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?
I have a 20 year old BAT vk-300xSE integrated here, just back from BAT fully services/recapped, clean bill of health. And a 1 year old Luxman 509x integrated. Now granted the BAT is hybrid, it has a tube pre-stage, but its not a ‘tubey’ sounding amp.
They both drive harbeth speakers, 30.2xd for the 509 and p3esrXD for the bat.
They both drive them well, and sound similar with that ‘harbeth’ sound. Both have similar output specs etc.
So like mentioned, staying in class A or Class AB type amp… similar.