Stanwal, are you using Martin Colloms's arbitrary ratings as some sort of objective indicator of performance levels? That scale of his is a bit of a laugh, and based entirely on his subjective tastes. It can't be taken seriously.
Statements to the effect that a $15K premp is like a 10 y.o. $25K preamp are nuts; there is no scientific correlation between price and performance, or between age and performance. Forget such comparisons. Remember, good engineering costs no more than bad.
As always, if YOU like a piece, use it; your ears are arbiters. That said, old gear needs freshening if technical inspection sees performance dropoff.
Statements to the effect that a $15K premp is like a 10 y.o. $25K preamp are nuts; there is no scientific correlation between price and performance, or between age and performance. Forget such comparisons. Remember, good engineering costs no more than bad.
As always, if YOU like a piece, use it; your ears are arbiters. That said, old gear needs freshening if technical inspection sees performance dropoff.