Upgrade Nakamichi PA 7All power amp with mono blocks

Between the options you listed, PS Audio M 700 Mono Blocks without a second thought. They are a huge leap! You won’t miss absolutely anything from any amp class and wonder why you never heard such sound before. The improved stage, separation, dynamic range and voicing will amaze you. I have a pair, as well as many others from PS Audio.

As far as Schitt is concerned, stay far away.  They are in a much lower league and full of issues!  That's like comparing apples and oranges.  I'll save you the details but will say that I have been there done that.  By the way, you can get the PS Audio for much less $ than what you said brand new. Send me a PM for info on how, if you want.

I can't comment on the Buckeye amps because I never had them but doubt that they will be anything even close to the M700s. 

thriftyaudio OP

In response to your question and If I may give you my advice, don’t fall into the trap of taking reviews, comparisons and hype as fact.  Specs can give you a reference but definitely don’t rely on them to tell you how musical any component is going to sound.  I think you’ve already answered your own question regarding Shiit.  I will say that the 3 components that I did try from them were their so-called top of their line and all 3 had issues and got sent back, after I had to deal with what seemed like endless back and forth arguments spanning several days with one of the worst customer services that I have ever experienced.  You are comparing apples to oranges.  My analogy between Schiit and Ps Audio is like comparing Ford to Mercedes.

I haven’t listened to the Stellar Gold yet, but do have the Stellar Gain Cell DAC/ preamp combo connected to the M700s and that sound is what I briefly described to you. I am sure that the Gold preamp won't disappoint you, but you aren’t going to get the full performance of it with your current Schiit DAC.

I jumped from the Stellar to their BHK series.  I bought the BHK components before the Stellar gold came out.  The Gold was released recently. If you are leaning toward the M700’s with the Stellar Gold preamp I’d plan on a new DAC also, but if I was in your shoes with your current assumed budget, I would get the M700s new and a used Stellar gain cell DAC/ preamp.  Unfortunately, the Gain Cell DACs are sold out new.   They will not disappoint, and you have 30 days no questions asked refunds.  You do pay the return shipping though.

decooney thriftyaudio OP PSA gives you 30 days in home trials- no questions asked. Even longer if you request. I’ve bought many products from them...

thriftaudio: They also take trade ins. They will discount up to ??% of the price of your purchase if you trade in that NAD! Sometimes more if you have a history with them or under certain circumstances.  For best results, don't buy online.  Call and speak to one of their sales reps.