It seems to me that most think that the older the better on Fender and Marshall amps. I know about the build quality issue.
I have a new Custom Vibolux that sounds great to me, (and a few others around here). I also have the dreaded DSL 100 which also suits my needs very well.
In the late 70's/ early 80's you coundn't give hardly give away a Marshall without a master volume. Is it because they are old now?
I have less knowledge about the Fenders but think they have always sound good.
I don't like all of the new Marshalls. Could it be partly the old ones are completly broken in?