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CAT (Convergent Audio Technology) is a boutique high-end audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1985 by Ken Stevens, an electrical engineer/applied mathematician with two degrees from the University of Rochester. Stevens worked over a decade at Stromberg-Carlson and Taylor Instruments while refining his audio designs. CAT is headquartered and manufactures in Rush, New York (near Rochester). The company specializes in world-class tube preamplifiers and amplifiers, with their legendary SL1 preamp being considered by many audiophiles as "the best preamp in the world," currently retailing for $69,995. CAT has sold over 6,000 SL1 units across various iterations over three decades. The company maintains a deliberately small operation with approximately 5 employees, focusing on continuous design refinement rather than marketing. They manufacture their own custom capacitors and have acquired rare components like the legendary Rubycon Black Gate capacitors. CAT maintains its position as the most reliable high-end audio manufacturer for over 30 years.