The Sunfire Cinema's are slightly more forward sounding than their counterpart 2 channel amps. Having said that, they retain most of the same characteristics as the 2 channel's with different power levels, more channels, etc... They also offer the versatility of being able to use two different sonic characters ( voltage or current sources ) within the same amp. The Signature model has this feature for the FR, FL and center whereas the standard Cinema Grand might only have it for the mains. Can't remember exactly, so you might want to check into it if you truly are interested.
Both amps provide plenty of steam and i can't see you ever straining even the smaller one with the speakers that you have. I ran the 200 / 400 wpc version with my 86 db 4 ohm speakers and it would CRANK without smearing. The 400 / 800 wpc Signature model just gave me more headroom to play with.
As to differences between the Sig and non-Sig models, the obvious difference is the power rating. While i don't know if it was strictly a matter of production tolerances or slight differences in design, we did find some differences in the two amps. In my Father's system, he preferred the standard "non Sig" 200 / 400 wpc model. In my HT system, i preferred the 400 / 800 wpc Signature model. This worked out well, as his speakers are about 6 db's more efficient than mine and i needed the extra power more than he did.
While i can't comment on the Earthquake amp, i had previously run an Acurus 200X3 in this system. This was their "new and improved" version of the amp, the "A" version. Don't know if you have the "A" or not, but even with the slightly larger power supply and "smoother" top end that it was supposed to offer over the earlier versions, it was NO match for the Cinema Grand's in terms of finesse, details or smoothness. Hope this helps and feel free to drop me a line should you feel the need. Sean
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Both amps provide plenty of steam and i can't see you ever straining even the smaller one with the speakers that you have. I ran the 200 / 400 wpc version with my 86 db 4 ohm speakers and it would CRANK without smearing. The 400 / 800 wpc Signature model just gave me more headroom to play with.
As to differences between the Sig and non-Sig models, the obvious difference is the power rating. While i don't know if it was strictly a matter of production tolerances or slight differences in design, we did find some differences in the two amps. In my Father's system, he preferred the standard "non Sig" 200 / 400 wpc model. In my HT system, i preferred the 400 / 800 wpc Signature model. This worked out well, as his speakers are about 6 db's more efficient than mine and i needed the extra power more than he did.
While i can't comment on the Earthquake amp, i had previously run an Acurus 200X3 in this system. This was their "new and improved" version of the amp, the "A" version. Don't know if you have the "A" or not, but even with the slightly larger power supply and "smoother" top end that it was supposed to offer over the earlier versions, it was NO match for the Cinema Grand's in terms of finesse, details or smoothness. Hope this helps and feel free to drop me a line should you feel the need. Sean
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