If you don't mind buying used, you can probably pick up a NAD C350 or Cambridge Audio D500 for 300, or less. It will probably be much better than any Denon/Onkyo/name your HT receiver manufacturer (I havne't heard a lot of "HT" receivers. but the ones I HAVE heard were not that impressive with 2 channel music).

Only limitations are these integrated amps usually do not have a tuner nor a phono section. Not sure if this may be a problem to you.

Good luck.