I won't buy another all in one HT receiver again when the time comes. I've have Onkyo now, and had NAD in the past. The NAD was the better sounding but it was expensive.
I like the idea of separate video processor and multi-channel amp as two decisions.
Emotiva is quite good in this area for both. HT is their sweet spot. They have a good, and no-holds-barred processor. I would get the good ($699) MC-700 processor and the Build Your Own XPA amp, where you specify how many channel amp boards you want installed. This allows flexability over time.
My son has a dedicated 5 channel Emo amp along with their prior lesser processor and it has been wonderful.