Perhaps what the OP is referring to is the power specification at 1k often being promoted. My BIL asked for my assistance several years ago in selecting a receiver. I was surprised to find the power ratings were all given at 1k into a single channel. I steered him away from those receivers and to something that provided 20Hz to 20kHz @8 Ohms specifications.
The Pioneer SX-10AE provides these specs on its website:
100 W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC)
210 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10 %, 1ch Driven)
The retailers (and manufacturers), know that in the mind of the average consumer, the bigger number gets the sale. Making it difficult (as it was then) to find the full specifications is misleading (at best) to the consumer. Perhaps this is what the OP was referring to.