Best Vintage tube amp / preamp manufacturer


From the 60’s and 70’s. Macintosh obviously comes to mind. And which models of the brands. There aren’t that many but I am interested to know your thoughts. 
I have a bit of a Mac and Fisher collection going on. 

128x128pkvintage

I have an use a 1961 MC240 that was significantly modified by Mike Samra. IMO some of the best output transformers ever made.. IF you want to hear what your gear is capable of, modern power supply bridge / caps / regulation, pristine nos tubes, great coupling and interstage caps and importantly isolation… even the dense 50# MC240 greatly benefits, i use HRS.

I have a Citation I and an MC275, both modded/restored by my buddy Mike Samra. Incredible pieces, I recently went speaker shopping and none of the $$$ demo pre’s and power amps did much to make me long for newer gear. I recently retubed the preamp’s line section with Mullards from Jim McShane. 

@koh_i_noor If you like the old ARC stuff (like the SP-3) then if you can find an H/K Citation 1 and have it refurbished you're in for a pleasant surprise. The weak bit about the Citation was its connectors (which were the only game out there at the time) aren't very nice. But otherwise I think its a better preamp.

A Sansui AU 11 if originally offered as a model in the US will be a very nice Amp. 

My main experience is with  CD used as a Source. 

The in built Phonostage in use with a SUT, has also raised a few smiles from those who have heard this.