I still use Luxman M-4000 on a daily basis (together with its C-1010 pre amp companion). Although it’s now 45+ years old, I’m still amazed at how musical and ’modern’ (as in transparent) it sounds. Then upcoming engineer Tim de Paravacini (RIP) did it right and it stands as an early testament to his genius. One of the more powerful amps in its day (although the M-6000 was the real monster) it doesn’t run out of stream and keeps its composure when pushed really hard. I use it with speakers of the same vintage with fairly high efficiency (Pioneer CS-3000a and CS-T8), but it can just as easily drive my low sensitivity Maggie 20.7’s without any trouble. A true classic!
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?