Had to respond after reading n80’s post. My Proceed (Levinson designed) HPA2 powers a pair of Aerial Acoustics Model 8b’s. Same amp, same speaker manufacturer as n80. I upgraded my pre-amp to an Ayre Acoustics K-5e, but did not hear a benefit to upgrading to an Ayre amp at that time. I suspect there may be “better” amps out there, but component matching is part of the reason people keep older equipment. When you are happy with the sound of your gear, you are less likely to seek an upgrade. I’ve listened to a lot of supposedly better newer speakers by firms like Wilson, B&W, Magico and others, but just as I’ve kept my amp (had it repaired at reasonable cost twice), I’ve also kept my speakers.
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?