Counterpoint SA3000 vs. Audible Illusions Modulus 3A

I'm trying to decide which of these preamps would match up best to my McCormack DNA .5 amp? My current speakers are Magnepan MMG but am looking to move up in the Magnepan line. I listen mostly to vinyl and stream Title.

dave4306-10-2019 4:54pm

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mofimadness Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,992 posts 06-11-2019 at 02:44am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The M3A is a full tube preamp. The SA-3000 is a hybrid. I have owned both. IMHO, the M3A kicks the crap out of the Counterpoint. Just my opinion of course...
adg101 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,063 posts 06-11-2019 at 04:39am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Had an Counterpoint SA3.1 a few years back; it was ok. Later I went to a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 which was better, then to a ModWright SWL 9.0 SE which smoked them both... not even close. Can’t speak for the AL but I know you get a great phono preamp if it has the gold board. Not sure I’d care for the separate volume controls and aren’t they funny about eating tubes? Read up on the original ModWright for the money.
jafox Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,457 posts 06-12-2019 at 02:36am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete If you like the Counterpoint sound, with tube rectified power supply, keep your eyes out for the SA-5000. This makes the Audible Illusions sound like a kiddie toy.

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