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SL1 Renaissance Black Path Extreme

Acclaimed by many as the finest preamplifier design of all time, the SL1 has never been about lifestyle nor about the latest design fad or styling. The SL1 has always been about performance, first, second, third, and all the way. CAT’s aim has always been that point of perfection, that apogee in the sky. That sound, called the “CAT sound”, is now the goal of all modern tube preamplifiers, but, CAT is still ahead. We’ve been chasing this sound of perfection, the sound revealing all of the music, including its heart and soul, much longer than anybody else.

Now we have our latest rebirth: “Renaissance Black Path Extreme” – the same amazing design fully updated with the best parts in the world, many of which are custom made with cutting edge technology. Once again the SL1 Renaissance BPX is at the top of the game besting all of the six-figure competitors.

True performance never falls out of style. That’s why even the oldest SL1s command such high prices to this day. The SL1 remains the best value preamp you can buy today, just like it has been for three decades.

  • Gain (@1kHz): Line 25.0 dB (“high”) / 15.2 dB (“low”), Phono 47dB MM / 58 dB MC
  • Gain Tracking: Line .05dB, Phono .05dB
  • Frequency Response: Line 0.1Hz to 800kHz+0, -3dB Phono RIAA +/- 0.1dB 20Hz to 20kHz (MC & MM)
  • Harmonic Distortion (@ 1 volt): Line less than .0005% Phono less than 0.001%
  • Slew Rate: Line 15 volts/microsec, Phono 10 volts/microsec
  • Maximum Output (@1kHz): Line & phono 50 volts rms
  • Input Overload: Line 1000 volts rms Phono MM 250 mv rms at 1kHz, MC 70 mv rms
  • Noise: Line High 98 dBA, Low 109 dBA below2 volt output Phono MM 97 dBA below 10 mv input, MC 107 dBA
  • Separation: Line greater than 90 dB Phono greater than 90 dB
  • Input Impedance: Line 50 kohms, 20pf, MM Phono 47.5 kohms, 180 pf MC Phono 4K ohms (User adjustable)
  • Output Impedance: Line 100 ohms, Phono 50 ohms
  • Maximum Load: Line under 4000 pf, over 5000 ohms Phono under 4000 pf, over 10,000 ohms
  • Dimensions: Main Chassis - 19.0” X 5.24” X 12.2” Power Supply - 12,2” X 4.0” X 6.0”
  • Weight: Net 64 lbs., Ship 70 lbs.
  • Power Requirements: 120v, 60Hz, 80 watts (export version available)
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    “I call it the reviewer’s nightmare. You receive a component for review, and, after extensive listening, YOU DISCOVER THAT IT IS LITERALLY PERFECT IN EVERY WAY.” - Stereophile

    “…the SL1 Renaissance Black Path Edition will get you closer to the music’s soul.” - Stereophile