What's the best 5 channel for less then 1K?

I agree with the anthem recomendation. I would also suggest taking a look at a used ATI 1505 150W x 5, you could probablty get one for 1100-1200. I own the ATI and really like it. I have had parasounds and the lower end parasounds are only average as with the Sony's.

The BEST multi-channel amp for anywhere near that price is the EAD POWERMASTER 500. You will not find a more musical mulit-channel amp......possibly at all! this amp is UNREAL! Power-steering feature in 2 channel will direct power-on-demand to the speakers that need it most. Some say they have had upwards of 450+wpc into a single channel in stereo listening. the looks are very high-end also, much better than the other amps mentioned (IMHO). They usually are sold on audiogon for between 800-1000$$$. GOOD LUCK!!

Used Parasound hca-1206 for 700 to 800 used. Built like a tank, six channels (135w > 8 ohms, 200 > 4), four channels are bridgeable (making 350 watts) and that leaves a pair of channels for a set of stereo speakers in that configuration. And, a very useful item; each channel has its own output control. This is quite practical when most AV preamps only have 1db channel setting increments. The amp was designed by John Curl and sounds very nice for a high powered mid priced solid state amplifier. It is simply at steal at 700 used.