Open, lively, good dimensionality; superb phono section.

Line section is nowhere near the performance of phono. Bass is lacking a bit, but does not get in the way of the music.

I have owned this preamp since the mid 80's. Although I have enjoyed using it, I have never fell in love with it. While hooked up to an Electron Kinetics Eagle 2 amp, I was impressed with the wide open sound stage and the dimensionality that it delivers. The phono stage is far superior to the line section in that regards. The line section sounds flat in comparison. However, playing CD's through the line section does remove a lot of the harshness inherent in the CD format. Playing a fine analog recording on a good turntable/tonearm/cartridge through the phono section produces a wonderful lively dynamic soundstage. If you are not into rock/pop that demands low bass, this is a fine preamp, especially for the money.

I auditioned, but did not buy a Counterpoint 7.1 preamp. It had very good trebble liveliness and detail. Mid-range was fine and bass was extended. It's biggest shortcoming was lack of bass definition. It's trebble matches some $2000 (new price) preamps, mid-range about $1,000 preamps, bass extension ($1000 preamps), and bass definition ($300 receivers). For $300 (used) its an excellent preamp, but I need bass definition with Legacy Focus speakers. My PSE Studio I pre-amp (was $1200 new 15 years ago) has far more bass definition and was the equal in mid-range. It but fell short of the 7.1 in the other two areas.