Why are all stereo components from every brand just over 17 inches wide? As the new owner of a 16.75 inch wide cabinet, that is a frustrating discovery. If you’ve ever taken apart a modern piece of stereo equipment, you’ll find it is mostly air. I’ve never seen a piece of solid-state Hi-Fi gear that comes anywhere close to using the full volume of its enclosure.

Did I mention that I want something simple for stereo speakers and a turntable. No 7-source HDMI switching with on-screen displays. No 40-channel surround sound. No “concert hall” echo effects. No 100-button remote control. FM radio would be nice.

I could just use another Sonos zone, but I really want something with a physical user interface. I know, I know: why do I hold on to such bygone concepts as volume knobs? And power switches?

I know volume knobs are obsolete. It’s obviously much more convenient to take a smartphone out of your pocket, unlock it with your passcode, navigate to the home screen, open an app, wait a few seconds while it connects, page to the volume screen, and adjust the sound from there.