Old Amps that can still Kick Butt

Threshold S/450e

I also have a Scott Lk-150, and it is a special amplifier. It’s my “back up”, but I’ve tried it in my main system in place of a very well respected, current model amp, and it competes very well. I actually prefer it with some music. I took it with me to audio stores to compare to new amps when I was looking to buy. It sounded better than all the ones I auditioned. We’d listen to the new amp first, then put the Scott in its place and listen again. I could tell the moment the salesman realized the 60 year old amp sounded better… his jaw would drop. Literally. It’s also gorgeous to look at. I haven’t heard everything out there, but I’ve owned dozens of amps, and I’ve listened to many dozen more. Something about this Scott just sounds “real”.

Accupahse P300. H-K Citation 16, GAS Ampzilla, Meitner MT101, 

I am listening to Three Chords and the Truth by Van the Man on a Cary SL-100 / Adcom GFA-535ii combo and can find no fault. Not pushed hard, the little 535 is no slouch. It drives the large Advents really well.

Love questions like this, great question, interesting answers. Lots of good info.


I have an Adcom 555II that I am trying to decide whether to rebuild from the resistors up, not just the caps. Nelson Pass design, how bad could it be with a soft start circuit added into it?