I would seriously consider stretching your budget to get a high-quality amp like this ATI 5x250W, AT2505, for $1486.55 ... this is regularly $2695. And then buying a HT receiver for a pre-amp, like the Onkyo special at onecall.com:
from:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/deals/deals.phpOneCall - ATI AT2505 5 channel 250W Per Channel Amplifier for $1486.55 plus Shipping! (Posted by: Apex)
Incredible deal on ATI`s AT2505 amplifier! It`s a huge, hernia inducing (110lbs) monoblock design mosfet amp that`s built like a tank. Thanks to its ginormous toroid transformer, it has 120,000 micro-farad capacitance and a level damping factor over 1000. It`s good for 250 watts per channel at 8 ohm and 375 watts per channel into 4 ohm, with all 5 channels driven. It`s a serious monster. ONECALL
OneCall - Onkyo HT-S760 6.1 Channel Receiver w/ Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES 6.1 + Speaker Package for $499. (Posted by: Apex)
You get a 6.1 channel receiver with DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II decoding and 100 watts per channel, plus 2 front speakers, 1 center channel speaker, 2 surround speakers, and one subwoofer. ONECALL
Update: you can also call in to get their best price. Might save you a few bucks. Pretty awesome though for a full system with the Onkyo name. Call 1-866-572-3235.