Hey, Randy, you're right, and I was trying to simplify the answer for the "masses". Believe me, as many have read in a few of my contributions in other threads, I do know electronics.

Hey, Mike, take advantage of the sonic non-difference and save yourself some money and space.

The long answer is that both schools of thought are true: there are advantages to separates, and high-quality receivers are sonically equivalent.

If there was one true answer, there would be only one model of everything on the market. Diversity of taste, price, quality, desire, the way each of us wants our system to look, sound, and appeal to guests, all play varying parts in our decisions.

There's a reason home theater is considered a hobby. Othrewise, assembling a system would be a chore instead of the fun that it is.

So, don't worry, be happy. Enjoy!

Larry