It's always interesting to see the following of a product and maintained
interest after so long...25 years. Back in the mid 80s, when I had the ARC SP-
10, and a friend had the CJ Premier 3, he then changed to the MC7 and swore
it was superior to the P3. I found that hard to believe. Unfortunately, he sold
the P3 before I could hear the comparison and decide for myself.
After going through the ARC, BAT, Aria/Counterpoint preamps for 25 years, I
have been on the lookout for the perfect "budget" preamp
(actually I only need a line stage) for a second (apartment size) system.
The Counterpoint SA-5 at $1100 unmodified continues to tear up the
competition, including the ARC LS5 that I praised and praised in these forums.
The SA-5 lacks the extension and detail at the frequency extremes and it is a
bit noisy (probably due to old tubes) but wow, this is a most musical product.
I got a local friend addicted to this too and he got one as well. I am debating
to upgrade the SA-5's power transformer to the Plitron as I know its magical
results in the Counterpoint SA-2.
As I pondered on what to do with the SA-5, I took delivery of a MC7 in
excellent condition. I felt my system was a bit too much of a good thing
(kinda tubey) so I thought I'd try the MC7. This is an exceptional piece! I
expected the 3D to collapse but it is mighty good here. Not quite the SA-5
but far better extension and super low noise than the SA-5. This was a much
better match with my system to counterbalance the goods/bads. I will listen
to this more and more and then return to the SA-5 to make any additional
comparison comments.
One thing about the MC7 - having two non-stepped volume controls is a
pain! At least with the Asethetix Callisto's two controls, they were stepped so
it was easy to match the levels. And second, only one line source is available
here. The selector switch has settings to monitor the Phono or the Line
through the tape device....but who cares! A second line source would be so
much nicer.
