When people say that today's amplifiers are better, or vice versa, have they really heard a broad enough sampling of both to make that claim? Have they really heard the best of vintage amplifiers--such as Western Electric 59A (252 pushpull), 91A (300B single-ended), 86 (pushpull 300B), Marantz 9, etc.? I heard a demonstration where a very good current model Audio Note Kageki (parallel single-ended 2a3) was compared to the 59A playing Audio Note AN-E speakers. The Kageki sounded wonderful until the 59A stepped into its place--the comparison was so startling that it made the Kageki sound like it was broken. The Kageki is now almost a six figure amp and it does not come close to the 59A playing speakers that should be friendly to Audio Note amps. I really like the sound of the Kageki (I own a pair), but the 59A is so much better--more vivid and alive, more rich and harmonically saturated, and still relaxed sounding (not edgy). The 59A probably costs twice as much as the Kageki these days, but for someone who can afford it (not me), it would be the end-game amp.
