One of the things that is very difficult is often things start at 'good' or 'very good' and run UP from there. Do B&W ceiling speakers sound better than Monoprice ceiling speakers? Likely, yes. Do they sound $400 a pair (or more) better? WELL - That is VERY subjective isn't it?
I find this to be the case with projectors all the time. When people ask what I consider the best to get for an entry level theater, I think of the JVC RS440. It's now discontinued, but just a 2018 model. So, if you can find it, for around $3,000, it's great. But, for some people $3K isn't entry level. $1,000 is. So, then you have the BenQ HT2050a, the Optoma HDR27, the Epson 3100/3700. They are ALL very good models with decent black levels and decent noise levels. They all do slightly different things slightly better than others do. I can tell you my favorite, and I can back it up. But, I can honestly say, that in a given situation, I have recommended different models at different times because of the circumstances of the installation itself.
A/V receivers are often the same way. It's possible to get measurement data, and it may be possible to spend ten times as much to get 10% greater performance, but then you aren't even talking to the right people 99% of the time. You also get into the voodoo of audiophile which isn't a place most here want to dwell.
I can say, honestly, that things in the A/V world are murky at best and it is part of the reason why A/V forums are so popular compared to some other forums out there. You can often ask a simple question, then get 10 people asking you for details about your room, your space, your budget, your goals, your setup, and once you answer them, you can start getting some recommendations and options. Some options will not fit your goals, but most likely will be credible options you can choose from. Then you can further ask questions. It becomes a two-way discussion about what will work best for your specific scenario.