HELP!!!! Newbie looking for a decent 2 channel power amp in the $1,000 range

why not simply deploy a decent dac, recieve as intended updates from Sonos and be done with it? Yes the Sonos is limited to CD quality bit rate etc for... now.

I to run a ZP 90 into a Modi although not a W4S moded one. Every component in the chain makes a difference. This site is loaded with people talking about what noticeable SQ improvements you can get with upgraded digital source components. The W4S mod completely replaces the I2s bus and clocking mechanism. W4s is a respectable outfit with years of experience in Digital and Class D implementations. I don’t think they would risk reputation tarnish with fluff products. But the question is whether it makes a difference for you type of listening. I compared both unmoded and mod’d units and think it does, especially for extended listening sessions. Plenty of independent reviews out there as well. My Moded ZP90 has been in service going on 5 years.

I would speculate the Mod brings the Port up to the SQ of a Bluesound node but then you have the elegant bombproof SONOS interface. 

I have a Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 and have been so happy. I recently weswitched to a Rogue audio Cronus Magnun 3 and and even happier. the sphinx had tons of power for my kef 104/2's. You can easily find a used one for 1k or a little more. 

I own a acurus  150 power amp I picked up for 300 two years ago. It is amazing!

@jbuhl I’ve been curious to discuss a modified ZP 90 with someone that actually owns one,was seriously considering going that route and then the product revisions came took the 30% discount and “upgraded”  to the port. Truthfully I believe the Port is WAY overpriced for what it is these days.

$275 with the discount four years ago was an ok deal but $450 now yikes!  A Wiim pro does the same job and based on what I can gather the output/dac delivery is truly outstanding folks have compared it to the Port and like it more.

question: do you use any S2 components?

No S2 units. I have 3 ZPs and one of those is moded and on my HT setup. I picked up couple more off Craigs for cheap (garage and desktop) . I am ROON based so I dont even use the SONOS software, just use the ZPs as endpoints. My main system streamer (ROON endpoint) is a Bryston BDP Pi (Raspberry Pi commercial implementation). The BDP Pi are deprecated by Bryston but sound great and can be had for $600 used.