I think the answers will conform heavily towards one's age. IOW, if you're a young'un then a ten yr old amp may be vintage, whereas for others it is stuff half a century ago. That said, my favorite vintage amps are my Citation 7.1s. Do those count as vintage now that they are pushing 20 years old? If they're not old enough then I'd give the nod to Hafler DH-220. This was not only a fine amp but is nicely moddable into an even better one. For me that is a major plus: something that is good in its day, good today, and can be made even better or customized. That's a tough to beat combo at that price point.
What Is Your Favorite Vintage Amplifier?
Category: Amplifiers
My personal favorite is Edgar Villchur's Acoustic Research "AR Amplifier" made available from 1966 through '75. Although rated at fifty watts per channel rms into 8 ohms...this classic stereo amplifier was quite dynamic and offered more bang for my buck back in 1972.
At a military discounted price of $165 w/walnut wood cabinet...it put out the most pleasing powerful sound I can ever recall hearing. I believe it would still humble some modern day types! Solid bass...punchy mids...sparkling highs....Fletcher-Munson Tone Controls that you didn't really even have to nudge much. LUV that "Null" switch too that actually balances your stereo phono cartridge perfectly!
Just curious...What Do You Say?...Peter
My personal favorite is Edgar Villchur's Acoustic Research "AR Amplifier" made available from 1966 through '75. Although rated at fifty watts per channel rms into 8 ohms...this classic stereo amplifier was quite dynamic and offered more bang for my buck back in 1972.
At a military discounted price of $165 w/walnut wood cabinet...it put out the most pleasing powerful sound I can ever recall hearing. I believe it would still humble some modern day types! Solid bass...punchy mids...sparkling highs....Fletcher-Munson Tone Controls that you didn't really even have to nudge much. LUV that "Null" switch too that actually balances your stereo phono cartridge perfectly!
Just curious...What Do You Say?...Peter