20 Year Old Amplifiers compared to 2017

About 20 years ago, I had a Krell KSA-150 that sounded great, first powering a pair of BIC TPR-600s then a pair of B&W 801 Nautilus. I chose it over a Mark Levinson 23.5. Then I had the chance to hear an Ayre V-1, which to my ears sounded more musical. The V-1 was upgraded to a V-1x and then a V-1xe. Each upgrade was audible. Then after a progression of amps, I settled for awhile on a pair of Ayre MX-R Twenties. So, in theory, the MX-Rs should sound Significantly better than the 20 year old Krell. I wish I could directly compare the two.

I tend to agree with willemj (and Peter Walker of Quad). All well-designed amps with sufficiently low output impedance and operated below clipping will sound the same.These claims of superiority over rivals are mainly marketing hype!

Could not disagree more. Class D amps are indeed on the cutting edge and the future. Even better .... powered dacs. Powered dacs with room correction are another huge development. In the future there will be no such thing as a separate, stand alone Amplifier. They will simply be modules built into digital gear. Immense innovation has taken place. In 20 years amp modules will fit in the palm of your hand and be the norm.  

I find today's Pass amps better than Pass amps of 20 years ago