PS AUDIO Stellar M700 Mono Amplifier?

Todd, the M700s are the best bang for your $1500

What do you think of the McIntosh MC301 versus other amps?

I looked here on Agon - there were 39 PS Audio pieces listed for sale; though 6 or 7 were not PS Audio - the name just happened to have "PS" and "Audio" in it. 

By contrast, there were 69 Audio Research pieces listed. 

FYI. 

I love their videos and have the impression they're a great company. I also see a lot of their stuff showing up in the used market. I'm not sure if that's just because there's a lot out there or what else might be the cause, but it's my impression.

In my class D quest, I had the M700s, which I quite liked. It took ~ 300 hours to begin to come on song. I bought mine virtually new for $2K, but saw a pair recently for $1500, so why give up your current amp which you might be able to sell?

I also bought a custom made class D amp based on the IceEdge 1200AS modules for the same money, but twice the power and a lot more authority. Recently, PS has introduced the M1200s with tube input (why I wonder), at $5999, which could be why I saw the M700s for $1500. That's a great price, but if your budget can take ~ $4k then a number of Gan amps are coming. Time will tell how they stack up

hth

My system includes:

Marantz AV8805
Phase Technology PC3.5
Emotiva UPA-1 Mono Blocks
Audioquest Rocket 33 Bi-Wired
Marantz M7055 (5 channel)
Bluesound Node 2
Dynaudio Stand 20 (filled with lead shot)


The speakers specs are:

Design: Three-way, Ported
Drivers: One 1″ Soft-Dome Tweeter, One 1.5″ Soft-Dome Midrange, Two 6.5″ Woofers
MFR: 36 Hz – 22 kHz
Sensitivity: 91 dB
Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohms
Dimensions: 22″ H x 7.9″ W x 12.3″ D

What speakers are you driving? And what’s the rest of your system?

I had the M700s - they are built down the road from me.

I posted my impressions elsewhere, comparing them to a Linn Klout, Belles 350A Reference, and an Exposure 28. Here’s the M700 piece:
"The next amps to arrive were the PS Audio M700s. A rather different approach to amplification, and much newer than any of the other amps, the M700s provide 350 watts per channel and use Class D amplification. Frankly, I don’t care what "class" an amplifier is - I’ve heard amps from different classes sound great and terrible, so I think it’s more down to execution than class. Overall, the M700s sounded terrific. They are lively, balanced, and do a good job of letting the music speak for itself. They also recreated the biggest soundstage of the four amps here, and did a solid job of placing performers on the stage (where the music and recording allowed for it). The M700s also initially sounded like they had the best bass extension and grip, although the longer I listened the less I thought that - like the Exposure, but to a much lesser degree, it sounded like the M700s didn’t have quite as much sustain as the Klout or the Belles. Out of the four, the M700s provided the best "hifi" and were quite good musically."

I finally got a pair of Exposure 3010S2 monoblocks, which have ended my power amp search, but I have an Exposure CD player and preamp, so it makes sense that the Exposure amps worked the best.

The PS Audio class d amps seem to get pretty good reviews with the overall thoughts being detailed with a good soundstage but maybe a little clinical. Remember on the trade in that you pay the shipping. 


Allow me to throw out an alternative from a company that has a very loyal following... all their amps are discrete component class d, not modules.... and less money.  The word on their amps is the best of solid state and tubes combined.... but no trade in. 

Here are some links that may help. 


http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0420/Digital_Amplifier_Company_2CHerry_Amplifier_Rev...

https://positive-feedback.com/interviews/tommy-obrien-digital-amplifier-co/

https://www.cherryamp.com/

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=127654.180

I briefly (less than a year) dipped into Class D waters with the S300. I found it excelled in detail retrieval and dynamics with decent sound staging. It was not my cup of tea ultimately. I found the sound did not have the natural tone and dimensional quality I get through tube presentations I've owned. However, if PS Audio allows a home demo, why not give a try? It may be your cup of joe. PS Audio is an excellent company to deal with; very responsive and they make well engineered products.

I have the S300. Plenty of power for my ESLs that started off with PS Elite+ at 70 wpc 8 ohms.  Best sounding amp I've ever owned after Kenwood, DynaCo, SWTP, Superphon. The trade in policy is great.  If you have old stuff name your MSRP.  They'll take anything home audio, no pro. They have the M1200 that has a 12AU7 up front.  Smoother, more power.   get plenty of bloom from mine.
I also have the Stellar GC. PP3 and DirectStream DAC.   2 suggestions.  They  do 20% off during shows (don't hold your breath) and Black Friday. 
Or maybe reconsider.  The industry is moving toward active speakers (like Mad Buchardt) and you might want to direct your money there.