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

@fsonicsmith

Let history be the judge! Over 60 years time has proven that the basics continue to be valid and that the newest ground breaking production is two steps forward and three steps back. So go ahead and make a fool of yourself. I will sit back and eat popcorn. With extra butter.

I understand new technology is introduced and time marches on, No problem with accepting that. My point is simply everything new is not necessarily better. Can it be?Sure, but it is not a given.

The wonderful thing about audio endeavors is you have the ability to listen to music being reproduced and deciding which truly is better sounding and convincing to you the individual.

I hope that the OP is able at some point to compare his beautiful and timeless (In my humble opinion) VAC Renaissance 70/70 to a modern high NFB circuit design solid state amplifier and draw his own conclusion. Just listen to the music, which amplifier  is the more compelling and promotes more listener engagement and emotion/passion? That’s the better amplifier.

Charles

Technology only moves on one direction.   My ears tell me things are possible today that were not in years past with amplifier technology.  There are some very good older amps but I would have no interest in moving backwards. 

Lancelock mentioned the Altec Lansing 1570B (170 Watt mono). I have a pair of the Altec 1568A (40 Watt mono), also about sixty years old and they sound beautiful.
These Altec theater amps had some of the finest transformers ever put in audio amplifiers but the power supplies were primitive. Tightening up the PS with new, larger electrolytics and poly bypass caps, maybe adding a choke, turned these into some of the finest sounding amplifiers, tube or SS, money can buy -

But not quite up to the level of a (modded) Harman Kardon Citation II (Stereo 60/60), again with superb transformers, probably THE best ever, which I am currently using and which replaced the Altecs.

There’s probably something to be said for vintage Audio Research and Marantz 9’s but those get crazy expensive and I haven’t had them in my system.

I have copious notes on the mods for both the Altec and HK which I’d be pleased to share if you’re interested.

Marc Stager
New York City
https://stagersound.com/silver

I am running a 20 year old BAT VK-60SE that destroys everything I compare it to (that I can afford).  Of course that is kind of the point of this hobby…finding those relatively affordable gems, new or used, that just break the mold for years to come and stand the test of time of musical enjoyment, if not also technical accuracy.  

I recently listened to some vintage Fisher gear, having had a Fisher 400 as a kid but not realizing what I had.  My part-time paycheck replaced it with an Onkyo separates and CD player.  I thought it was broken when I hooked it up…but I digress.

Listening to that amp 35 years later I remembered the lack of extension and warmth, but was floored by the textures, image and musicality, remembering that moment when I realized SS then, as now, just cannot compete with tubes, for me at least.

However, my 20 year old BAT has none of those shortcomings and the qualities in spades.  I only have, for heat issues, a less vintage Ayre SS amp that while very good in its own right and a fantastic, reliable, great sounding amp, is a disappointment every time I turn it on.

I have two pieces of gear that I will never sell: the BAT and my LS-50s.  Not because they are faultless, but because they so fundamentally make the music sing that ‘better’ ceases to be relevant.  Now or in 20 years.

Enjoy your VAC.

My ears tell me things are possible today that were not in years past with amplifier technology. There are some very good older amps but I would have no interest in moving backwards

Precisely my point , use your ears and decide. If you genuinely believe that the new betters the older alternatives then case closed as far as you’re concerned, I get it.

For other fellow music lovers who also listen and compare, their outcome and conclusions may tell them otherwise. The epitome of individuality. No consensus correct or incorrect but rather what sounds best in each unique listener’s case.

Charles