These, in my opinion, are what keeps the SA-1000 out of the top tier of the really great Receivers:
Major design deficiencies:
1. No Dual Mono Design;
2. No Toroidal Transformer;
3. No Switchable IF Bandwidth
4. No Multipath Meter
5. Relatively small Power Supply for rated 330 wpc.
6. Little Dynamic Headroom (1.2-1.5 db)
7. Really flimsy spray-painted plastic switch covers and cheap feel to the controls
Minor issue:
7. No SAW Filter on FM
The good news:
No Masonite!!!!!
I'm not saying it's a slouch....it's just a big serving of above-average, as opposed to exceptional, performance.
The price of admission now is pretty steep for what you actually get and, to me, not worth it. So, it's one Receiver I don't plan on getting.
But, people can spend their money on anything they want and it will be fun to see how much someone is going to pay for this experience. :scratch2:
If a 16.5 doesn't sound as good as an SA-1000, the 16.5 needs to be SERVICED!!!