Noob, need help please

A receiver has a radio tuner, a preamplifier for input processing, and a amplifier to boost signal strength for the speakers. An integrated amplifier lacks the tuner. Then you have separate preamplifiers/processors and amplifiers. 

In some home settings a 2-channel system can prove to work very well for both audio and video. If audio was the priority I would look into a 2-channel integrated amplifier with sub output. The center channel is often not necessary when using a well setup high quality 2 channel system.

I am under the impression that video is a primary goal, maybe beyond audio. If that is the case I believe that if going beyond a 2 channel for home theater I agree that the center channel is important to bring out the dialog in movies. 

Therefore I would look into the purchase of a used late model  5-channel receiver. Start out with you L&R and sub speakers. See how that works for you. Then add the center if needed for video. Consider the rear speakers thereafter. The fewer speakers needed the higher quality of sound can be purchased at any budget. I believe that in most multi-use environments (living rooms) a 3-channel, one with L&R&center speakers do well. A sub is nice for video. If one has a dedicated room then that provides other opportunities. 

Hope this helps. 

Yes your question really is how do I set up a home theater.  Take the suggestions above, or when you buy your receiver get advice from the vendors.

Home theater advice only really pertains if you are truly setting up a home theater with a lot of seating. In other words hardly anyone in the sweet spot. That's the real reason for all the channels. Because without the center channel people sitting way off center will hear the dialog coming from whichever speaker is closest instead of from the screen in the middle. Also all the effects coming from left or right, they will only sound right from the sweet spot, so everyone else needs the surround speakers to try and even things out.

It never works. No matter how many channels or how they are processed or how wonderful the speakers or how perfectly placed still no matter what it only ever sounds really good in the sweet spot. All you can possibly do by adding all the channels is degrade and debase whatever quality was there to begin with. Because that is the inevitable result of running it through anything multichannel.

I know. I tried. Been there. Done that. Satellites. Full range surrounds. All kinds of A/V receivers, and processors, and separates. Absolute total waste of time. And money.

Which according to the OP, $1k budget, you can afford to waste very little.

But hey, don't take my word for it. Seriously. Do not take my word for it. Go and listen. Go find the very best A/V receiver you can possibly afford. Then ask to compare it side by side with any integrated amp they happen to have in the store. ANY. If it takes you more than a nanosecond to realize the AV is crap then by all means buy it. Its what you deserve.

I mean that literally and not as an insult. No one should pay for performance they can't hear. Go and listen.

Also make sure you check on that amp or receiver that it will handle that ohm load of your speaker. I for one was running a pioneer vsx 84 using magnepans which are four ohm then I found out that the pioneer only does 6 and 8. So now I'm in the process of replacing with an amp that will handle the 4 ohm load and Ill get a preamp and sell  off the vsx84 which is a shame because  I really like it as a receiver

You might want to check pricing for reconditioned (and some new) at accessories4less. And, of course, check Audiogon...might find a steal on amn AV receiver.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9i4c0-anthem-mrx-700-receivers

Bargain price one
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9if67-marantz-sr5009-7-2-channel-home-theater-receiver-sr-5009-...