Amps from the 1980's -- What gear holds up sonically? Reliably?

In responds to Daveyf remark, "vote for cream of the crop," there is no way the AR components you mentioned would take that spot. There were way too many great sounding items. And I haven't checked but I'm assuming that the AR amp you mentioned was either SS or a 6550 based amp. I for one, prefer EL34 amps over 6550 designs and even still, the 300b tube over EL34. So that's why I do not prefer AR amps and some of the CJ line. I mention MCIntosh amps in an earlier reply because MCIntosh had been quiet for many years and returned back in the spot light in the 80's. And to my discovery, they make some awesome sounding hifi equipment. I never own MAC stuff but have heard it several times and I'm very impressed. These 5 preamps I own and are using in my systems - the main preamps-  Marantz 7, AR SP-11 mk 2, Stevens Billington Silver passive, and the Conrad Johnson PV9A & PV-11 preamps used just for phono-sections.  I don't want to begin the list of amps and turntable I have set up. 

lowtubes--"In responds to Daveyf remark, "vote for cream of the crop," there is no way the AR components you mentioned would take that spot. There were way too many great sounding items. And I haven’t checked but I’m assuming that the AR amp you mentioned was either SS or a 6550 based amp. I for one, prefer EL34 amps over 6550 designs and even still, the 300b tube over EL34. So that’s why I do not prefer AR amps and some of the CJ line. I mention MCIntosh amps in an earlier reply because MCIntosh had been quiet for many years and returned back in the spot light in the 80’s. And to my discovery, they make some awesome sounding hifi equipment. I never own MAC stuff but have heard it several times and I’m very impressed. These 5 preamps I own and are using in my systems - the main preamps- Marantz 7, AR SP-11 mk 2, Stevens Billington Silver passive, and the Conrad Johnson PV9A & PV-11 preamps used just for phono-sections. I don’t want to begin the list of amps and turntable I have set up."

That’s all IYHO. My ARC amp does use 6550’s. Your preference for EL34’s or 300B’s is just that a "personal" preference.
Have you actually ever heard one of the ARC amps I mention...recently, I am betting not. MAC stuff from the tube age is nice, but is more colored and less resolving ...IMHO. YMMV.

Mac stuff from the tube age with upgraded parts might surprise a lot of people. Great midrange and totally non fatiguing, I still own a pair of MC-60s. Not used every day but I can't part with them either and always enjoy listening for a change of pace. REALLY nice with an heavily upgraded PV9a, my current everyday pre. Back to the future kind of.

Epicure model 1 power, Soundcraftsman pre and power. Apt Holman.