I like a nice restored vintage component. I like working on them to a point. I've got issues with old gear though.
First, folks ask WAY too much for it these days.
Second, condition and reliability are significant concerns.
The third issue is repairs and restoration.
Any 20 year old amp should at least be looked over and dialed in, if not completely recapped, especially if it's cap coupled. Getting that kind of work done is often not cheap. By the time you find a good example of something and put the money into getting it into good condition, has anything been saved? If somebody has a particular love affair with an amp then by all means restore and enjoy. If not, buy new. The field of amps has diversified in a variety of ways and I do think modern amps are better than older ones.
First, folks ask WAY too much for it these days.
Second, condition and reliability are significant concerns.
The third issue is repairs and restoration.
Any 20 year old amp should at least be looked over and dialed in, if not completely recapped, especially if it's cap coupled. Getting that kind of work done is often not cheap. By the time you find a good example of something and put the money into getting it into good condition, has anything been saved? If somebody has a particular love affair with an amp then by all means restore and enjoy. If not, buy new. The field of amps has diversified in a variety of ways and I do think modern amps are better than older ones.