Opinions on Wyred 4 Sound ICE amps

Mapman, In a very recent 6 moons review, the reviewer had both the latest Bel Canto and Yredforsound on hand to compare.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/h2o2/1.html

Inpieces, you are right to quote the smart reviewer who wrote, don't listen to things that you understand you'd love if you can never afford them.

Another important point is the ability to "AB" products to make sure that you are hearing the difference that you think that you are hearing. It is easy to fall into the trap that it must be better because it costs more, especially around changes that bring only subtle sonic differences.

Having said all of that, I would love to take my new W4S to the bricks and mortar store and listen to the big Krell and the classe amps to see what the difference really is, if anything significant.

The more I think about amps, I keep thinking that a big heavy amp with heat sinks and large transformers has got to impact the sound. It is called distortion.

Just the opinion of a guy who has probably reached the limit for amp affordability. If I can convince myself of this, then I will quit thinking about it!

"In a very recent 6 moons review, the reviewer had both the latest Bel Canto and Yredforsound on hand to compare."

Bel Canto Evo 200.4 compared came out a number of years ago I believe and may not quite represent the latest and greatest from BC. Also I do not see it on the current BC products list.

Thanks for the correction. I just figured the other two amps were there post other reviews. I was very fortunate the reviewer is a stalwart non-oversampling booster. That is the only way to go to get the best out of ICE amps. Stick a 47 Lab transport on that and hear what I hear.... almost. :D

I believe you'd find a difference in the class D amps and class A or A/B.
I had Krell FPB 600c when i got my 700cx. I also had W4S STI-1000 when i got my JRDG C-500.
The Krell 600c compaired to 700cx differ. The later is darker, smoother. All is changed except for bass which i found same.
The 700cx is less proned to sound grainy or harsh.
The C-500 is also different compaired to STI-1000. It is smoother, has inspite of this, a slightly better depth and resolving power. For STI i would change monoblock fuses for warmer, also PC towards more full weighty sound. Both these amps, IMO, suits best with speakers that is rather full in sound. I would not use them with bright sounding or thin sounding cdp or speakers.
PL 300 sound very good with C-500. PL 300 sounds sharper and little less full sounding with STI. But they are not night and day.