That ‘ear saver’ appears not to have any automatic gain control, but only lowers the signal strength by 17db at all times. Turning down the volume by 17db would have the same effect.

The VCR idea only works for analog sources, so unless you are running 5.1 analog cables and want to interject three stereo VCRs, one for main left and surround left, one for main right and surround right, one for center and LFE, . . .

I know of no device which accepts and provides 5.1 or higher optical or coax digital that is not a ‘system’ built to have many other features for surround audio mixing at a much greater cost than merely upgrading from the receiver already in use.

If you do seek out an ‘upgrade’ for that feature, you may want something more than just the ‘night’ feature that applies only to Dolby Digital signals, but may also apply to other sources. I have not sought out such a receiver so I have no specific receivers to suggest.

Perhaps your Dad would like a 1050 and you would like a 1070?