To a certain point, I can see the debate between separates and receivers -- some people may not want to added cost of even entry-level separates (there were days when a 1050 was the outer limit of my budget, either because of financial limitations or an unwillingness to spend much more on the stereo -- and times when even that was out of the question, and I was happier not knowing how much better a more expensive system might sound). Or they may not be comfortable venturing beyond the mass market brands (we may recognize the value of an Outlaw or a Rotel or an Anthem, but some people would wonder why you didn't get Sony or Yamaha or some other common name instead). Or I suppose they might even prefer a single expensive box in the equipment rack to two comparably priced boxes, for whatever reason.

Then you get to the point where logic is abandoned, and they lose me entirely. When the debate turns the corner that you describe, the best bet is to shrug, roll back from the computer, toss a good disc in the player (music or movie, whatever fits the moment), and enjoy your "no better than a cheap mass-market receiver" system. It's not like any combination of letters on a computer screen will dissuade them...

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

[This message has been edited by gonk (edited November 21, 2003).]