Hello,
I have a late model Counterpoint NPS400 (Fidelis model) amp that was upgraded by Michael Elliot 2 years ago. The NPM's are from the same period as the NPS400 so I have to believe the sonic qualities here are mighty close.
After trying ARC VT130 and Classic 150 amps with Maggie 3.5s, I tried the NPS400. The Counterpoint did not quite have the ultra harmonic richness of the VT130, but the Counterpoint's power output controlled the Maggies like the ARC amps never came close to doing. The NPS400/3.5 is a great match. The forwardness in the upper mids of the ARC amps is gone; the Counterpoint has a much more natural (at ease) presentation and no strain when the music hits higher peak levels. Tonal balance here is very much a flat line with no peaks or valleys which can be so annoying.
My desire has been to biamp the 3.5s but I was not successful to find another NPS400. And after hearing all the hoopla on the Wolcott amps, I tried these with the 3.5s. The Wolcotts control the 3.5s incredibly well like the NPS but I now have more of that VT130 tube magic AND with no loss of incredible bass extension. All that people had written about the Wolcotts was confirmed for me with the Maggies. So I will use these with the NPS to biamp the Maggies once I get a tube crossover.
Now that I have lived with the Wolcotts for a couple months, I will swap back to the NPS and quantify the differences between these two outstanding products. But I can tell you, the Counterpoint amps are a great value. I have not seen NPMs for quite some time but they sold a couple years ago for $3k. The NPS400 goes for right around $2k or so depending on upgrade status. My gut feeling is that the NPS200 would not be enough output to drive the Maggies. A realistic price for one of these would be in the $1300-1500 range.
If you are truly set on the NPMs, just be sure to read the Counterpoint (www.altavistaaudio.com) website as there has been an issue raised about the NPMs that need a couple parts replaced.
John
I have a late model Counterpoint NPS400 (Fidelis model) amp that was upgraded by Michael Elliot 2 years ago. The NPM's are from the same period as the NPS400 so I have to believe the sonic qualities here are mighty close.
After trying ARC VT130 and Classic 150 amps with Maggie 3.5s, I tried the NPS400. The Counterpoint did not quite have the ultra harmonic richness of the VT130, but the Counterpoint's power output controlled the Maggies like the ARC amps never came close to doing. The NPS400/3.5 is a great match. The forwardness in the upper mids of the ARC amps is gone; the Counterpoint has a much more natural (at ease) presentation and no strain when the music hits higher peak levels. Tonal balance here is very much a flat line with no peaks or valleys which can be so annoying.
My desire has been to biamp the 3.5s but I was not successful to find another NPS400. And after hearing all the hoopla on the Wolcott amps, I tried these with the 3.5s. The Wolcotts control the 3.5s incredibly well like the NPS but I now have more of that VT130 tube magic AND with no loss of incredible bass extension. All that people had written about the Wolcotts was confirmed for me with the Maggies. So I will use these with the NPS to biamp the Maggies once I get a tube crossover.
Now that I have lived with the Wolcotts for a couple months, I will swap back to the NPS and quantify the differences between these two outstanding products. But I can tell you, the Counterpoint amps are a great value. I have not seen NPMs for quite some time but they sold a couple years ago for $3k. The NPS400 goes for right around $2k or so depending on upgrade status. My gut feeling is that the NPS200 would not be enough output to drive the Maggies. A realistic price for one of these would be in the $1300-1500 range.
If you are truly set on the NPMs, just be sure to read the Counterpoint (www.altavistaaudio.com) website as there has been an issue raised about the NPMs that need a couple parts replaced.
John