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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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n80
2,116 posts
 
Maybe not 'vintage' but I still like the way my Madrigal Proceed HPA2 drives my similar era Aerial Acoustic 7B towers. They need a lot of horsepower and the Proceed seems to deliver.

But my breadth of experience is....narrow.


Regardless, I feel no impulse or need to upgrade. Even if I could afford to.
nitrobob
246 posts
 
Are the Hafler 500’s considered kick ass?  I know I loved mine ...
jakeman's avatar
jakeman
78 posts
 
I`m still enjoying my Adcom 5802 , 20 years and counting.
roadwhorerecords
276 posts
 
@jasonbourne52  
 I also have a Perreaux 2150B, love it. It was the only amp I have owned that my AR9s wouldn't eat. Plus as a dual burner stove, I can make an egg sandwich while listening to Triumvirat at the same time.
mickeyb
570 posts
 
Any older krell. I love my first gen ksa-100. Had the electrolytics replaced and it’s good for another 30yrs.. 80lbs, dual mono, pure class A. There are very few amps I’d upgrade to and those will cost a small fortune. 
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