stereo used in a/v setup

I'm considering a rotel rx 1052 to pair with a set of sierra 1 speakers. I might want to go surround at a later date. The rotel has zones which I need for patio speakers. I am assuming that for tv sound this set up would be fine. Are there any drawbaks other than the surround sound with movies. I dont do any gaming. Music is my first priority. Can I use this unit later in some way if i go surround? One problem this unit solves is that it will go inside my existing cabinet as it is only 13 inches long. It should be a killer combo with the sierras. I looked at the rotel multichannel receivers, but they seem to lack some of the new features. thanks