Difference between amps distortion

Hey. So has anyone noticed any difference or have any preference between amps with distortion built in or older amps that are cranked to get the gain and why? :smile:

it's always better to have the amp cranked to get your dirt imho. ive heard a few amps with a distortion channel that sounded ok,but theres a magic that happens when you get speakers moving air that cant be produced by a distortion channel.

Here are the amps I own or have owned:

Tone King Meteor

Mesa Blue Angel

Vox AC15 (UK version)

Gretsch Executive (made by Victoria amps)

Carr Mercury

Marshall JCM800

Ampeg j-20 Jet (new handwired amp)

Ampeg Rocket (1959)

Ampeg Jet (1960)

Fender Deluxe (1962)

Of these amps, the best overdrive comes from the 62 Deluxe and the 1950's Ampegs. No wonder everyone is still chasing the old designs.