@andreeon - Most modern HT receivers will have 7 channels of amplification. You can use them to power a 5.1 setup. You can configure them to not have the additional 2 speakers connected, or the auto-setup will determine that the additional 2 speakers are not attached and the setup routine will account for that.You may still find a small number of HT Receivers that only have 5 channels of amplification.
You might want to go to Accessories4Less and see what they have available. I gave them a quick check and found several models from Yamaha, Denon, Marantz and Onkyo/Integra, all well within your budget. Note: Many of the HT Receivers sold by Accessories4Less are factory reconditioned.
You might want to go to Accessories4Less and see what they have available. I gave them a quick check and found several models from Yamaha, Denon, Marantz and Onkyo/Integra, all well within your budget. Note: Many of the HT Receivers sold by Accessories4Less are factory reconditioned.