petrela,
I think you need to make a distinction between the older tube and class A amps and the older class A/B amps.
Good quality older tube and class A amps would likely offer the best bargains. These amps offer great sound quality at reduced prices as long as you're aware that some of them may require extra expenses to keep them functioning at optimum levels.
The performance of good quality older class A/B amps, however, are equaled or bettered by numerous modern amps using newer technology. In my experience, there are absolutely no advantages to be gained by using class A/B amps rather than good class D amps.
Older class A/B amps can be bought at lower prices but the true bargains are the numerous reasonably priced class D amps that currently outperform them on all important audio criteria while also being a fraction of the size and weight, more efficient and cooler running.
I honestly cannot think of a single advantage you would gain by buying an older class A/B amp. Unless your budget is $10k or more, I believe you'd be better served eliminating all class A/B amps, older and current models, from consideration.
Just my opinion based on experience,
Tim
I think you need to make a distinction between the older tube and class A amps and the older class A/B amps.
Good quality older tube and class A amps would likely offer the best bargains. These amps offer great sound quality at reduced prices as long as you're aware that some of them may require extra expenses to keep them functioning at optimum levels.
The performance of good quality older class A/B amps, however, are equaled or bettered by numerous modern amps using newer technology. In my experience, there are absolutely no advantages to be gained by using class A/B amps rather than good class D amps.
Older class A/B amps can be bought at lower prices but the true bargains are the numerous reasonably priced class D amps that currently outperform them on all important audio criteria while also being a fraction of the size and weight, more efficient and cooler running.
I honestly cannot think of a single advantage you would gain by buying an older class A/B amp. Unless your budget is $10k or more, I believe you'd be better served eliminating all class A/B amps, older and current models, from consideration.
Just my opinion based on experience,
Tim