Curated Picks
AV Receivers
Compare Amazon (New) vs eBay (Refurb/Used) using evergreen brand/model searches that stay current as listings refresh.
Recommended searches
These searches focus on mainstream receiver families and feature keywords (eARC, HDMI 2.1, Atmos). Receivers change yearly—searches keep it evergreen.
Denon AVR (safe mainstream pick)
Popular, reliable, good features for most homes.
- Great feature balance
- Strong support ecosystem
- Look for eARC/HDMI 2.1 if gaming
Yamaha RX-V / Aventage
Strong brand reputation and solid room correction options.
- Reliable
- Good sound tuning
- Good used/refurb market
Onkyo / Pioneer (gaming + HDMI 2.1 focus)
Often good value for HDMI 2.1 + Atmos features.
- Value features
- Good for consoles
- Check firmware/model notes
7.2 / 9.2 channel receivers
For real surround builds and upgrade headroom.
- More channels = more speakers
- Better upgrade path
- Check room correction features
Receiver accessories: banana plugs + wire
Clean installs and better reliability.
- Cleaner wiring
- Less frustration
- 14-gauge is a safe default
HDMI 2.1 / eARC cable kits
Fixes a surprising number of issues.
- Reliable handshake
- Better bandwidth
- Worth buying decent cables