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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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mytthor
18 posts
 
The Nelson Pass Designed an built Threshold SA-4e. 100w/ch of pure class A, and a ridiculous amount of current. Yes, it's a space heater, but I too will have it serviced in lieu of replacing it. It makes my Martin-Logans sing!
67gtonr
8 posts
 
Nelson Pass improved designed Adcom 5400.
ejr1953
915 posts
 
Back in the mid-1970's I was the second owner of a mint-condition McIntosh MC225 tube amplifier.  I didn't make that much money back then and was offered a huge price for the amp and sold it.  I wish I had that amp today!
jrwaudio
346 posts
 
I bought my VAC PA 100 100 tube amp and ARC LS15 tube pre amp back in 1995 and they are still going strong with no issues
I just replace the tubes on both units as l thought it's probably time to replace them
Just recently l bought a used Spectron musical MK ll class D amp to drive my Maggie's and l love that old amp and how it  
makes the Maggie's beg for mercy!
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
Any amp from David Belles still sound excellent and can show many amps the door 
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