I have the Convergent Audio Technology monoblocs. They are the CAT JL1 Signature edition. They are by far the best amps I have owned. I have owned many amps through the years but nothing comes close to these amps. They were designed in 1994 and blow away anything I have heard. The cool thing is what I paid for them. Because a design is old many people over look them. I hope to keep them forever.
Old Amps that can still Kick Butt
Not being a believer that time necessarily = progress, I would like to offer the following example of a sonic gem that has transcended time and can totally kick butt in a modern milieu:
The Robertson 4010. I got one of these about two years ago because it was in immaculate condition, the price was so low and I was inquisitive. I hooked it up and let it warm up for a couple of days. OMG this thing was in the super amp league: Transparency to die for, slam that you couldn‘t‘ believe for for a 50W amp.. Peter Moncrieffe wasn‘t wrong in his review of this amp: this thing is in the Sterreophile Class A component category hands down. Even after all these years.
What amps have you encountered that have defied time and can still kick butt today?