You don't understand...the McIntosh look is part of it's ecosystem. It jumps out and says I'm a McIntosh. McIntosh tried a more modern display, and it kinda failed (as people preferred the 207 over the 8207 but they're the same amp...one has a classic display and the other a modern one). It's a McIntosh owner thing....and no...they're not trying to sell inexpensive goods. They have a clientele that is based on its look maybe even more than its performance...the look it a major part of its resale value.much more appealing modern displays available in much cheaper AVRs due modern software operating systems.