New preamps making new claims.

I have had the chance to compare newer against older preamps from two companies.
ARC ref.3 vs. ref 2 MKII
Ayre K-1XE vs. kxr
In both cases the newer models were more transparent, detailed, better extention both top and bottom, all without loosing the musical sound that keeps you in your chair. So from the ones I have heard the newer preamps are getting better.
I have heard the new BAT VK-32SE also and owned the VK-31SE and feel the BAT is better too. But I have not heard the BATs side by side.
Also all three were quieter, mainly the ARC.

One thing some people fail to realize is that some ( not all )companies just change to for the sake of change to incourage people to think its better becuase its newer ..Companies change a resistor or change locations of connectors and call it "B" Version and many have to have it..( Ive been there )..Certainly there are exceptions to the rule but how many peices made today will still be playing 30 years from now like Sansui and Marantz etc...............?

pedrillo...don't mean to get all 'economics-ish' on you, but literally over 'one thousand' more companies would be severly crippled or gone, if the big 3 where to go away tomorrow....for better or worse, the old saying may still be somewhat true, 'whats good for general motors is good for america'(i wouldn't wish job loss on anyone)....as for newer is better..maybe for many, but i love old stuff(even though i buy new stuff too)..cars, houses, audio, music and yeah, my wife(who i sometimes wish i could trade in).

Macdadtexas: the vibe is not a GM car. It is a toyota marketed by pontiac. Which just goes to show you that the american brands have created a tough reputation for themselves-stylewise. As for quality the GM cars and especially the buicks are as good if not better then the competition.

As for preamps, ill take a fisher, pilot or older Joule any day. Incidentally, most of the good preamps are made in the usa...

If you have the cash the new stuff is better, if you dont than the new stuff isnt that much better than what you have to worry about buying...right?
Or is it just me?