Which Counterpoint Preamp SA-5000 or SA- 5.1???

Well it's been a while since you posted and you probably have your preamp ....go with the 5k if you plan to ues a low output cartridge, under 1mv. This is what it was built for. The 5k uses video buffers to improve specs...at that time overseas sales was important so specs ruled. In Mikes upgrades he removes the buffers. I beleive there is a buffer defeat but does it really? There is also a ton of switches that the 5.1 doesn't have. Mike removes them too in his upgrades. The 5k also uses 2-6922's in the power supply...this is not what they were designed to do but it does work. Now the 5.1 will only work well with higher output cartridges. I'm using a Benz H2O...2mv or so. Volume usually set between 9 to 12 not more. Low output cartridges don't work here. There is too much tube noise, and I'm using red Amperex 7308 LOW NOISE TUBES! The 5.1 uses a pure tube path without everything that the 5k puts in the way for specs but it does low output extremely well. As for the 5.1 power supply, it is of a purer tube path again. Just take a look at the tube selection. Compare. Take a look also at the tube selection in the SA9. See a resemblance. Mike now offers a upgrade called the SA9 jr. Guess what, it's from a 5.1. The 5k is nice and big and a new type of look...the 5.1 thin, older but alot cheaper! I've had both in my all Counterpoint system...they are very close IMHO. Depends now on the cartridge you want to use and your ego. Hope this helps Kurt. Harvey B.

Hey Kurt...have you got your preamp yet?

It sounds like you know the product very well Harvey. I can only add that I've been a fan of the Counterpoint pre's (as well as the company in general). A friend had a 5.1 which he loved, and subsequently turned me on to the lineage starting with the SA1000 about 15+ years or so ago. I moved up to the SA3000 and eventually graduated to the 5000... all were completely reliable and always problem free. Each was a noticeable improvement over the previous and brought countless hours of musical enjoyment. Whatever the reputation of the brand evolved into, I can attest to its very good sound AND reliability. I've dealt with Mike (Elliot) a few times as I still use the Counterpoint DA-10 and DA-11 processor and transport (coming up on 10 years for them, trouble free) and he's been a straight shooter with me. Had an SA-100 for awhile too which I also liked and turned my friend on to it as well as an SA-3000 which he's been enjoying together for several years.I have since moved on to other pre and power but personally, knowing Mike is there, would be enough for me to consider anything in the product line if I was ever in that position again. Good luck. Happy lissnin.

I bought a new 7.1 pre in 1988 and have always had the balance control reliability issue. However, I still think it is a sweet, very musical preamp. simple clean lines, great phono stage (for the price). As a matter of fact, I just retubed it with a pair of Tungsol 12AX7's and Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8's. I don't use it much, but when I do, I am still impressed with it's musicality. Now - if I could get my hands on an SA 9 phono stage....

i would suggest running as far as you can from counterpoint.
their reliablity track record isnt the greatest ( all the dealers in san diego stopped carrying them and still dont carry the new line to this day.

hope that helps,

mike