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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

Showing 2 responses by johnsonwu

johnsonwu
467 posts
 
Too old and unless you are electronics-handy to change out the coupling caps and perhaps the "dried out" B+ caps the unit in its present condition will not compred with a 2004.
Also you need to be EXTRA EXTRA careful with speaker wires on old Counterpoints.
One short, even for a fraction of a second, will blow it up in specacular fashion and changing out the mosfets require expert rebuild using 2SK1530+2SJ201 or a trip to Altavista Audio for an NP upgrade.
johnsonwu
467 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.
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