help decide what av receiver under $1k to choose

@geek101 it’s so complex. Do you have any basic guides? I promise to read that and will back smarter and ready to answer all questions.

Well, a first step is to identify how many channels you need.  That could be 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, etc. and if you want to include ATMOS.  Is your budget just for audio or does it also need to cover a display?

@allinone1989 Zero in on your speakers first and then you can look at what they need. If you want to spend less money then make sure to get efficient speakers i.e speakers that are 8 Ohm minimum and are 96 dB or more efficient. 

Denon X3400 (7ch), which can also be had for cheaper as a factory refurb sold by Accessories4Less. There is also the Marantz 6012 (9ch, expandable to 11ch with external 2ch power amp). Unless you need 13ch, no need to spend more than these, they are already good quality (super linear FR, unclipped 4Vrms pre-outs, >90dB SNR, ~2dB of dynamic power over rated RMS wattage, etc.).

how many channels you need

7 will be enough.

Zero in on your speakers first

I'm planning to buy some ~$1k receiver (something I found here https://helptochoose.com/best-av-receiver-under-1000). What speakers would you recommend?

as a factory refurb

Are you sure about refurb receivers from Denon?!