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New vs Used - Significant sonic improvements in preamp/amp design in the last 20 years?

I've read many opinions that preamp and amp technology has been mature for many years. Assuming a preamp or amp was rated “Class A”, designed/built well and can still be easily repaired or modified, is there a significant sonic benefit to purchasing new equipment vs well cared for equipment that is 10-20 years old? I’m specifically asking only about preamps and amps (tube based and SS).

If there has been significant sonic improvements over the past 20 years, what design improvement attributed to that change and what are the sonic benefits?
jrader

Showing 1 response by rego

rego
378 posts
 
My opinion, is many examples would qualify as an improvement.
Especially in the last five to ten years.
A small change can make a big difference! In any late/early model.
Manufacturers constantly make changes/development for improvement.
A transformer, PCB, a Chip, and making everything work as design will allow.
For example Technics latest iteration implemented as Reference/Grand/
Premium tiers for Sonic Excellence. (my personal bias)
Tube based design does suggest an exception because of parts (tubes)
that are no longer being made. (exceptions on both sides of the question)
The Sonic difference between lower and higher tier models may be less!
Items of note:
Gan - FET high speed device
Toroidal Transformer

Greg
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