I have a Counterpoint SA3000, fully modified by Mike Elliot (orig designer), and have to say it is clearly better than all the above mentioned preamps in every regard. However, it took almost $3,000.00 to make it so. It seams that a large part of the improvements, as with most preamps, lie in the quality of the individual parts list itself. Take a look at the different models between the same manufacturer. The relationship between the price and sound are relative to the price and cost of the parts. Design has to figure in the equation; however, from my experience, the quality of parts outways the quality of the hype. Look through the hype and you'll find the quality of parts to be the biggest factor. Therefore, my 2 cents would be to find a used Counterpoint SA5000 (good luck) and pay the extra dollars to Mike Elliot to have it transported into a world beater. No hype, just the truth.
