2. amps-preamps
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Picking an amplifier

I have the following speakers:
NHT 2.1 Front LR 200W @ 6ohms
NHT AC1 Center 150W @ 8 ohms
NHT SW2 Subwoofer 200W @ 8 ohms
The rear speakers are inconsequential (and boxed up) they might come out to play when I move to bigger digs.
I’ve been using NHTs 214s and 216s, (think lightbulbs) but the market is drying up. I remain unconvinced they are worth the shipping & costs to repair.
My (current) short list of replacement amps:
Outlaw Audio model 770 7 (7 channels)
Bryston 9B ST (5 channels) (2 years left on warranty)
Parasound 5125 (5 channels)
The budget is $1000, I have located sources for all three at or below $1000.
Any/all discussion of suitability, repair outlook, and peanut shells welcome. From a listening perspective, I've been fine with the NADs, but am priced out of the newer models. Nuts, I might even repair the NADs if I find the right person with the skills & tools.

shalmaneser
shalmaneser OP
62 posts
 
@knownothing Thanks for the link. I never did buy into the super connector concept at any level, even in the copper wire days - and my research into audio fibre optics confirmed that. There are minimums of fit, finish, and conductors required by communication standards. However that doesn't mean manufactures haven't been reading their P.T. Barnum: There's a sucker born every minute.
Post removed 
shalmaneser OP
62 posts
 
Looking at pre/pro's. Bizarre that I can find a Meridian 568 for $600 with a $6,500 MSRP.  Reviewers consider it neutral - which I consider a plus due to all the other possible coloration.  It also has some balanced outputs. Might buy it just to own something that's well into 4 figures.
I've found an anthem 50 that's sub $1000.
Outlaw 990 goes for $250 with an $1000 MSRP. Seems to be in the same class as the Anthem. 
Anyone with more suggestions based on the NHTs and the Anthem amp?
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I would probably jump on that Anthem if you were interested.

I have posted this statement in other thread, but the HT Processors really don’t keep their value at all because of the perception that you need the latest and greatest digital decoding / HDMI2.0 / Atmos, room correction, etc. etc. As a result, the value drops like crazy the older they get (this is not like 2-channel audio!!!)

Another one you could look at is Krell HTS 7.1.  There’s one on audiogon for $850 (original retail $8500).  I used one of these for about 12 years before it died.  The Krell uses fully discrete Class A analog stages with all linear power supplies (shunt type power supplies).  It sounds absolutely beautiful and it beat newer HDMI processors in sound quality, even though it was limited to oldschool Dolby Digital / DTS through DIGITAL COAX.  It also has all 7.1 XLR balanced outputs (where the Meridian only has left/center/right).

There are many older HT pre/pros that are of excellent sound quality, but don’t support the new HDMI / bluray stuff.

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Those are really old (2001-2002). If you want something newer that is within budget, there is an Integra DHC-60.5 home theater processor on ebay now for $439 from a seller that has 100% positive feedback (csdsl2000). Original retail was $2,000 and it's from around 2013. It supports HDMI and the bluray hi-res audio formats.
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