Can a Amp be "timeless" and compete with todays amps?

My ears tell me things are possible today that were not in years past with amplifier technology. There are some very good older amps but I would have no interest in moving backwards

Precisely my point , use your ears and decide. If you genuinely believe that the new betters the older alternatives then case closed as far as you’re concerned, I get it.

For other fellow music lovers who also listen and compare, their outcome and conclusions may tell them otherwise. The epitome of individuality. No consensus correct or incorrect but rather what sounds best in each unique listener’s case.

Charles

The vintage amplifiers still sound good but parts quality has definitely improved over the years with Capacitors and other low noise parts. IMHO, it's possible to build a superior amplifier now but it will be at a cost!

technological advancement is not always for the better in a subjectively driven, aesthetic pursuit where criteria people care about are highly complex and multi-variate

well worn example of sports/performance cars... new cars are better technologically in so many ways, but are boring to drive, lacks soul, involvement -- computerized/robotic perfect in some ways, as appliances and easy speed machines, but for those seeking thrills, man machine involvement, emotional engagement, development and sharpening of skills, they are sorely lacking

similarly, machines we buy to make music for ourselves to enjoy should, at their best, stir the senses, invigorate the soul, transport our spirits, connect us with beloved artists at the height of their artistry... technology in such devices makes for more choices, an expanse of possible presentations -- but different may/may not be better... we all strive to experience, and decide for ourselves....

@jjss49 

+10 for your well stated comments. 3 weeks ago I attended a classical music performance featuring a cello and piano duet. This past weekend my daughter and I went to a local jazz venue . Both experiences were quite different obviously but what they shared in common was the high degree of emotional involvement and listening joy. Both outings were simply wonderful. 

I believe most of us who love music strive to obtain some reasonable degree of this engagement and the stirring of emotions through our home audio systems (At least that's my objective). Newer audio technology  may certainly have the potential to achieve this goal. Time and listening will tell. 

I just do not buy the idea that by virtue of being the next new thing it  by default is superior to what already exists and is performance proven. I've heard the VAC Renaissance amplifiers and know it is quite capable of providing a highly emotionally engaging music listening experience. High NFB solid state may or may not. Actually listening is the true arbiter for better or worse. 

Charles 

 New is not necessarily better. Remember that it is promoted that way by the audio media to help perpetuate the hobby. That's a fact all hobbies go through fads and it gets promoted that you need this not what we told you ten years ago. Get rid of your old stuff buy new! I love currently the idea of stereo pieces that have upper end sparkle. I have listened to some of the pieces that are written about in that way and thirty years ago things like that were called bright! And we're to be avoided. Now it seems like bright is being promoted is that because the average audiofile has gotten older as the hobby doesn't seems to attract the you g anymore and us old audiofiles are losing our high frequency hearing? That's something to ponder. You see the exact same thing going on in hunting magazines the rifle calibres they promote now compared to the past. All hobbies have this promotion directly for sales. 

The other thing I would ask the original posted are you sure when you send your amp back to be modified it will be better? You might get a surprise and that you don't like the changes. Be careful. 

Regards