I was just about to put my two cents in on a separate thread discussing amps from the 70s and 80s when the thread was closed. So, here goes a new discussion.
I have used various amp/preamp or integrated amps from this era, both tube and solid state, including vintage Yamaha ns, Dynaco and Pioneer sx models. To me, nothing compares to my DIY amps I built from here.
http://sound.westhost.com/project101.htm
I built both a 240w/ch and an 80w/ch version. They are dead quiet till the signal hits then they just sing. My ears could be colored somewhat with the pride of constructing it myself, but so what, that’s what I like about this hobby.