When it comes to post-Sheffield-revolution electronic music, I much prefer the period from 1990-1997, as opposed to what came afterward.
There was something exciting to me about the sound at that time - a time before every style had been codified and everything divided down to most minute genre category. A trip to the shop (!) meant surprises every week - the experimentation and cross-pollination among artists was amazing.
Was it better then? It was - to my values and what I appreciate in synthesis and timbrality.
cheers,
Ian