I have a 7.2 system driven by a 5 channel Anthem PVA5 amplifier. I use a Partsexpress.com sourced 2 channel 60wpc channel for the back surrounds. You have to set the volume separately from the processor, but it works great.
Dayton Audio DTA-120 Class T Mini Amplifier 60 WPC
Probably cheaper than an amplified monitor.
I use one of these in my 2.1 channel garage system. 2 Merak (Axiom made) center channel speakers upgraded with twin Axiom 6.5" aluminum drivers, one with a horn tweeter, the other with a tweeter from a Reference 3a mm de capo I picked up from ebay with its cap and resistor. I use a cheap CD player and a Sony XDR F1 HD am/fm tuner which is silly good.
Super sound quality.
