"I know the BS that trickles down to the dealers and customers" See it works very well, at least in your case. Yamaha is the last place you would call to get the facts. If they are made with cheaper parts then why do they weigh exactly the same? Find the HTR-6160 receiver in a HTIB system, you won't. No manufacturer puts a $550 receiver in a HTIB. You won't because that is all BS that filters down and spread around. Why do some brands actually use the same owners manual with the different model numbers on the same manual?

If you really want the true answer then buy both of the receivers mentioned above from dealers. Take them home and remove the covers. You will see that they are identical inside. Then return them, OK.

This is the whole reason I posted above. Manufacturers and dealers have many tricks up their sleaves. I think the buyers should be somewhat on an equal playing field.

OK, still don't believe me? When you talk to people on the phone at headquarters it is likely you are not talking to technical experts. Even if you are they still might give you BS. I respect Yamaha more than most manufacturers because they are straight on their website. Here is what there website shows:

.........."What is the difference between the RX-V line and the HTR line AV receivers ?
There are many similarities between these two product lines. The RX-V line and the HTR line are produced in the same Yamaha factory using the same high quality parts throughout. The RX-V and equivalent HTR models have the same warranty periods; the same manufacturers suggested retail price, the same features, and the same remote control units. There is a cosmetic difference found on the front panels of these two lines. The RX-V line maintains the traditional white colored lettering normally found on most Yamaha components, while the HTR line provides a slightly different approach. Yamaha has created a new look by using gold colored lettering in selected areas on the HTR receiver series. However, both the RX-V line and the HTR line feature the same high quality black metal front panel construction. The amplifiers in the HTR and RX-V units are identical but rated differently to comply with the accepted measurement standards of their respective channels of distribution. Both ratings are FTC approved and are designed to handle the dynamics of today's audio and video sources. The RX-V line has the power amplifiers rated from 20-20000 Hz. The HTR line has the power amplifiers rated at 1000 Hz. Both lines can reproduce the full frequency response of 20-20000 Hz. The RX-V line is typically sold through Yamaha authorized audio/video specialty retailers, and is not available for mail order sales. The HTR line is sold through mass merchants, catalog retailers, and department stores. You may also purchase the HTR line through the mail. All transactions must be done through the authorized Yamaha dealer network. Any purchase made from an unauthorized dealer/retailer voids the Yamaha manufacturer's warranty"..........

Above is a direct quote from the Yamaha website. Note if you can't read carefully it says:

.........."The RX-V line and the HTR line are produced in the same Yamaha factory using the same high quality parts throughout"..........

.........."The amplifiers in the HTR and RX-V units are identical"..........

OK, are there still any other poor confused folk out there?

Note that in recent years with some brands like Integra and Yamaha some of the cousin models in the higher series might have some features like connectability items for custom installations, etc. but the basic amps and video circuits are identical.

RR6