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Rebuild a Counterpoint SA-100 or start over?

I have a Counterpoint SA-100 hybrid amp that's about 13 years old. Recently I had to press it into service on a backup system. The amp is running noisy (hissing and hash). I changed the tubes, but the problem is still there. Maybe it has to do with the mosfet outputs. Anyway, I could send the amp to Alta Vista Audio and have the thing rebuilt for about $1,000. The guy that runs Alta Vista also ran Counterpoint before its demise. Philisophically, I do have a bit of a problem sending the amp for a rebuilt when the guy didn't do such a great job in the first place. The alternative is to just buy a new amp. It would drive a pair of Quad 22Ls. Any suggestions?
fxhanson
bemopti123
303 posts
 
A sinking feeling for all those Countepoint owners, but then, why some very experienced Goners like Kublakhan are deeply, knee into Countepoint gear, like the legendary SA-11 or SA-4 preamps, as well as the SA 220? I used to dream about Counterpoints, when I could not afford them, and now, that I was somehow able to get them, I have all different type of gear. It is such a life.
basqueais
2 posts
 
My original (1985-86) SA-12 blew a Mosfet. I did send it in
for a rebuild and was quite impressed by the sound. Enough
to buy another old SA-12 (also with a blown channel) and rebuilt
it to run in mono.

Mike Elliott of Alta Vista argues that you are getting a lot more
for the rebuild as there's a lot less markup on the parts and
labour. All that's retained is the chassis and PS.
mikesinger
572 posts
 
take a look at the Audio research Classic 60 stereo amp if you want a hybrid.

one of the best amps ever made ( i dont think anyone would disagre on this) and is still a refernce today.

this amp has it all, beautiful highs, thundering lows, beautiful mid etc...and very musical to top it off.

the classic 60 it is a hybrid 60 wpc amp - it is a tube output and solid state input( 60 wpc tube = 120 wpc solid state) and sounds better than most of their new amps.

and it is..........reliable !!!!!!!!!

they can be had for $1000 - $1200 used and they are reliable and still factory serviceable if needed ( audio research serivce departmentis very relaible and fair - i dont think they are try to grow their bottom line by offering outrageously expensive upgrades. they make the majority of their money off new products.

the rebuilt counterpoint gear is too risky imo.
the new alta vista gear is waaaayyyy overpriced compared to BAT & Manley to name a few and relaiblty is yet to be proven.

hope that helps out.
jes453dc3
65 posts
 
Definitely start over.
mkm5515's avatar
mkm5515
1 posts
 
I had my SA-100 upgraded in 2002 (run #4) to NP-100.
I've used the amp with an Acurus RL-11 Preamp, and Goertz speaker cable to drive a pair of MG2.6s and more recently MG20.1s.
IMHO its a fine Amp - I have had no reliability issues in the six years since the rebuild. I have gone through one set of tubes - that is a lot of hrs.
All the upgrades/rebuilds are absent MOSFETs - the primary culprit in Counterpoint failures.
Additionally, Michael Elliot is a pleasure to work with and he's responsive to queries.
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