Reassembled this early-2000s Denon AV receiver for the second time tonight. It was my friend's when he blew one of the channels, and it's been sitting in my study waiting to be repaired for almost four years...
This era is hard because it's both fully computerised and almost all analog. Daughterboards, interconnects, and sprawling complexity galore. Did anyone ever use all those S-Video inputs?
Still, it's pleasant to feel the presence of Serious Japanese Engineers in suits and ties, and imagine them designing close to the limits of what was possible in consumer electronics at the time.
(Not to mention that this is actually repairable, and has a pretty decent service manual.)
Underside of the main amplifier board, sitting upright on my desk. You can see the solder-reinforced power tracks
Close up of the back of the display/controller front duahgterboard
Close up of the main amplifier board
Back end of an AV receiver sitting on a workbench. Various daughterboards are laid out beside it.