When were the best tube amps made?

The 80’s era ARC tube amps are generally superb. I used a ARC D70Mk2 for several years with a CAT preamp and the match was one made in heaven. Today, the ARC has been replaced by what I consider to be the best lower output tube amp on the market...the Jadis JA30Mk2, BUT it took this mono block amp to better the ARC from the 80’s.

The ARC had a criminal system for biasing, which is why i went away from it, but if it did not have this issue, i suspect i would still be enjoying it.

My now-departed MFA separates were certainly a joy to listen to.  Over the years the mono amps and Luminescence preamp were significantly upgraded a few times, yielding even more musical enjoyment.  I reluctantly sold those components due to their age (maintenance) and my desire to down-size.

I had a virtual closet-full of spare tubes- the most difficult to source was the quad of octal tubes for the RIAA section.  They needed to be extremely quiet and it was hit or miss- often a "big miss."  :)  Between the mono amps the preamp and power supply, the gear took a total of 26 bottles.  :)

Now I'm thoroughly enjoying a CJ control amp which has a mere 7 tubes. :)

I have directly compared the Linlai 6sl7 withe the ken rad vt229 and I can say the Linlai elite do sound better, now hopefully they last just as long as the ken rad.

Yes- that's the one thing...

40 years ago a Dynaco tube amp got me into his pursuit. There are plenty I haven't heard, but the CJ ART Stereo 150 is the one that I can unconditionally recommend. 

PrimaLuna comes to mind as a company that has combined the best of modern technology with the best of vacuum tube sound quality. Their autobias has taken the mystery out of maintenance and brought tube rolling to the market for those who would otherwise not want to deal with such things. At real world pricing their products punch way above their price point. Driving tubes gently helps keep the cost of long term ownership reasonable. Lots of reasons they’ve done so well in a short time. Perhaps others will take a queue.