I see these threads all the time and I'm still not sold that all AVRs are neutral and have the same sound. Like Bren said, difference in ability to drive SPLs alone results in a difference in perceived quality.

But that notwithstanding-these things all seem to have really advanced equalizers that attempt to compensate for your room/speakers. That process simply must impact the sound. I mean, that's what it is intended to do, right?