I sold the 5308 about 2 months ago. But it was never used that much. It was kept in storage the whole time I was using the AVP-A1HD.
The 5308 had the HDMI board replaced while under warranty. But it was never used much since I bought the AVP-A1HD shortly after the 5308.
I should NOT have said the AVP-A1 was low quality. I should have said “High quality, but not DESIGNED to LAST”.
I guess there is a difference between quality vs design. Like you said, if they were designed to only last 10 years, then I guess we can’t expect it to last 20 years. But they can be built with high quality. I thought it was designed to last 20YR.
So I take back what I said there.
The main thought behind my post is that a 20 year life with any modern AVR is probably not realistic. Much more likely if you go back to the feature level of the 5308 (I have not heard of HDMI failures being routine on them, although I am sure your's was not the only one). And 20 years is totally viable if you go back to simple analog stereo receivers (which were not taxed by poorly matched low impedance inefficient speakers)!
I have a Yamaha R-S700 that would not surprise me if it lasted 20 years (only analog inputs). Of course, it can be argued that this unit was obsolete before I bought it! Seems like they had a R-S300, R-S500, and the R-S700. I kind of wish they had kept at least one of these in production just to have a reasonably priced long-life unit, but I certainly can't blame Yamaha for adding digital/optical and network/BT/musiccast capabilities. Those two additions may not add that much heat or reduced cooling, but in the process, they are pulling from the AVR parts bins which are no longer designed with the expectation of lasting 20+ years. (and I certainly don't
know that my R-S700 did not come mostly out of the AVR parts bin)
But, I'm sure the manufacturers have done their homework. If we go back 20 years, I think we would be missing HDMI, networking, wi-fi, Heos/MusicCast/Airplay, and BT.
I don't really know the history of AVRs, but I might guess the following are also developments of the last two decades: Auto setup for level matching & distance/delay, PEQ, bass management (mainly proper crossover in the AVR), and RoomEQ.
Most recently, for me, the D&M app for Audyssey is a fairly compelling reason to upgrade!
You could argue the necessity for any one of these features, but taken as a group, I think after close to 10 years most people are going to feel like they would like to upgrade and they are not going to be overly upset if a failure of the unit helps drive that decision.
What led you to (effectively) retire your 5308 so early?
