Best 5.1 ONLY receiver every made?


Hi everyone!

I am curious to get your opinions about what the best used 5.1 receiver is. I had a 7.1 one setup about four years ago, but eventually left surround sound for a stereo setup. Now that I have space for both I am considering venturing back into surround sound.

So my question is... who made the biggest, baddest, and best sounding 5.1 receiver in the past that would now be a great buy on the used market? I see some of the new flagship receivers from Yamaha and Denon are pretty monstrous, did they have 5.1 counterparts back in the day?

Thanks for your thoughts,

JML
jmleonard400
BTW- By "Better opinions" I mean "more opinions". I certainly meant no disrespect to KAL who knows "Mucho mucho!"
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.
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.