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Upgraded Counterpoint Hybrid SA-220 Power Amps

I have an old Counterpoint SA-220 and have always wondered if the basic, premium and gold upgrades were really really worth it. I can hear differences between the preamps and amps I have owned and auditioned but not $2K to $3K worth of sonic differences unless you really want that extra last bit of true sonics (yeah I know that I was being very general with that last comment). I am looking for anyone who has an upgraded Counterpoint power amp now or has had one in the past. Are the upgraded amps worth it? Have you compared the basic to the premium and the gold upgrades?

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
johnvroom
1 posts
 
The basic upgrade replaces nearly everything in the signal path so I would expect a sonic change (and if it didn't why would you opt to do upgrade), I got my upgrade due to the famed SA220 reliability issue (my amp blew up several times. What I got with my Michael Elliot upgrade was bulletproof reliability and state of the art sound. I think the old SA220 sound was worth every dime and the NP220 upgrade is a steal... to get closer to the music at any price will be a challenge, I haven't found a reason to 'upgrade' for 10 years
bigkidz OP
3,380 posts
 
Good to hear from you J, I just purchased an oil choke and will be installing that to see what if any differences I hear. There is also a local guy I know who makes chokes. He has been winding them for 20 years and I may have him build one for me if that oil choke does not make a difference. Much cheaper then the Plithron. If you are interested, let me know. Funny you should post on this thread as I just told someone yesterday that I have not even considered upgrading or changing to a different amp now that I have the Counterpoint. The thought never crosses my mind even to look.

Happy Listening.
bigkidz OP
3,380 posts
 
Installed the oil choke and wow! It kills the larger Hammond choke I installed replacing the baisc upgrade smaller Hammond choke. The oil choke made the amp much more musical, better dimensionality, way better tone with more clarity.
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
oil choke?? Whats that?
bigkidz OP
3,380 posts
 
It is a choke that is filled with oil.
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