I think that a part of your reaction relates to nostalgia.
I also owned some nice, early Adcom gear, and certainly have fond memories of the systems that I developed back in the '80s and '90s. But at the same time, while vintage components can certainly sound good, the advances in technology since that time have been significant.
Not long ago I was using a re-capped Accuphase 303x integrated amp, and it sounded terrific. But when I switched to a (used) Hegel h160 amp, which cost about the same as the Accuphase in current dollars, the difference was striking. Both were connected to an older, but excellent Electrompaniet CD player, and Harbeth speakers.
Not to say that I couldn't be satisfied listening to a vintage system, but I do also appreciate the gains that have been made, and especially now with regard to DACs.
I also owned some nice, early Adcom gear, and certainly have fond memories of the systems that I developed back in the '80s and '90s. But at the same time, while vintage components can certainly sound good, the advances in technology since that time have been significant.
Not long ago I was using a re-capped Accuphase 303x integrated amp, and it sounded terrific. But when I switched to a (used) Hegel h160 amp, which cost about the same as the Accuphase in current dollars, the difference was striking. Both were connected to an older, but excellent Electrompaniet CD player, and Harbeth speakers.
Not to say that I couldn't be satisfied listening to a vintage system, but I do also appreciate the gains that have been made, and especially now with regard to DACs.