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Counterpoint Hybrid Amps: How do they sound?

I've been curious about the Counterpoint SA-100 and NPS amps. They had a tube driver stage and MOSFET outputs. How do they sound compared to other things out there? Are they reliable? Counterpoint was famous for having equipment that was unstable and blew up. I had been told that the designer was not as technically adept an engineer, and that was why the circuit designs were not the most stable, and certain components were stressed in the circuit.

Anyway, the concept of hybrid amps has always been interesting, and very controversial. The different thoughts:

Hybrid amps have the best of tubes and solid state.

Hybrid amps have the worst of tubes and solid state combined.

Hybrid amps should use tube input stages and solid state output stages.

Hybrid amps should use solid state input stages and tube output stages.

YOUR EXPERIENCE & OPINIONS?
kevziek

Showing 1 response by phillster

phillster
3 posts
 
I am currently auditioning a used SA-220 amp until January 11 in my home and then have to decide if I want to purchase it. One thing my son and I noticed is that the amp has to be on for about an hour and then the sound 'blooms' and is most impressive. Has anyone else noticed that? Sound stage is wide and could use a little more front to back depth. One thing I am pleased with is the lack of ear fatigue after listening to them for compared to my previous Hafler. How does this amp sound compared to Brystons?

The main thing I am concerned about is repairs if it goes down as the store will give me only a 90 day warranty. The do say that they can fix it unless the power transformer blows. If Mike Elliot repairs this amp how do I go about contacting him?
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