Uber Salz....
the NuForce AVP-18 is only an AV preamp/ processor ..... it is no multichannel receiver because it has no power amps included.... you need external power amps
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/nuforce-avp-18-surround-processorhttps://www.optomausa.com/audioproduct/avp18http://www.soundstagexperience.com/index.php/equipment-menu/523-nuforce-avp-18-surround-sound-proces...I’m confused by your post "..... for a claimed 150wpc X 8 it blew away the 250 WPC EMOTiVAs on every level."""
The latter refers to a multi-channel ss power amp, not the "18" pre-amp / AV processor function....(apples and oranges). which amp?
Are you referring to the the multichannel NuForce MCA-20 multichannel power amp ?
the "16" the OP is referring to is the discontinued predecessor model to the "18".
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/nuforce_avp16.htmPS to all the readers :
(1) the NUFORCE AVP-18 is a legacy product itself already ....they are an indicated afterthought (IMO) after a sellout to optoma.com . the prior models don't even appear even in their support links.
-- no further software updates available etc. In fact no software downloads at all, even to restore it to factory default in case it gets pooched ..
https://www.optoma.com/ap-nuforce/product/avp-18/-- the new product price has been greatly slashed from $1095 to $695 on AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/NuForce-AVP-18-Preamp-Processor/dp/B00D3E576W/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&am...-- few distributors ....
https://www.optomausa.com/us/authorized-- - their aftermarket support was / is very dodgy (I’m being polite) in my experience . Here’s a similar customer rant review on AMAZON
"..... Perfect.Pitch
1.0 out of 5 starsUnreliable - Terrible Support
October 17, 2016
Unit failed on me within two weeks of purchase in Australia, sent for repair under warranty but Optoma/Nuforce didn’t provide parts to Australian distributor - simply stopped all communication. I now have a dead AVP-18 that Nuforce refuse to do anything about. Appalling support...."
Again ..... caveat emptor....