I have a Stereo extreme, and an HT-3 (for center and rears). While my stereo stratos was in for the extreme upgrade, the HT3 was powering the L & R. Certain CDs would would overload the HT-3, causing it to shut down briefly when the going got tough. The stratos never had this problem, and after the Extreme upgrade it appears to handle these difficult passages even better.
My long term plan is to upgrade to monos, having the amps near the speaker, running the ICs approx 25' thru the walls/ceiling.
Anyone have any advice on good, but affordable, ICs for long runs?