HT is different from audiophile 2-channel system, HT is 5.1 or 7

For consumer level, you probably should look into

Yamaha/Onkyo/Sony/Pioneer/Denon

higher end stuff will be Integra/Marantz/NAD/Parasound and a few more

You really need to listen and know the sound that you like... It is not about who makes the best, it is about who your ears likes the most...

You may like one amp for one type of music (say jazz) and another amp for a different type of music (say classic).

One general rule (when you can not decide for yourself), the heavier the amp, the better:)