New preamps making new claims.

They are not necessarily better. But they may tuned differently which you may or may not like better. Plus heavy efforts into design rework, which may cost more than the changes in the electronics.

The process of advancement in audio reproduction is more of a random walk than a straight line jog from better to best. If you examine the product history of companies that have been in the business for a significant amount of time you will see numerous changes is design philosophy and many "dead end" product lines.

You should also give some consideration to exactly why a company comes out with a new product. Frequently it's due to supplier issues. If a certain tube is no longer being produced, then an amp manufacturer will have to change the design of their amp. The new amp could in some ways be better than the old amp, but that raises questions about why they picked a different tube to design around in the beginning.

Despite what I say, eventually someone will release a Signature Reference Statement Mk3 product and some audiophile will immediately feel the need to upgrade from their beloved Mk2 version.

Hello Pedrillo.

There is no doubt IMO they are getting better and not just different. But to measure the sounds improvement is an awfully difficult thing to quantify. It's an opinion and something that will differ from person to person and their particular (different) systems.

I also think that when many of the manufactures make these claims they are coming from the design perspective.

Best,

Tom

There are a few vintage, classic ARC units that blow away anything currently available. Aside from ARC used units being great values, service and support in the good old USA makes them technically superior to all the new stuff. Your will not be disappointed purchasing ARC stuff.

As for cars, just take a test drive in the new Honda Fit. At $15K, It will blow you away and quickly tell you why the Big Three have lost their way, never to find it again. No multi billion dollar bail out will save them, let them go, quietly into the dust bin of history, the quicker the better.

If you examine the product history of companies that have been in the business for a significant amount of time you will see numerous changes is design philosophy and many "dead end" product lines.

This is exactly what NOT to look for in a company - what are the chances that this years model happens to be a keeper? Successful products with substantial advantages often have a much longer life span - some lasting 20+ years. If you can find a product that is still being produced (substantially unchanged) and is desirable 5 to 10 years after its initial launch then go for it.

Today's latest and greatest mostly ends up on the "dead end" junk pile.