Speakers for my HTPC

I would like to use some "external" speakers. Bitrstreaming is good to have feature but that is not my main goal. What i look for is an option to control everything from my TV remote - a system with CEC support. I am aware that AV receivers have such functions but going this road will pump up the price. I was wondering if there are some HT systems which can act like AV receiver? A stupid question but some have HDMI inputs so where is the catch?
Anyone using such setup?