Emotiva not so good

Emotiva is a fine first step into HT. Someone on a limited budget can get a decent setup. If I was looking for a processor in the entry level category I'd look at Outlaw. 

Hello,
As far as the amps go they are good for HT. I would say for surrounds and center channel only. If you use your HT setup for music I would not use for your mains. The surround processors cost way to much because they are linear and differential which is not necessary for surround. I believe the newer amps are class H which is good on power and controlling heat, but sound very sterile. I do use the two channel preamp XSP-2 and the separate DAC and they sound very nice with the right amp. I use a Marsh Sound Design HT500. It is very detailed and sounds warm like tubes even at very low volume. My speakers are Soliloquy 6.3s. The amps I tried were the top of the line fully linear and differential. XPA-3 Da. I returned it to emotiva. I like the XDA-2 dac used with balance cables to keep everything clean as a whistle. The preamp has a home theater bypass that lets you use your surround hot system with it and subwoofer management. I tell everyone, Test, Test, Test. That is the only way you will know. 

I don't have any of their amps yet. But I use their USP-1 & UMC-1 preamps with good results . I have had Counterpoint, McIntosh preamps that you would have a hard time saying one was better than the other. My son has a Emo amp with a Acurus pre and B&W speakers that he enjoys.

I heard um, have to light a fire to get um' warmed up, and then, well they still suck. A buddy that was deaf, I guess, thought they were the cats meow. Man could they spin a meter and still sound bad. I just don't care for them..I'd take an old Adcom over the one's I heard anyday..XPA, XPRs and the little ones. The problem with the Adcoms, DC offset. They will fry speakers, when they mess up, they had their problems too, leakey caps, cause the DC offset...Old news anyways..

Regards

My buddy goheelz...there is always one like you to starts with the name calling so maybe you are the troll.