I think you'll be frustrated trying to apply audiophile standards to HT. My 2 channel system is all high end and custom. My HT system is just barely above Amazon when it comes to cables. I do use a good power cable (like ice age) but the amps in the price range you're looking are not great. I upgraded from onkyo to denon a few years back and am very happy. Been very happy with movies lately. However, I do have 3 sets of very easy to drive floor standing speakers surrounding the listening position. I'm thinking of upgrading again, some have recommended marantz, perhaps the cinema 50.
But you can't improve any component with good cables. All you can do is get cables that don't degrade the performance of the equipment. And if audiophile equipment is grade A/B, then unless you spend big bucks, HT equipment is grad C/D. so if you amp is a C, your amp with a good cable is still a C.
That said, movies still sound great.
Jerry