Future amplifier classics

[Vladimir]

Which of the current amplifiers do you think will become future classics, remaining desirable item to hi-fi vintage collectors for decades to come?

Brio-R seems like an obvious one with so much groupthink and buzz behind it. Any other candidates? Budget unlimited.

 

[CnoEvil]

I couldn't possibly say, as it might get me shot.

 

[Vladimir]

I couldn't possibly say, as it might get me shot.

With internet bullets. You'll live, I'm sure.

 

[CnoEvil]

I couldn't possibly say, as it might get me shot.

With internet bullets. You'll live, I'm sure.

You're a bright guy....figure it out. *secret*

 

[nopiano]

Well, Vlad, it will need to be something rather better than those terrible Quads. Not that they didn't make some decent gear, it is just that was pretty much everything else they ever manufactured.

Naims seem to last because they've somehow persuaded buyers to service them regularly, whereas inferior products like my Krell just coast along, even after sixteen years. What is curious how history is kinder to some products than others; timeless designs are not too obvious to me when they are new, I confess.

However, I will plump for Audio Research as they look almost the same now as when they were first launched.

 

[Vladimir]

Surely performance isn't the only factor to become a classic? NAD 3020 and Pioneer A400 are pretty basic amps.

 

[matthewpiano]

Rega Brio-R is a good contender.

I think the Quad Vena could go that way as it combines a touch of hi-fi tradition with a proper 21st century spec. Very well targeted product IMO. The NAD D3020 for the same reasons.

Higher up the food chain, I think Devialet take the 'future classic' crown and own it for themselves.

 

[stevebrock]

+1

Rega Brio R

fantastic budget amp

 

[Happy_Listner]

How old does it have to be before it's considered a classic? I would vote for the Audio Innovations Alto. I still have it. About 20 years old now. Besides the flying saucer looks it had amazing sound for the money. You would be interested in the way it was built Vlad. I don't know all the tech but remember reading a review in Audio Review magazine about it. Somthing about it being single ended solid state. (hope i got that right) Anwways check it out. Like the Elex-R it was based on older designs.

 

[Vladimir]

To be a Classic as a fetish object, not just chronologically, the Alto needs to be in few historic must have lists and be seeked out by audiophile vintage collectors shouting "score!" It certanly looks MAD, I love it! They had fun making that. *biggrin* Possibly some hemp too.

I think the best thing to do today is buy a Rega Brio-R new, never unpack it. Buy all magazine reviews about it that you can find, seal them in vaccum zip bags and put that time machine somewhere safe, not to be touched for 10-20 years.

 

[stevebrock]

To be a Classic as a fetish object, not just chronologically, the Alto needs to be in few historic must have lists and be seeked out by audiophile vintage collectors shouting "score!" It certanly looks MAD, I love it! They had fun making that. *biggrin* Possibly some hemp too.

I think the best thing to do today is buy a Rega Brio-R new, never unpack it. Buy all magazine reviews about it that you can find, seal them in vaccum zip bags and put that time machine somewhere safe, not to be touched for 10-20 years.

i wonder if you stored a sealed one for 20 years it would still work ok - i presumne it woudl ?

 

[Vladimir]

Yes. It will work.

 

[Happy_Listner]

Vlad, if you like the look of the Audio Innovations Alto then check this one out. The Alchemist Kraken APD6A MkII integrated amp. I just like to just call it Frakenstein. Yep, I have one of those too. I don't use it much anymore because it runs high into Class A and gets hot enough to cook an egg. I can barley touch the metal knobs after 90min or so. It has a separate power suply box with two tordial transformers. This is definatley a classic in my book and I'll never sell mine. When it stops working I'll use it as a unique paper wieght. Here is a link for you: http://www.alchemisthifi.info/ranges/kraken/alchemist_kraken_apd6_integrated_amplifier.htm

 

[Vladimir]

The Kraken is a sure future classic. No one can ignore that medieval weaponry in your livingroom! *shok*

I also think the Devialet has superb industrial design that will appeal to collectors just like B&O continues today.

 

[Vladimir]

I wonder why these never made it. *biggrin*

 

[Al ears]

To me future classics have to be those affordable types that really stand out in build and sound quality that went on to sell in large numbers much like the aforementioned NAD and A400.....(although here I would have substituted A300R which was actually better allround but never quite sold in the same numbers).

As such I, along with the Rega Brio-R, would nominate the Creek Evolution 50A and the Roksan Caspian M2 along with the Icon Audio Stereo 40 valve amp.

Oh, and one that deserves to be (but probably will not as nobody has heard of them) is the Hegel H80...... and also anything made by Tom Evans Audio Design *clapping*

Budget unlimited (D'Agostino Momentum integrated) does not really work with classic amps because to become a classic I think you need plenty of people to have actually owned them 🙂

 

[drummerman]

To be a Classic as a fetish object, not just chronologically, the Alto needs to be in few historic must have lists and be seeked out by audiophile vintage collectors shouting "score!" It certanly looks MAD, I love it! They had fun making that. *biggrin* Possibly some hemp too.

I think the best thing to do today is buy a Rega Brio-R new, never unpack it. Buy all magazine reviews about it that you can find, seal them in vaccum zip bags and put that time machine somewhere safe, not to be touched for 10-20 years.

Surely not.

Rega's Brio-R doesn't charter any new territory. The format (half width) has been done many times, the power, construction and facilities are run of the mill for products at that price.

If Rega would manage to produce it at £250 RRP then perhaps yes.

I find something like Micromega's Myamp far more interesting for several reasons though its unlikely to be a 'future classic' either, things are just moving to fast at present. Something like Naim's uniqute or similar would also be deserving of special mention in the future but for the same reasons as mentioned before, the pace with which these products emerge these days, will make it difficult for any of those to stand out as a true trail blazer, lacking the 'staying power' such products require.

To me, a classic product needs to have something unique, be that price, looks, engineering, innovation or facilities. I can't see Rega's amplifier having any of those that make it stand out in any way.

AVI's ADM could possibly have qualified if it had been more main stream and Devialet is probably standing up there somewhere, its exclusivity guarded by the price tag and other things that are quite unique.

regards

 

[chebby]

If you want a future classic, there is nothing quite like a past classic ...

 

[ID.]

If you want a future classic, there is nothing quite like a past classic ...

I like the look of that. Never actually seen a Sugden before.

And now that I look into it, they are even available here in Japan. Must keep an eye out next time I'm in Akihabara to see if they have them in store anywhere.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

I think the Brio R it will be a TOP classic amp, regarding the half box format, Cyrus is half box and some models cost twice as much

First ever Naim amp was a half case and is a classic.

 

[chebby]

First ever Naim amp was a half case and is a classic.

http://www.naimaudio.com/our-story/18043/heritage

Their first [consumer] product was the full-width NAP 200 power-amp launched in 1973.

The following year they launched the half-width NAC 12 pre- amp.

I assume you meant "first ever Naim integrated amp". (Launched in 1983.)

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

First ever Naim amp was a half case and is a classic.

http://www.naimaudio.com/our-story/18043/heritage

Their first [consumer] product was the full-width NAP 200 power-amp launched in 1973.

The following year they launched the half-width NAC 12 pre- amp.

I assume you meant "first ever Naim integrated amp".

I should have said first integraded amp. Sorry for the misunderstood.

Thanks Cheddy

 

[stevebrock]

chebby on his highhorse again

 

[Al ears]

chebby on his highhorse again

Shhhurley 'hobbyhorse'........ Ed

Whatever, he is quite correct.

 

[Al ears]

If you want a future classic, there is nothing quite like a past classic ...

Wot? No Crofts?