Old tube versus new tube gear

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.

"Moder SET system" sounds even more funny today.

I think newer tube gear in general sounds more neutral and is better geared for those who listen to a broad range of music genres and vintages. That makes it more versatile I would say! More vanilla. Older tube gear, in general, is more "flavored". Age of the item and overall operating condition accordingly is commonly probably a significant part of that in practice.

03-04-13: Isochronism
Top shelf done right is all good and timeless!!

Very well said, Brett!

Also, I was pleased to see Lincoln Walsh's Brook Electronics company mentioned in your post. He seems to be more commonly remembered these days for having invented the Walsh speaker driver. As you realize, though, during the early 1950's he produced what as far as I am aware were the only 2A3 and 300B-based amplifiers made by an American manufacturer for use in the home, prior to the resurgence of interest in DHTs (directly heated triodes) that occurred in recent decades, and subsequent to the use of 2A3s in the amplifier sections of a few high end radios of the 1930s.

I have a little bit of experience with the mono integrated amplifier he produced at that time, the 22A, which used a push-pull pair of 2A3s. Although it is worth far less than the very high prices that the separate Brook power amplifiers go for these days, I can say that if its capacitors are in good condition and/or are suitably replaced, it remains a worthy example of DHT magic.

Best regards,
-- Al