Ok CNN said the drop was in the 70s to the 50s. Toyota went ahead of chrysler a few months back and just passed Ford in worldwide sales. Not surprising due to piss poor vehicles. Of course that is my opinion based off my driving their cars and looking at their repair histories. though yes I'm sure they accelerate better or some such drivel for the first 6 months of ownership.

As for sales of separates and LPs well you are correct in that their sales typically have nowhere to go but up and once the market is saturated with receivers then...

Similar to computers. Now that so many people have them you can buy a computer for $499.00CDN at Future shop that will make most everyhting 2 years ago look stupid...well actually not so...it's just a perceived improvement since those computers can do everything new ones can if a little slower.

I agree with you on the perception issue. People perceive lots of gadgets to be better. Too bad mostly they are not. Like receivers. One big compromise for sound quality. Though you get functionality and features. All in one printer. Does it all and nothing particularly well.