Does old-fashioned necessarily mean out of date?


Having recently purchased an amplifier that I expect would not command the attention it might have a decade or so ago, it leads me to the following observation and question.

While technological innovation in the design and construction of audio equipment continues admirably unabated, I would assert that there are venerable products still being manufactured whose qualities seem to remain not only undiminished but unsurpassed regardless of the "cutting edge" products they are juxtaposed to.  I believe that one such product is the Ars-Sonum Filarmonia XP Universum.  It is meticulously--in fact, lovingly--constructed.  It utilizes high quality components assembled in an effective architecture to produce its modest but robust output of 28 wpc. Most importantly, the sound it produces, in conjunction with the right equipment, can only be described as glorious.  

So what I am wondering  is whether there are others who agree that the best way to go forward sometimes is to stay deliberately still.  And if so, to which pieces of equipment would this thinking apply.

Thanks.

mew2150

It depends if you are talking vintage, old design but new parts or new design. Vintage eventually will need parts replaced, esp caps. "Old" design still manufactured with new parts, it is not like they use caps or resistors from 60s. 

A product that sounds good will always sound good, and technological advances where tubed gear is concerned are overrated.

Especially if you are fond of NOS tubes, as I am.

@mew2150 - it’s not black and white, true or false.

There are many facets to this high-end audio hobby beyond simply chasing the latest technology.  If’s not good, better, best but rather it’s subjective preferences for different presentations, especially in tube midrange such as Kondo, Shindo, Berning. Vintage turntables are still solid performers, big fan of tricked out Garrand 301.  Early electrostats speakers are still sonically competitive within their limited range. 

best way to go forward sometimes is to stay deliberately still. (Oxymoron?)

This can be interpreted 2 ways:

1) Sometimes it’s wise to not shop to purchase anymore - this is true 

2) Stop in fear that my current purchase will soon be obsolete - this is unwise, unwise to think this way.  High end audio, like high tech, will always be improving- the market drives it. Sitting on your hands will not change this.  One can try to purchase wisely to minimize component depreciation, like purchasing used.  But sitting out you’ll miss the benefit current components can lift your audio chain - a current DAC is “Sonically” more enjoyable “Now” which you’d loose out if doing nothing. Sure your bank would be fuller but if that’s the main concern, you’re in the wrong hobby.

Thanks but i was always here...

I only restraint me to post because of gangstalking... cool

 

 

@mahgister Welcome back!