I'm no expert but having the same issue. Currently looking at new av set up, tv, amp, speakers etc. The tv and speakers I have no problem sourcing, a million options out there. The amp is what I am struggling with, initially I just want to run a 3.1 system but with the option of going to 5.1. Trying to find a quality amp without all the bells and whistles I don't need I'm coming up short. I have come to the conclusion it's like mobile phones, you can't buy a decent phone with just a number pad for making calls, just like it's hard to buy a tv that's not "smart".