The Counterpoint is truly one of the worst power amps I've heard.
It's highs are rolled off; the mid-base and base are not bad.There is virtually no transparency. Detailing is poor to acceptable. Rhythm, smoothness, dynamics are not in its vocabulary.
The overall sound whether it's vocals, instrumentals, whatever, is flat, dull and life-less and makes for a non- musical and non-pleasurable experience.
You can try it with different sources, pre-amps, cables and speakers and the result will be somewhat the same.
Several lower-priced power amps can run circles around it such as the Aragon,Ayre, SimAudio, McCormack and several integrated amps-Bryston,Puccinni, YBA and Krell.

While the cosmetics are great, it is still a much over-priced underachiever.

Neutral and clean power

None

The Counterpoint Solid 2 would be a superb amplifier on the used marked for 12-1500.00 range but these can be found for under a $1000.00. Counterpoint is no longer around, but Mike Elliot the owner still is and he will still service and upgrade these amps. Furthermore, he has recently come out with a new line of product which he sells direct over his web site.
The Solid 2 pushes out 200w into 8 ohms, 400 into 4 ohms. More importantly, it is clean and high grade audiophile power. This amp received the one of the hight accolades in Japan in an audiophile community which has traditionally prized lower power, SET type amps.
It pushed my difficult to drive Linn speakers with no problems and the amp has never shut down. It is beautiful to look at in its black finish and the quality control is apparent at both the visual and listening level. Its a weighty tank for sure, over 60 pounds, but it used its weight beautiful. If paired with the right speakers it is at the level of the best in solid state out there. Highly recommended.

Similar Products Used:

Naim, Krell, Aragon

I test drove this unit recently... It shutoff after trying to drive my Magnipan 3.5's, appears it cannot drive low ohm loads very well... Sounds good at low volumes though... I still think the Aragon 8008BB does a better job overall not to be confused with the 8008ST. It can drive my Maggi's at full bore, does not distort, and does not shut off when the impedance drops from 4 to 2 ohms under load.

The solid 2 is a very good sounding amp with...yes killer bass sweet highsnice mids good pacing an rythem very musical..i picked one up for a grand an at that price it's just a steal.ps it's not as good as my levinson 23 but its close.
the five star rating i am giving it is for people paying up to $1000 over that an i give it four stars.

Great amp and a great price. This beats alot of low end amps out there

A great amp. It has smooth, detailed highs and midrange. Nice vocals, not tubey but warm. Killer bass, the best I have ever heard. Bass not boom.Great build (72 lbs) and runs cool. The audio buff I bought it from found it to be better then the Aragon 8008.

In my book, just great.