I own and use a sunfire ultimate (first edition) in a HT context and with a VAC Avatar Super in pass through mode. This receiver is tremendously powerful and I can believe it would drive multiple difficult speaker loads. As for sound quality for music through the main speakers it does not compare to the VAC and this is consistent with two different sets of speakers.
When I go out of town I often hook the speakers directly to the sunfire so that when my family is watching tv or movies they are not using the tubes up in the VAC. I sometimes forget and will instantly notice the difference if I forget to get the VAC back in the game. I have also tried to listen when my VAC has been out of action, waiting for new tubes, etc. and I don't even bother anymore.
Although this is a narrow sample, it has convinced me that there is a big difference between components designed for 2 channel and for HT applications and the best overall configuration is a good receiver used in tandem with a high quality 2 channel with pass through gear.
Sunfire is great for HT but if you are a serious about 2 channel then I would recommend 2 channel gear.
When I go out of town I often hook the speakers directly to the sunfire so that when my family is watching tv or movies they are not using the tubes up in the VAC. I sometimes forget and will instantly notice the difference if I forget to get the VAC back in the game. I have also tried to listen when my VAC has been out of action, waiting for new tubes, etc. and I don't even bother anymore.
Although this is a narrow sample, it has convinced me that there is a big difference between components designed for 2 channel and for HT applications and the best overall configuration is a good receiver used in tandem with a high quality 2 channel with pass through gear.
Sunfire is great for HT but if you are a serious about 2 channel then I would recommend 2 channel gear.