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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?


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hartf36's avatar
hartf36
200 posts
 
I'll run my EX-442 Sonata and modded DH220 until they die or I'm crisp.

Whichever comes first. 
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
579 posts
 
I like Class A amps despite the heat they put out.  Have several Classe DR3 VHC, and a Belles A - not many made of any of those but still excellent sounding assuming they are in good shape (which usually means some capacitor replacement at this age). 

There is a of of classic gear that still sounds very good - I use a 20 year old CJ Premier in my main system 
jerryrocks's avatar
jerryrocks
62 posts
 
Marantz 1060 - original amps provide the best sound. Refurbished becomes necessary at some point. I have mine driving my outdoor Klipsch rock speakers and am constantly amazed at the musical qualities it is able to produce. Tried a couple of more modern amps and they sounded flat and expressionless. What a classic treasure.
ghdprentice
6,445 posts
 
@orgillian
.

Now that was a cost effective purchase!
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
410 posts
 
One vintage piece that is often overlooked is the Fisher 400 CX-2 preamp "The President".   This was Fisher's competitor to the Marantz 7 and Mac C22.   I got a chance to hear one once and OMG, it's every bit as good as either.   A Marantz 7 will run you at least $7000 today.  A good Mac C22 will go for as little as $4500, but to get one nice will be at least $5000.   When you can find one of these Fisher preamps, in fully restored condition, will run you about $3000 - $3500.   And they're beautiful.  Really.  With that classic Fisher look.


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