For what it's worth my old STR-835 is still kicking along and sounds as good (and as bad) as ever.

I was, in my youth a Sony fan until time and research and my own ears opened my eyes to a world beyond the 'big names". I think Sony, like many of their competitors have hits and misses in just about every line they offer. Back in 2004 I got a great deal on a new DA3000?, after I got it set-up and went to fire it up....bam right into protect mode, returned it got a replacement and wouldn't you know it right into protect mode as well....needless to say that was the last Sony audio component I've purchased, well not counting my PS3!