This is a very interesting discussion. My experience with electronics has been DOA or failure-within-initial-90-days, but I worry more about moving, mechanical parts than electronics. I've had more CD players or tape decks fail than receivers. It may be the sample size though - in 20 years I've only owned 3 receivers and all (including my newish Pioneer Elite) still work great.
With that in mind, I bought my current TV, CD, and DVD players from local, authorized dealers, and I bought my receiver from a reputable-but-unauthorized discount merchant. Knock on wood!
-Brian n8wrl
