I'll take a stab at answering your question.
Short version: In general vintage gear has a more blended, homogenous sound (more "musical" maybe). Modern gear presents music better resolved into its distinct parts - bass guitar distinct from bass drum and coming from right center and behind the singer. It can come across as maybe drier, less "musical", but for me was really a matter of getting accustomed to more life-like sound. As to reliability, doubt newer means less. Likewise, new doesn't mean bright.
Longer version: A few months ago I was considering the same thing - keep using an older Mac SS receiver that I enjoyed or try something newer. This was in a second system, so I had the luxury of redundancy and experience of modern sounding equipment in my main system and a chance to try alternatives to the Mac, including tubes (had always been curious but avoided tubes due to the perception (mine) of unreliability).
I have not heard Creek or LSA but did listen to Sim and Rogue integrateds. Even though not with my speakers, the audition was enough to know either would be more enjoyable than the Mac. I wound up with a tube amp and Rogue preamp, bought used here on A'gon. Neither is exactly modern - 10 to 15 years old - but sound better in every way and have been perfectly reliable (9 mo.). I don't miss the Mac but would have trouble choosing between the tube system and my main system that cost 4X more.
I know that doesn't address your concerns about service and logistics in HI. Are there any technicians you'd trust?
Short version: In general vintage gear has a more blended, homogenous sound (more "musical" maybe). Modern gear presents music better resolved into its distinct parts - bass guitar distinct from bass drum and coming from right center and behind the singer. It can come across as maybe drier, less "musical", but for me was really a matter of getting accustomed to more life-like sound. As to reliability, doubt newer means less. Likewise, new doesn't mean bright.
Longer version: A few months ago I was considering the same thing - keep using an older Mac SS receiver that I enjoyed or try something newer. This was in a second system, so I had the luxury of redundancy and experience of modern sounding equipment in my main system and a chance to try alternatives to the Mac, including tubes (had always been curious but avoided tubes due to the perception (mine) of unreliability).
I have not heard Creek or LSA but did listen to Sim and Rogue integrateds. Even though not with my speakers, the audition was enough to know either would be more enjoyable than the Mac. I wound up with a tube amp and Rogue preamp, bought used here on A'gon. Neither is exactly modern - 10 to 15 years old - but sound better in every way and have been perfectly reliable (9 mo.). I don't miss the Mac but would have trouble choosing between the tube system and my main system that cost 4X more.
I know that doesn't address your concerns about service and logistics in HI. Are there any technicians you'd trust?