Can a Amp be "timeless" and compete with todays amps?


I’ve been into hi resolution audio for 20+ years, well longer than that but acquired high quality gear about that time. I veered off into other interests for 15 years but still had my system sitting idle in it’s dedicated room. I became interested in it again 6 months ago and began to update it. I still have my Rega Planar 25 table and a Dragon phono stage.  I retained my CEC TL1 transport, but replaced my DAC with a Dinafrips Venus II, I also have the Hermes DDC which I feed my CEC into as well as my Cambridge Streamer. I sold my Genesis V speakers because they were having an issue with the left channel bass and since they were out of business I had no way to fix them, it was over my head. I found someone that wanted them and was willing to repair them himself. (he is very happy with them) I replaced them with some Goldenear Triton 1.r’s which I love. So here is the nostalgia part. I still have my VAC Cla 1 Mk II pre amp and my VAC Renaissance 70/70 Mk II amp. I feel they still hold up well sonically, so my thoughts are to send them both to VAC for the Mk III updates this fall of 2022, which includes replacing any necessary parts and "voicing" them back to new as intended when they were first made. I really believe these pieces are worthy of the restoration, are newer pieces today really going to make much headway? I cannot afford to replace these items with "like" items as I am retired and the discretionary income isn’t there anymore. I just feel like they are still really good and offer a very high quality sound. I mean 8- 300 B tubes can’t be all that bad can they? I’ve voiced the pre amp with with Telefunken 12AX7’s and I have a small stash of them. Tube sound is still great right?

128x128fthompson251

Who ever claims Amp is an Amp lacks experience.

I think he might lack more than that.

I believe So,

 

Ralph Karsten of Atma-Sphere commissioned an OTL Amplifier with no Compromise on parts, Design or Circuitry. It was built using all his 45++ Years of knowledge, Amps like these will become timeless collectors' art. I just put it up for sale for the reason of downgrading our building and rooms but it's been hurting me last few weeks to see it go.

David Hafler was designing Amplifiers in the 50’s under Acrosound and then Dynaco The Hafler DH-200 was introduced using mosfet outputs, a feature that was way ahead of the rest of the pack. In the late 80’s Hafler hooked up with the Rockford Corporation where they took on the challenge of creating high end amplifiers. The 9505 by all accounts was one of the most musical power amps ever made.