Wyred SX-1000 Mono’s or PS Audio S700 Mono’s?

I own a W4S ST-1000 MK2 and also had a ST-500.  I owned the PS Audio M700s briefly. 

They were in different systems, so I haven't compared them using the same speakers.  The M700s seem to be more dynamic while the W4S are a little smoother on top.  Over the long term the W4S might be a little easier to listen to. 

Having said that, I didn't really notice the little bit of an edge that the M700s have until I took them out of my system and put my Herron Audio M1's back in.  I didn't sell the M700s because I didn't like them, I bought them as backup while I had the M1's in the shop.  I was actually surprised at how good they were at their price and was tempted to keep them. 

I don't think you would go wrong either way.

The Schiit monos draw only 45 watts each at idle, plus they have that standby switch on the front. M700 amps draw 30 watts each, so only 15 watt difference at idle. Now the Schiit amps are not as efficient, so will draw more power as volume increases compared to the M700. The Benchmark amp is great, but only 100 watts unless you get 2 for mono operation. That will double the cost, but triple the power. The Benchmark amps also idle at very low power (about 20 watts).

It seems Stradas are known to need the right amp specs to sound magical. Im strictly guessing here, with my own experience where I went through 5 different class D amps in ~1.5 years. Ric Schultz's EVS 1200 was a big upgrade from all the others, but when I got the LSA Voyager GaN 350, my system sounded significantly more real/natural

hth

I have the Benchmarks and love them but they are not Class D

@snapsc, @auxinput, thanks!

OK, change in consideration:

Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R mono blocks or Benchmark AHB2 stereo, class D or AAA. Leaning toward the Benchmark based upon readings.

Thoughts?

When it comes to class d....there are those that love it and those that hate it but I suspect all would agree that it is making significant strides forward.

Here is a really interesting article that is worth reading no matter what you decide.  https://positive-feedback.com/interviews/tommy-obrien-digital-amplifier-co/

Given the ease with which one can do home trials these days and the relatively low cost of return freight, my thoughts would be to try two, or three or four amplifiers, maybe even at the same time, so see which one really delivers what you are looking for.

And just to add another option for consideration or possible comparison, check these guys out....they have amps ranging from $1200 and up...and pretty good write ups.   https://www.cherryamp.com/

I heard the PS Audio Stellar amps at RMAF.  They were not actually that bad.  Though, they were powering some Markaudio drivers in cabinets and they tend to be somewhat bright, so I'm not sure how this will sound on a conventional speaker.  The "Class A" input stage on the PS Audio are nice.
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Another one you should look into is the ATI AT542NC amps for $2995 (same as PS Audio).  The ATI uses the latest nCore Class D circuit and is also the only nCore amp I know of that uses a full linear power supply.  Everything else I have seen uses switching power supply (including PS Audio).

@unsound , I love the Strada's w/sub, but I have some concerns about them being able to energize my room. I am driving the Rowland (75w/channel) into clipping when playing loud, hence the search for a new amp. Just occurred to me, though, that I should try a passive crossover upstream of the Rowland. Could be all I need.

But if a more powerful amp doesn't do it I will take a closer look at the Maggies. They are a bargain, in my opinion, and sound very much like the Strada's except maybe a tad hi-fi sounding. Might have been the electronics upstream of them. 

The Strada's on ISO Acoustics isolation stands on the floor with a sub are amazing. Rich, detailed, huge image, engaging, and they disappear. 

^...But, your considering the Maggie’s?

@unsound  I have Strada 2's. I might get something else at some point, but for now the Strada's are doing it.

I suggest deciding on your speakers before choosing amplification.