SUNFIRE vs COUNTERPOINT

If someone gave me a Counterpiont SA-5000A I would jump at the chance.. the Sunfire I would sniff at it and be far less interested.'Is that an answer?

I owned both in the past,the Sunfire a couple of years ago and the Counterpoint (used) about 15 years ago.

The Sunfire was an OK sounding preamp.The Counterpoint was exceptional!!!

Of course,I never heard them at the same session or had a chance to A/B the two,but I would opt for the SA-5000 in a heartbeat!!!

Is the Sunfire remote controlled? I cannot remember.If so,that would be the only advantage.

The Sunfire is remote controlled. I actually own both units.I got the Sunfire recently and realized it had never been retubed. I ordered new tubes so I can hear how good it can sound. That's why I would like to hear other peoples opinions to see if they match my own. Right now with the old tubes (they are Sovteks) I prefer the Counterpoint. The Sunfire seems to push instruments to far back (deeper soundstage?)for my taste. I will say it does seem to have more air than the Counterpoint. I will have the new tubes in another day or so (JAN Philips 6922 and Sovtek 12ax7 LPS) so both units will have the same tubes and give them some burn in time then I will see which one I really prefer.