Jeff:
I have the same Parasound amp as you. I think that for an 85 wpc amp, it's a pretty solid performer. I've been very happy with it, and it definitely was an upgrade over the amps in the 1050. (I would hope so, since the Parasound amp is twice the cost of the 1050.) When I went with the 950, I figured I would go from 5.1 to either 6.1 or 7.1 so that I could take advantage of the 950's capabilities. I almost got a Parasound HCA-1000 (125x2) to go with the 855. But being that I've been more than thrilled with everything I've picked up from Outlaw, I decided to give the M200 an audition. At first I ordered two, but then called Melissa back and asked to add a third. I kept reading how it's advantageous to have the R, L, and center amplified as equally as possible. I also have read many times that more, clean power can make a pretty significant difference in the sound. Well, both have held to be true. It's probably not a fair comparison since the Parasound is only 85wpc and the Outlaw is 200, but nonetheless, the difference was quite evident. I have always understood the concept of having 'headroom' with your amps, especially during HT, but now I truly know what it's like to experience that. Also, the front stage has opened up significantly. On top of all that, having three of these things stacked on top of each other in my rack is a sight to be seen Even my wife can't help but admit it's really cool looking. These things are solid as a rock, too. The only drawback that I can see is that I have 8 channels of amplification now, whereas I only need 6 or 7. But the Parasound is more than adequate to take care of the surrounds and the rears.....although I have to admit that I'm tempted to sell the Parasound and pick up a few more M200's But anyway, to answer your question, yeah, there was a significant difference in performance when I went to the M200's.