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Sorry but in my experience, the genuine sonic difference between some of these Boutique amps and the mass-produced ones is marginal at best, when listened in isolation.
If you want it to sound 'like a Fender' then a Fender will sound "the best". Anything else will be a copy thereof and can't actually be an improvement.
It could sound "different", but better is a subjective term that is only based on the individual's notion of what they are trying to achieve.
My own own experience has been tainted recently by trying CS Strats through a Carr amp (can't remember the name) that was allegedly based on a Fender deLuxe. I hated it - and asked for the 'real thing' as it was like a cartoon exaggeration of the amp it was based on. When the 'real thing' - a much cheaper reissue - was deployed, the sound that I wanted was there.
So whilst the boutique market can bang on about "quality" improvements (some of which are truly marginal) and some internal components that are theoretically of higher quality, the real world answer is they offer a 'different' approach, that may suit you more or may not.
Each to their own but they aren't necessarily 'better' just offer a different option.
Then I think, tone wise, the "boutique" designs are usually somewhat refined versions of the classics. For example my Carr Sportsman probably isn't as characterful as a Princeton reissue if that's the exact sound you're after, but it doesn't have the flabby bass at high volumes, is much better behaved with pedals, is smoother in the transition to overdrive etc etc. So yes if you want all the character of the originals, faults and all, then there's little point in going boutique (I do hate that term but let's go with it for now), if you you want to iron out the creases, both tone wise and reliabiiity wise then that's where the more expensive option comes into play.
"If you want it to sound 'like a Fender' then a Fender will sound 'the best'. Anything else will be a copy thereof and can't actually be an improvement."
Fender's PCB-based re-issues do not sound as good as vintage 50's and 60's Fenders. High quality, modern clones get closer (and sometimes better), hence why builders such as Rift, Victoria etc. have sustainable businesses.
"Each to their own but they aren't necessarily 'better' just offer a different option."
That's like saying a Ferrari is not a better car than a Dacia Sandero, it's just a different option. Hmmm.
A better one one would be: Lotus Elan vs Mazda MX5 series1, wouldn't it? The MX5 was massively inspired by the Lotus (to the point that they analysed the exhaust note to try to get into a similar ballpark without the noise). Arguably the MX5 was easier to live with but the Lotus was arguably the more characterful.
But even that isn't quite right is it?
As I say, each to their own - if it what inspires *you* then its 'better'. If not...
Wow, really? What needed fixing on it?