When were the best tube amps made?

I wonder how much of my opinion of ARC has come from the SP9 and so many who claimed to love it at the time?

I agree that the current ARC line is much better than what I remember from the mid 1980's. 

Weird to me you'd attempt a hybrid preamp. 

To be honest, I think my question was more about other A'goner's tastes than to attempt to come to any particular conclusion. Whether you wax analytical or nostalgic, your favorite tube amp says more about you than the gear I think. :)

@alexberger  Those look like tube names, not amps. :)

1980's Audio Research need not apply. 

Of course I was deliberately being a bit of a troll here, but I always liked CJ of the era better than ARC, and I like modern ARC a lot more as well.   :-)

All in good fun.

@fsonicsmith Don’t mind fan boys/fan girls, but tell us a little of why you think they are exceptional, please!

P.S. - Are they still in business?  Their website hasn't been updated in years.

@knotscott  No argument with CAT!!