For x-mas I received a pair of m3tis and a vp100 center. The receiver I have now is a Kenwood from the late 80s, so I'm would like to replace it to say the least. Listening will be an even mix between music and HT and I live in a relatively small dorm room. I have roughly $400 to spend and am currently looking at the following:

Denon 1804 $280
H/K avr-125 $180
H/K avr-225 $230
H/K avr-325 $379

All units are refurbished due to money constraints. Concerning the H/K 325, it is rated at 7x50 watts, but if I run on a 5.1 setup, does that mean that it will be able to provide more power to each channel because the 6th and 7th aren't in use?

-- my setup -- Axiom: m80ti(2), vp150, vp100, qs4(2), hsu vtf-2 Harman Kardon: avr-630, dvd22