Emotiva not so good

Best gear for the money but is pretty cold and hard on speakers if you accidentally clip. I have a pt 100/a 300 combo that has been pretty good.  Just got a McIntosh MA252 and the difference is profound... The mac is superb but also much more money. DG

I have two XPA-5 gen2 in a surround system and the sound is pretty good also for stereo.I don't use them for my stereo setup I have a Primaluna HP

I’m quite happy with my PA-1s powering GR Research X-LS Encores.

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.