Counterpoint SA-9 Tube Phono Preamp

For your consideration today, I have a rare and highly sought-after vacuum tube, 2-pc Phono stage (very hefty power supply and active adjustable head unit) from Counterpoint Audio, the SA-9--labeled by Counterpoint as an “Isolinear Phono Equalizer”. This unit is silver. The SA-9 offers both MM and MC load options on the front panel. The head unit contains 18 tubes and a long (almost 10 feet), umbilical cable that is hard-wired to the power supply with the other end using a special locking-collet multi-pin connector to attach to the head unit. This allows the user to place the power supply a good distance from the head unit so as to offer lower overall noise and better isolation between the active circuitry and power supply.

This unit comes from the estate sale of a personal friend, and was an integral part of his world-class stereo system. All of the equipment was very well cared for during use and packed carefully for transport in 2003, when I packed it to go from NY to his NC retirement home, where it was carefully stored after his passing. I have been going through the equipment in my spare time over the last couple of years to list all of it for sale.

I am giving this unit a very conservative 8 grading on the condition scale. Both chassis of the unit look fantastic, with no notable cosmetic issues. I prefer to grade in a manner that will leave a buyer pleasantly surprised, and I am confident that whoever receives this phono stage will be quite happy with its physical condition. Please see the pictures for details, and feel free to contact me with any questions. Original boxes will be included as well. There is no user manual included.

Upon a final test run prior to listing this for sale, I did notice a slight hum in one channel when played at very high volume--this was tested with headphones and the hum was apparent during quiet and/or silent passages of music. Due to space concerns, I tested it with the units stacked on top of each other, which no doubt contributed to the hum. When more widely spaced, this hum should reduce to a very minimal level. The long umbilical cord allows for ideal set up with the units being isolated from each other as much as possible.

I understand that these units are now very difficult to obtain, and that this model later became the Elliot Audio Magnum Opus phono stage. This SA-9 is quite desirable, considering the cosmetic condition, care from previous owner, and original packing boxes. I will be considering serious offers on this, but I am listing it for $5,000. Please no low-ballers, as you will get no reply. I prefer PayPal for payment, though local pick up for cash is also an option. Payments via PayPal will need to add an additional 4% to cover transfer fees. I will ship to Canada and the USA, but no other international destinations.

This SA-9 will well-packed and shipped via UPS with full insurance. Buyer is responsible for all shipping charges. Both components are already packed up, double boxed, well padded and ready to go.