Murali, there are many companies in that unique situation. In addition to Sony that makes a few exceptional products, there is Teac whose Esoteric products are stuff of legends. But would you recommend a Teac AVR for that reason?
Sony set fire to the world with their Walkman, but Apple walked away with honours as far as hard drive based portable systems go. And in the case of Apple, it was not the product, per se, but iTunes that spelt the doom of other competitors.
Sony is a large company with excellent marketing as well as technical capabilities. But because of the unique business environment of Japan, there are some companies that are allowed to dominate in some segments. And it cannot be denied that Onkyo, Marantz, Yamaha and Denon dominate in the world of multi channel receivers. Sony has got into this market very late and has never been able to get a foothold inspite of the fact that some of the receivers did get some good reviews. And like Pioneer did with their Kuro TVs, Sony may one day exit out of the multi channel receiver market.
Why Pioneer did not come to India could be because they did not see a market large enough to justify the investment. Or, it could be because they do not have a large product range as Sony, LG, Samsung and others have. Even Panasonic's foray into India is half hearted at best. Even in places such as Dubai, companies such as Sony, LG, and Samsung have a much stronger presence.
Sony is a respected company, and I have used a Walkman extensively. Even today I have a Sony three in one that I have been using for ten years in my bedroom. But what we have to understand is the strength of each company in particular product areas or domains. As Suri said, when it comes to professional recording or broadcast system, hardly anyone can touch Sony. But to make a sweeping statement that the Denon and Onkyo are trash is what gets our goat.
And I am sure our friend Mr Pure Bharath was never thinking with the vast canvas that you have in mind.
Cheers
