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Counterpoint was founded in 1977 in Beverly Hills, California, and relocated to San Diego in 1980. The company was originally established with designer Ed Semanko creating the SA-1 tube preamp as their first product. In 1979, Michael Elliott joined the company and purchased it in 1980, serving as president and chief designer until its closure. Under Elliott's leadership, Counterpoint specialized in tube and hybrid amplification equipment, with their most popular product being the SA-5000 preamp featuring an all-tube power supply. The company manufactured approximately 10,000 units across their various product lines during their operational period. Despite producing highly regarded high-quality audio equipment with warm tube amplification characteristics, Counterpoint faced financial difficulties and filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 1996. The bankruptcy was converted to Chapter 7 in February 1998, with company assets sold at public auction in April 1998. Michael Elliott subsequently started Alta Vista Audio (1998-2016) for service and repairs, and briefly operated Aria Audio (2001-2012). The original Counterpoint ceased operations in 1997-98, though Chinese-manufactured products have used the Counterpoint branding since 2016.