The major diff, I think is the advent of switching / digital PS that take up less circuit board real estate (and don't get hot, to boot). As to the smaller size, surface mounted technology allows the use of very small components and take up a lot less space than before (smd). Another thing that has changed is the price: top-fi, hi-end items are priced beyond our solar system nowadays!
SOUND wise, however...it all depends; the actual amplification circuits haven't really changed... So unless the components are tired and need a change (say, the electrolytic caps in the PS), you may not find significant improvements in the new equipment. To be fair to new stuff, hopwever, i find that newer speakers are much better than most vintage ones; likewise with digital players.
SOUND wise, however...it all depends; the actual amplification circuits haven't really changed... So unless the components are tired and need a change (say, the electrolytic caps in the PS), you may not find significant improvements in the new equipment. To be fair to new stuff, hopwever, i find that newer speakers are much better than most vintage ones; likewise with digital players.