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Originally Posted by Brendone
Is the release year a big deal these days or do software updates close the gap more than hardware changes? Looks like the AVRS960H is 2020, and the AVRS970H is basically the same, but 2022. Can save quite a bit with 960 on clearance
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I don't think the release year is a huge difference and it hasn't been for a long time. It's the parts inside/tech specs and/or the the additional or less features in a system. If you think they seem identical to you tech spec and features wise and reviews seem to support this, go with the cheaper one and spend the extra savings elsewhere (ie: decent quality cables, upgraded speakers etc.). But if one specific year has more issues than another, then maybe you weigh the pros and cons with paying more to avoid a specific issue with that specific model (but this is quite uncommon).
There's a reason why there's still quite a few people who will spend a lot of time on searching for stuff from the 60s-80s and restore them vs buying brand new. Sound production at all levels hasn't really changed much. It's just getting cheaper with the occasional additional bells and whistles added in (more input/output options for the price point and Bluetooth/Aux etc.)
Some people hate newer systems, especially ones with Bluetooth because they think that BT can interfere with other stuff or the packing of unnecessary stuff they won't use will cause the system to overheat and not always perform to their desire etc. Others want the latest and greatest and even if they can't tell the difference, maybe someone they know can.
Some of this is placebo effect and/or have no basis in objective measurements. Even if there are differences/issues in lower quality, if you yourself can't tell the difference it likely doesn't matter.