Looking for new AV Receiver

i've never heard huge differences in quality among the <$1k mass market avrs--i'd check out accessories4less, which has deep discounted prices on yamaha/denon and pick one that has the tech features you need.

For future options, try to get one with Front L and Front R rear output jacks.

Those are preamp, volume controlled by the AVR with all other channels.

Purpose is to have a ’better’ front 2 channel music system that doubles for Video use.

The AVR’s Front L and R Preamp Outs can go to a future preamp/amp or integrated amp with a Home Theater Bypass, so your ’better’ front amp is still used for the front speakers, volume controlled by the AVR

Crutchfield is a quick source for comparative info, and you can see magnified views of the rear panels.

Seems Marantz and Yamaha tend to include front pre-outs, some Onkyo Integra line have it, but standard Onkyo's do not. Seems Denon's do not have front pre-outs

of course do your research and compare prices elsewhere, but easy info at Crutchfield, even info on discontinued models if you are considering used.

I checked their black friday AVR's, none have front pre-outs

My Onkyo RZ630 receiver I use in the man cave is unbeatable for the price. With your budget you could step up to feature rich 840:

NewEgg also has that monster RX840 for $1,099