2. amps-preamps
  3. 133037-80920

20 Year Old Amplifiers compared to 2017

Just a random thought, but I’m curious just how well the state of the art solid-state amplifiers from 20 years ago compare to some of today’s better offerings. For example, what does a pair of Mark Levinson 33Hs or a Krell FPB 600 sound like if compared to the latest offerings from Pass Labs or Ayre Acoustics?
imgoodwithtools
electroslacker
375 posts
 
Well, I obviously mispoke on Atmasphere amps, since they're OTL.  Only heard them once at a show, and thought they sounded very open.   
jonnie22
42 posts
 
Amps are better today, *if* we assume solid-state. Pass is better and a good number of tube lovers admit this made them ditch their gear. So, something happened.

If we believe Benchmark amp specs, noise and distortion measure lower than the 70s, when we had THD wars.
hiphile
32 posts
 
After a recent upgrade my 30 something year old Acoustat TNT 200 trashed a couple newer amps that I auditoned not too long ago!
lancelock
1,087 posts
 
I have a Mirror Image Audio 1.1 SB. The company was around from ca 1985 to 1994. With 200 watts and up to 30 in class A, it still sounds incredible and I would put it up against anything new.
tantra4
2 posts
 
I am still using a pair of CJ Premier 12 monoblock tube amps from about 20 years ago.  They still sound glorious, warm and very engaging.  I've thought about having CJ upgrade the caps.  Any thoughts about this?  
More to discover