Russian Tube Preamp, No Return, Here I go again

I might have made an offer for this if it was around when I chose the Russian one

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Counterpoint-SA3-1-Tube-Analog-Audiophile-Preamp-Phono/154358866931?hash=it...

SA5.1 is v nice sounding.

This Carver ain't tubes, but it would have looked nice with my Carver AM/FM Tuner and Carver Cube Amp

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CARVER-C-1-Sonic-Holography-Preamplifier-w-BOX-Paperwork-NEAR-MINT-...

MM and MC inputs, lots to like

another awesome vintage preamp I might have bought if it was available.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Luxman-CL35-MKIII-Tube-Preamp/303871182981

I wonder if 'taking a chance' on the Russian Tonearm and Russian Preamp was part of their appeal. i.e. IF this Luxman and the Russian were both available at the same time: the Russian is all I need for my office: 1 Phono and Tape. The Luxman is fully loaded, awesome with unique features.

The Russian had the lower price/bargain appeal, and had the risk factor, a positive rather than a negative. 

????

Holy cow, I have a Carver C1 in my game room. Cannot believe the sale price. You need to make sure it has been serviced and the potentiometers have been cleaned if you jump on the Carver. The sonic holography is gimmicky at first, but after a while, your apt to stop using it.