Jeff Rowland Design Group is really nice with the Mahlers. For two-channel I'd go with the Continuum 500 integrated, but for surround you would either want to go with the 501 mono-blocks in front and maybe the 201s in back, or buy Rowlands 5-channel solution.
Unfortunately your budget will not get you to Rowland, even used. I'm afraid that with your budget it's going to be very hard to improve on the Bryston AND get five-channels in one box AND 1,000 WPC. Bel Canto makes some good mono blocks at a lower price point than Rowland. You might look to them used.
Your desire for 1,000 WPC is reasonable in my experience. I've heard the Mahlers with less power and it just doesn't work as well. They need an amp with power and control.
Dave
Unfortunately your budget will not get you to Rowland, even used. I'm afraid that with your budget it's going to be very hard to improve on the Bryston AND get five-channels in one box AND 1,000 WPC. Bel Canto makes some good mono blocks at a lower price point than Rowland. You might look to them used.
Your desire for 1,000 WPC is reasonable in my experience. I've heard the Mahlers with less power and it just doesn't work as well. They need an amp with power and control.
Dave