Thanks everyone for an excellent response and participation. This has so far been a very active thread with very meaningful feedback. I've learned a ton with many takeaways. Although I do have a 7.2 surround sound system for movies, etc, music is still my first priority. I listen mainly in multi-channel stereo. One thing I learned here (and others have implied this to me but I forgot about it) is to use a separate higher output two channel amp for my mains and then a 5 channel for the surrounds and center. I'm going to make this change right away. Another thing is that for the $$, it seems Parasound is a super choice. I may sell my Marantz MM7025 and purchase a Parasound two channel amp. THANKS again.
Difference between amps
OK so let's talk amps. I'm sure this has been addressed before but are there real differences between multi-channel amps among the various brands in the mid-fi to high end markets with comparable specifications? Adcom, Anthem, Classe, Emotiva, Krell, McIntosh, Marantz, NAD, Parasound, Outlaw, Rotel, etc. What are the differences in these brands? I can site one difference. In multi-channel Marantz amps, the specs never state "all channels driven". They are notorius for misleading the consumer with their power output ratings. But that's a marketing decision. What are the real or should I say physical or performance differences among these? .