"I wonder how much of an improvement the reissue is over the original and if that could ever justify the price."
I was wondering the same thing myself. I sort of posted the picture and link as a pun seeing that most everyone here has more modest as well as affordable amps, myself included. I can't see myself spending over seven thousand dollars for two mono blocks, unless I'd won the lottery or something. Heck you can buy brand new compact car for that price!
I do think the layout is attractive, which is something that could be emulated more affordably. It would be interesting to compare the schematics of both to see how close they are.
In spite of the price it is nice to see such gear being manufactured here. I imagine most of the components come from off shore though.
Lar