$45 for a pair of cables isn't too bad as long as each one is 22.5' long. This would make them on par with Axiom's own excellent speaker wire, otherwise you still paid too much for them and let's not bring up Monoprice's own 12 gauge wire which is even cheaper but less flexible ;\) As long as you are happy with those wires that is all that matters, no matter what they cost.

An amp should last forever, well pretty close. Most refurb avr's are in better condition than the originals, IMO.

Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70