Kiwa electronics was the first company that showed me just how terrible audio is on many higher-class receivers back in the day.
It was so frustrating knowing that back then (and even today), that the FIRST most important sense we have when using receivers / transceivers is our ears. While not searching for high-fidelity, it is quite important, but alas I think some engineers assume that since we have band noise underneath, you can just throw in crap audio circuits and call it a day. Not everyone, but there is room for improvement!
The simple use of metal-film resistors not only in the audio chain, but also in the dc rails is quite important. Along with matching bi-polar capacitors etc etc.
Sure enough, mass market costs have to be kept down, but once you hear a rig with just these simple measures installed, there is quite a difference - if not immediately, you'll thank yourself for the long-term listening ability.
Not so easy to do the swap today with teeny surface mount components unfortunately.
