Hi i have a 7 channel amp but am running 6.1, Im looking into getting an amp but i found a 5 channel that i like, does that make mush sense. I plan on eventually running all 7 channels.
Use the 5 channel amp to power the Fronts, Center, and 2 Surrounds. and use the receiver's SBL and SBR powered outputs to power the surround rears. You get very little sound from them during movies anyway. You may have to adjust the other levels accordingly, but you should be just fine.