rotating spindle locator rotating spindle locator