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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
2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,543 posts
 
Too bad a Parasound A31 AND A21 is out of your budget. That is about the best sound you could squeak out of your NHTs. Lots of current for each speaker. But I think the 5125 would do a good job too. The Bryston would also sound great. I consider both brands to be Hi-fi.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

@2psyop - totally agree.


Generally, neutral means sound without additional coloration.  Warm can add a rich/lush/laid-back/smeared character.  Cold can be too fast/bright/harsh.  Neutral is more like "accurate".  However, "sterile" means it could be too clean and not any bite/grittiness and also it can mean dull / uninteresting - the sound is just not engaging.

Your Eric Clapton video is the best recording out of all, but I love Johny Cash as well.

Jazz is my primary listening when I'm working or at the computer.  I love Melody Gardot.  If you like jazz, get her Live At the Olympia bluray.  It is the absolute best recording of her (as well as the best jazz live recording I have heard).  The Youtube videos do not compare at all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb3lTVL7qM8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NrNI9Qr-KE

I also love Diana Krall, Lyn Stanley, Jane Monheit.  If I'm not listening to jazz, I'm actually listening to metal. lol.

shalmaneser OP
62 posts
 
auxinputs: What's the first thing we discover as we climb the wall of audiophile? Excellent music is harder to find than good equipment. Thanks for the links. (snoopy happy dance) I've wandered through jazz from time to time. Even looked through a hot mess that was an extensive history of jazz. It was something like 50 CDs. Ugh. 
Now I want both the Outlaw for power and the McCormick for detail. Sigh. 
shalmaneser OP
62 posts
 
Auxinputs: Live At The Olympia Paris comes in BluRay & DVD. Has anyone heard both?

I can get Parasound A23 for under $1K used. I’m interviewing local repair people about the NADs - can use them for sub & center. Is it wrong/bad/crazy/evil to mix manufacturers? Will there be electron flow from crossing the streams?
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I only have the bluray, but I'm sure the DVD sounds great as well (if that's the only media you can use).

I hear you.  It's difficult to get a really good 5-channel amp for under $1,000.  Hard to get the best of both worlds (for what you want).

The Parasound A23 is a fine choice and would have the sound quality and impact you are looking for.  It's okay to mix manufacturers, but keep in mind that the sonic signature is going to be different.  I don't know the sound of NAD, but I have read it's warm.  The Parasound is going to be slightly on the warm side, but still very detailed.  You might have less resolution on the center channel if you use the NAD.  Also, when sounds pan across the screen, the difference in sonic signature between left/center/right speakers could be noticeable.  I don't know how critical home theater is for you.

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