How do former SOTA units still stack up?

I have owned some items that some considered State Of The Art......SOTA.  My thought/question is how some older SOTA units hold up to today's competition.  My personal experience is highlighted by the Conrad Johnson ART pre-amplifier.  None before or since involved my interest and listening time as much as the ART.  The ART was also the pre that let me know more about associated  amps, sources, cables and speakers than any other component I have owned.  Thanks for your thoughts/experience.