The more big companies mass produce items, the more you'll see quality suffer. You are correct with Sony. I had a early 90's model that was made much better than the current model. Some say Denon's less expensive line is going that route also. Others say Marantz is headed in the same direction. You'll find the less expensive models in any companies line are pretty much worth their weight in plastic. The higher end models jump up in price because the circuitry is much better, and more expensive. There are still some companies that make solid low end receivers, like Harman Kardon - but you'll pay for them. They weigh twice as much as their competition, and are rated very conseratively. Even better yet were the receivers from the 70's. I still have a Pioneer 30 watt/2 channel analogue receiver that has the sweet musical ability to play lp's like no current sub $1000 receiver can today. I have a $1200 Denon, and it's a shame I had to spend so much on something so "OK". Most receivers nowadays have internal "parametric eq's" which take the place of the old 10 band eq's (some had the spectrum analyzers). Those were the efficient eq's. It takes 10x as long to dial in good sound with all the crazy remotes and on screen displays anymore. Good post. I agree with you to some extent. Although the technology is much more advanced with todays stuff. You have DTS, Pro Logic IIx, THX certification, etc... that was never around in the "old days". HT is where it's at today. Spend a little more, and you'll get what you pay for.
