Counterpoint 5.1- Beyond My Comprehension

Same as what JWu said. One big improvement with the SA-5000 is the Direct In modification. I found that the sound stays close to what you hear now except the sound opens up and is clearer like using windex on your windows. It takes so much time to take apart an SA-5000 but worth the effort IMO if you choose to go down that path.

RE: Bigkidz & Johnson

Thanks for the reply! If either of you would be willing to tackle upgrades in the caps, I would love to talk with you further.

Thanks

Travis

The 5.1 is good as it is as long as it's stable. I wouldnt sink money into it unless there is some sentimental value.
There's really nothing special to a dual 6922 grounded cathode parallel plate-drive line stage. An SA5000 with the followers pulled is essentially an SA5.1.
The Phono stage is a 2 stage 6922 with grounded cathode. Really nothing special.
The Power supply... The section after the 6CA4 rectifier could use a choke. The tube regulator section is in the main chassis I recall and without a service manual I wouldnt start working on it.
you can just do a signal path mod by changing out resistors and coupling caps (the output cap will be smaller, less bass, after the mod as I recall it uses a 10uF RelCap. Modern high end caps are 10x the size)

If you want to get it up and running either email JWu or myself from the Alta Vista website. JWu is in CA and I am in NJ.

You may also want to mod the power supply to a pure tube set-up.