Oh I will agree that proper separates are in another league. I still have a Carver Pre/Pro powering my bar....the sound is unmatched by any Yamaha/Denon etc receiver I've ever owned.

One thing I haven't tried is going with Yamaha or Crown pro audio rack mountable amps for HT. Much much cheaper than hifi gear, crazy wattage for little money. Some don't even have fans running until needed, but the hum and buzz is my worry.

2xAA
M80/VP150/VP160/QS8
4xM3/M22OW/M2OW/VP150OW/4xM3IC/4xM3OW
EP500/800/HSU VTF3/SVS PB2k/SB2k/SB-12