I used the onkyo tx-sr600e for 9 years. I was really happy about that one. It lacked a phono input but if this doesn't bother you it would be a great purchase for 5.1 or 6.1 discrete audio
Dts es dolby 5.1 ex it all sounds
Phono input equiped would be the tx-sr700e
Sold it two years ago to "upgrade"
I'm outdated once again by dolby atmos i'm afraid
I'm sure there are many other brands that would prove to be solid performers for extended surround.
Using a marantz sr-7007 these days for the obvious hd formats and hdmi thing.
Running the same 6.1 b&w speakers . Never felt the need for two subs or 2 surround back speakers