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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
dbamac72c8
5 posts
 
I've had an SA-220 (upgraded Sa-20) for almost 10 years. I still haven't even changed the input stage tubes - normally an indicator of a very well thought of circuit design. I would recommend either the SA-100 or the SA-220, the earlier versions, the SA-12 and SA-20 did have a rep for terminating rather easily.
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?
quercus
4 posts
 
I see I am a bit late posting about a Counterpoint SA-220 and what is now a NP-220.  I have been busy listening and not reading audio blogs.  It has been a rock solid amp providing organic, emotional content through the loudspeakers.  I could never overdrive the amp and it has provided 22+ years of service.  
 
When it changed from mosfet to bi-polar outputs (my fault) the bass tightened up and the overall sound sobered up some, but as has been spoken before, it always sounded best when it was well warmed up.

To sum up, my wife (a non performance audio type) plays her music with friends in the room louder then polite company would approve because the music is so involving and all the women appreciate that.  That spells it out for me. 

lexphin
62 posts
 
As Ultrakaz stated....I had a SA3000 pre-amp. PIECE OF JUNK. It picked up RF interference in the photo section in the form of an AM Religious radio station. I contacted  Counterpoint tech support and was told to move because their POS pre-amp was not compatible with my residence. LOL. Eventually resolved the issue with ferrite beads. Anyone interested in Counterpoint Products, BUYER BEWARE
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
If you think the SA-3000 is a piece of junk then send it to me.  I just tonight finished rebuilding two Counterpoint amps which are actually no longer Counterpoint designs.  All point-to-point wired and Class A output boards with V-Caps.  The sound is now amazing.  Same goes for the preamps.  Upgrades are easy and take these products to a completely higher level.  If you need assistance, send me a message though Agon.

Happy Listening.
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