With the exception of Class D and digital amps, I think that a 20-30yr old amp can sound as good as what is available today. Class D and digital amps are relatively new, thus do not have vintage counterparts.
There is one caveat to the above- restoration. A 20-30yr old amp may "work" in the sense that it passes an intelligible signal, it will likely not sound at its best. A vintage amp should be fully serviced, with all caps replaced, and all resisters, wiring, diodes, rectifiers etc replaced as needed. Only then can a valid comparison be made.
That said, a true high end amp from back in the day would be very competitive with a new amp of similar topology. And at a cheaper price.
The original post specified SS amps. I would expand this point to include tube amps. Audio Research, Conrad Johnson and Luxman tube amps of 30yrs ago can also be restored to great effect and value. I love the sound of my ARC V70....with new caps. The HK Citation II, after rebuild, becomes a very compelling value in todays market. And we all know about McIntosh, specifically the MC225, MC30, MC240, MC275.
There is one caveat to the above- restoration. A 20-30yr old amp may "work" in the sense that it passes an intelligible signal, it will likely not sound at its best. A vintage amp should be fully serviced, with all caps replaced, and all resisters, wiring, diodes, rectifiers etc replaced as needed. Only then can a valid comparison be made.
That said, a true high end amp from back in the day would be very competitive with a new amp of similar topology. And at a cheaper price.
The original post specified SS amps. I would expand this point to include tube amps. Audio Research, Conrad Johnson and Luxman tube amps of 30yrs ago can also be restored to great effect and value. I love the sound of my ARC V70....with new caps. The HK Citation II, after rebuild, becomes a very compelling value in todays market. And we all know about McIntosh, specifically the MC225, MC30, MC240, MC275.