20 Vintage Amps That Prove They Really Don’t Make Them Like They Used To

Nostalgia plays a big part in this. Romanticizing about a past amp or lover elevates it's perceived status. Much like revisiting that gf we were so crazy about as a young man and finding disappointment, revisiting an old piece of gear disappoints. 

Fun article!

I owned two of the amps in the article-Harman Kardon Citation II, Dynaco Stereo 70. Compared to the amps I have now ARC, Unison, they are euphonic and transients are slower. They were also lacking in top end, but so were the speakers that were made during this period.

NAD's 3020 was my foray into refined audio reproduction. It was paired with Spectrum Audio 208A speakers, Toledo.  I bought the combo from a mail order place in Grand Rapids.  All my undergrad partygoer friends were blown away … great synergy, dynamics and sound for a 20 watt piece. 

I still have it.

I recently sold my 50 year old McIntosh MA6100, and purchased a brand new Micromega M1. Both sound great but the Micromega has more grip, more power, a remote control, Bluetooth and streaming. Both are beautiful to look at. New gear wins for me.

I kept waiting for Ampzilla, but she never showed up!