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Counterpoint SA12

I just came across a Counterpoint SA12 poweramp from an estate sale and am wondering if it is worthwhile. I presently use an Aragon 2004 and have zero complaints but have it in the back of my mind that I should try a tubed amp. The SA-12 isn't a pure tube unit, it is a valve/solid-state hybrid, employing four 100W MOSFETS per channel in the power stages, while all voltage amplification and output stage drivers are valve circuits (two ECC88s/6DJ8s per channel).
I really don't know much about this amp, have never heard one and would appreciate any comments from former or current users before I even swap out my Aragon to give it a test run.
heyraz
usblues
1,217 posts
 
AGree with above.I had one for years.Its excellent,B
tkmetz
91 posts
 
The counterpoint products as a whole are quite forward sounding. They do not sound anything like typical tube products. I would think your Aragon is more laid back and musical in the mids/highs than the Counterpoint. Also, the bass response and control from the Aragon will be better as well. The counterpoint products were also known to be quite unreliable.

If you picked this amp up for cheap at an estate sale, I would just list it here or on Ebay and sell it. Keep your 2004.
br3098
994 posts
 
I have owned Counterpoint gear in the distant past. It was good at the time, for what it was. I probably wouldn't mess around with it today - too many shortcuts and compromises in the design. Repairs or upgrades can be very expensive.

If I were looking for a hybrid amp, I would consider Moscode, Vincent and Jolida. The Moscode 600 is an awesome amp, if you can find one.
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
Tried a modified Moscode 600 with all Auricaps and "hotrodded" power supply.
Hate to say despite a lot of favorable reviews and comments I find the moscode to be blunt, grainy, and misty.
It did not compare favorably against a stock SA100 with very minor mods
(only the coupling caps and 6FQ7 replacing the 6922s)
The SA12, SA100 is definitely best left for tweakers who have the time to adjust the gain on the 6922s, and pay a lot of attention not to fry the mosfets.
oddlots
13 posts
 
By the way my 23 year old SA12 in a second vacation home system finally dropped a channel the other day. Probably fried a MOSFET since the tubes were OK. Repairs and mods on these units are VERY expensive. The original designer is still around and does these repairs and mods at a hefty price [I forget his name]. It's not worth the effort in my opinion. It's a throw away. Look for newer stuff.
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