Amp quality today vs the 90s early 2000s

[Soundcontrol]

Getting back into car audio a little bit and was curious about something. Currently I am using in my setup a Rockford 360.3 processor and a Prime R400-4D amp active setup on my front stage 2-way components. Sounds really good, I can not complain. Prior to that I was running a Punch P500-2 on my front stage using passive crossovers and the 360.3 processor.

 

I started looking around at other amp options now that I am confident in the active setup. I started looking at brands like McIntosh, Zapco, Arc Audio, Nakamichi, also the RF Power series, etc that are well known for SQ products. Both newer and older. Then I started looking at the older RF A series like the 600a4 and the 800a4 that were made in the USA.

THE MAIN QUESTION

Anyone that work on amps or maybe have more knowledge about amps then most able to chime in on amp quality today vs say the late 90's early 2000's when it comes to sound quality and build components?

My biggest hang up may be nostalgia vs facts. Thinking that the RF 600a4 is just a better build then say going with the newer T600-4. When my guts is saying newer technology, cost in materials being lower, the newer products should be better.

 

[tboorn]

im no amp repair pro but most claims about old being truly "better" seem to be nostalgia based. if your comparing old Rockford to new Rockford, especially the T series amps they have, i wouldn't hesitate to go new. I currently run a T400.4 on a set of focal P165v30 and they sound great. also the new Rockford T series amps are class A/B amps, which generally are regarded as the best "SQ" amps.