[Manic!]

Originally Posted by Marshall Placid

This might sound weird...

But, here is something I've learned from somebody else with 30+ years of experience.

Go to the store and pick up the box containing the audio receiver.

Or, better yet, pick up the audio receiver itself (without box).

The heavier it is, the better it is, to gauge whether the manufacturer skimped on quality parts inside the housing of the receiver.

Granted, this is not pure-science or based on tech specs, but it's my 2 cents.

Good luck!

Not true. Power amps have become way more powerful, smaller and lighter. Also some high end manufactures have added weight to the bottom of the case just to make weigh more.