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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
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Out of your choices, the Outlaw is the highest current, largest power supply amp.  It's really hefty coming in at 90 lbs with a large shared power supply.  The Parasound is the newest (but not by far).  The McCormack may be the best sound quality - but you would really need to research this.  The NHT 2.1 you indicate as 6 ohms, so they may actually drop down lower.  I would probably lean towards the Outlaw amp unless somebody has a definite opinion that McCormick is better sound quality.
shalmaneser OP
62 posts
 
Thanks imhififan. That’s an interesting amp.

Update: That's a typo on the NHT, they are the NHT 2.5, not 2.1. (In case anyone searched)

Additionally, my source is the Sony DSP-EP9ES optically connected to my Z170-A (LGA1151) motherboard. Apparently the source matters to some amplifiers. 
shalmaneser OP
62 posts
 
Auxinput: The Bryston's also a heavyweight: their multi channel amps range 75+ lbs. Weight isn't a problem for me. So far the  McCormack appears to be the most thermally efficient of the group. This guy fully dissected the McCormack http://www.iar-80.com/page67.html from the view of a full on audiophile with very deep pockets. The reviews of the Bryston show some inclination of being too bright in the highs, but that also could be a function which speakers are involved. 
shalmaneser OP
62 posts
 
Shop long enough and you end up spending all your money. Anyone have direct experience with NHT speakers and Sunfire? Which Sunfire would be the best acoustic fit? 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Thanks for that link on the McCormack.  Yes, I thought that the McCormack might have the best sound quality.  I think at this point, you will need to decide what kind of sonic signature you want.  The McCormack will have a very sweet and engaging sound.  However, the Outlaw will still have more power supply and be able to hit the bass much harder - there would be a lot more impact and attack in the sound with the Outlaw (like "punch you in the chest" kind of sound).

On the Bryston, yeah some of their amps are heavy weights.  The 9B ST you mentions only comes in at 59 lbs. (similar to Parasound).  I heard a set of original Gen 1 7B monoblocks once.  The sound was okay, but it was somewhat on the dull sounding side.  I also heard a Gen 3 Bryston.  I think it was a 2B SST model.  It was definitely faster/brighter with a lot of detail and attack, but the amp just did not sound engaging.  It did not reach out and grab you.  I tended to lose interest.  Some people love the Brystons.

I had an original Sunfire Cinema Grand 5-channel amp a long time ago.  It was a significant step up when I was first getting into home theater.  However, over time, I discovered it was somewhat sterile sounding.  I upgraded to a B&K Reference 200.5, which was a HUGE improvement in sound - strength, detail and warmth.  The amp just was really engaging and exciting.  However, in the end, the B&K turned out to be too warm for my tastes, which caused me to move onto more neutral amplifiers.

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