Looking to start a discussion on integrated Amplifiers. I would love to hear both arguments. Is modern technology (outside of dacs) superior? Or is a 20 year old similarly spec’d amplifier just as good? Is a 20 year old high end amp just as capable of a high end amp today?
Put yourself in the shoes of the amp designer. This statement says you’ve done bupkis with half your working career, furthered the industry zero percent with your 20 years of laboring. Or, at least says it is possible you’ve achieved nothing.
Yeah, diminishing returns and all that come into play, there may not be much ‘gravy left on the table’ with traditional designs some ~100 years old. For sure, if I was an engineer designing amps, or any other part of this hobby, and nearing retirement I’d want to think back and be able to say I made good advancements.
Is it better to look at the value proposition, old vs new? As in, how can I get the highest levels of performance on a fixed budget? Used higher end than I can afford new, is that the way? Or going down-market a bit to purchase my ‘new and shiny’ stuff? Going used should allow for more leeway in equipment flipping. So if you know you are not a ‘set it and forget it’ kind of person going used may be the biggest bang for your buck and psyche.