Old Amp vs. New Amp

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

Thanks for your input.  Honestly I am a little skeptical about class D.  I don't really have a reason to be though.

I believe for the most part the ones I am looking at are class A at least to a certain point.  It's a little hard to tell sometimes.  The specs aren't always very clear about that.

I am kind of leaning towards some of the older Mark Levinson models (300 series mainly).

IMHO, Class D is not yet ready for prime time.

stereo5977 posts02-15-2017 8:14amIMHO, Class D is not yet ready for prime time.

+1
Not until technology advances enough for the switching frequency of Class-D to be at least >5 x higher, then their switching noise output filters can do their job without any detrimental effects on the audio band.

Cheers George

Class D to me feels like one of those things that makes it cheaper, easier and faster to manufacture, but may be lacking in "listening pleasure".  But I have not heard any of the newer "High End" class D offerings.

I know PS Audio Stellar line uses some sort of hybrid of Class D technology.  I would be curious to compare those to other high end products.