Look into a McIntosh av processor to start and as you move up your two channel game you can add a two channel preamp and use the home theater bypass option. I use an mx 120 for av and switch over to a c2300 tube pre for two channel. Great flexibility without sacrificing sound quality.
surround processor?
Where to go? Older Lyngdorf MP50, JBL SDP-55,Arcam AV40.Lexicon MC ( the cheapest)? Love to watch the movies but also listened to 2 channel stereo. Are there a big sound difference in those? Just the general advice please. Will probably look into second hand.