20 Year Old Amplifiers compared to 2017

I think it is possible that Class A/B solid state amps made a significant jump in sound quality in the early nineties. If we go back twenty years from 2017 that puts us at 1997, so there were some very good amps even manufactured back then. To manufacture a Class A/B or pure Class A amp of that quality and metal content today would cost a great deal more money. It is no wonder why some audiophiles choose to refurbish some of those older great designs of yesterday.

Lets not forget the Carver challenge to Stereophile Magazine (J Gordon Holt)  that he could make a $700.00 amplifier (specifically his model 1.0) sound indistinguishable from any high end amp of their choice and he succeeded in doing so.

In regards to my above post, I think it begs the question if Mr. Carver can simply manipulate his circuit to compete with some very expensive amps why didn't he build his amps originally to sound that good? Would love to get Bobs answer on this question. I don't know if he is still around.

@cheeg,
Ive always heard such good things about the older McCormack DNA amps, as you described above.
 
The OP specified some higher end amps from 20 years prior, but I will say that right now I am listening to a Luxman R-113 35w SS receiver built 25 years ago in 1993, driving a pair of Zu Audio Omen bookshelves, 16 0hm.
Sounds great! 

I mean, the Luxman only cost me $65 at the local record store, but it is similar to Naim to my ear, but a bit more even keel (less PRAT-ish). 

oh, and what about Naim amps/integrated? they have a cult following going back to the 70's, and still traded heavily on the used market, but may need recapping.

Lets not forget the Carver challenge to Stereophile Magazine (J Gordon Holt) that he could make a $700.00 amplifier (specifically his model 1.0) sound indistinguishable from any high end amp of their choice and he succeeded in doing so.

Well... he was within 30 db if I recall that right.