Best 5.1 ONLY receiver every made?

Beasts like the original Denon 5000 were great. However, KAL is correct. Missing things like DPL II, 24/96 and much more makes a huge difference. The last of the 5.1's that I'd consider would be an Anthem AVM-2 or perhaps a Sunfire. Who cares if a unit is 7.1, you don't have to use all of the channels.
As a 2 channel rig, an older Denon or B&K can be awesome.

DENON DENON DENON!!!!!!!

i currently have a couple of high-end denon avrs (4803 and 3300). i hate 'em both--wimpy and "digital" sounding. in general, b&k and arcam were the best of the 5.1 breed--several notches above the mass market asian branded gear.

Best to split, and get a pre-pro that you feed to separate amps, two, three or five at a time. Interga 9.9 is the real killer for sound quality and value.

Loomis,

I'm amazed to hear you say that.

I have 2 theater systems in the house, plus four 2 channel systems.

The bigger theater system has some big responsibilities...

Martin Logan Fronts and Centers, and Mirage surrounds.

The Klipsch Sub Strata 15 does it's own talking...

This is the Denon 4308 (not CI), with a big ole 60 inch Sony Flat on the wall.

It kicks ass. I could have changed it several times to Krell or Lexicon, but thankfully asked myself why when looking at money difference.

Now if I just do that in my 2 channel rigs...

If you buy a Denon that is working correctly, and you take the time to learn how to use it and figure out what all those features are for, you won't be sorry...no way...