If you are willing to start with a 3-channel amp for the main and center speakers, then you should consider the Bryston 5B-ST, which can be acquired used for around $1400. If you want to go start with an excellent 2-channel amp, then the Bryston 4B-ST is a good starting point -- there is one for sale here on A-gon for $1200. If you look at the link to my system, you will see that I started with the 4B-ST and later upgraded my 3-channel surround amp to the 5B-ST. From several years of personal experience with these amps, I can recommend them to you without reservation.
Help.... Need Amp advice
I am currently in the market for an amp to provide a little kick to my system. I have the klipsch rf 3II, rc3, and rs3's with a velodyne HGS-12. I'm most interested in powering the fronts and center speakers but I am also considering a 5 channel amp to power 'em all. So far I am torn between the Odyssey Stratos HT-3 (150x3), an older acurus A200x5 (too much power?) or 125x5, or a parasound HCA1205 (140x5). I should mention my pre/pro is currently a Denon AVR 3803 (85x7), and my time is for the most part split 50-50 between music and HT. Overall budget for the amplifier is $1-2K. Thanks, any advice/opinions are greatly appreciated!