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
AVRs from "back in the day" will lack the new and important features of current AVRs. Besides, you can always add amps and subs if you want the "biggest, baddest, and best sounding 5.1."

Kal
JML-
List some parameters as everything has changed in the last 4 years. Budget, codecs, HDMI switching etc. Better 'Goner opinions will follow!
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.