What budget integrated for 2-channel A/V gear?

I swore off Sony (except the PS3) products after several of their products failed (one six months after warranty expired, and another under warranty). I remember the Sony Japanese-built quality from the Trintron TV's (and other Sony stuff I owned pre-90's). I'm not saying Sony isn't making high quality products these days - but they will not get a single dime out of me outside of PS3 stuff.

save some more and buy a plinus 9200 used

Older es avr gear is quite good...older the better...look for red box transformer, 4~8 ohm switching, bypass~direct...new es is watered dowm