Old tube versus new tube gear

tubes, tubes, and tubes; same, identicl? Lot's of factors here, to make that decision, but there is some older AR pres and amps that I wouldn't kick out of bed, TODY! How 'bout Western Electric? Pretty old and pricy.

I up graded from VTL 300 Deluxe mono blocks to VTL 450 MKII mono blocks. Huge technology upgrade with the same "House Sound". The auto biasing and fault protection features in the 450's are a huge improvement. This modern feature allows me to quickly identify a bad power tube, then replace the offender and get back to listening. With the old 300's it was a long process to locate the bad tube.

To many, an ideal dream system would be full Western Electric theater equipment.
Big passion and big wallets are needed to accomplish such a collection.
I think of Brook amplifiers and preamplifiers or full Marantz, the later of which Al has posted at times of having had and enjoyed! All should be made "healthy" utilizing original parts retaining original character, and IMO with period speakers.
I bet that I could be happy with either system for life.
I have a modern SET system that I know I can be happy with for life!
Top shelf done right is all good and timeless!!

Autobiasing was done in early 50's. Everything in old and modern tube amps based on everything built and implemented 50 years ago the latest. VTL mostly manufactures the most primitive designs of pre-WW2 era, but few was made with autobias.
I'd say that Quicksilver amps are somewhat modern with semiconductor autobias circuit. Hybrids are cool too such as Counterpoint.

Old tube equipment sounding "tubey" is not necessarily true. For example the ARC D-115 that was mentioned earlier with its matching ARC SP-8 MKII or SP-10 preamp is incredibly neutral when working properly. Regarding the VTL Deluxe 300 monos vs the VTL 450 MKII. What technology would you be referring to? Manufacturers of tube and solid state electronics alter the tonal balance regularly as they change models. A little less midbass warmth and you have better imaging and a more detailed top end. Think it's too lean? The next generation is warmed up a little. They all play this game.