Sony STR-VX6
Sony STR-VX5
Sony STR-VX4
(1981+)

Transitional models, yes: tiny push buttons mingling with blinking LEDs and regular knobs... Still - all gathered on an aluminum frontplate !

These receivers look flimsier than they really are and were among the first units using one of Sony's trademarks: the Legato Linear circuit. These were also some of the last using the Pulse Power Supply (VX6, VX5), chopping here at a slightly higher rate than previous units : 22kHz.

There were also a VX3, VX2 and VX1 but these were of an obviously different basic design. All this is very far from an STR-V7 or STR-6060F but still valid - the real downsizing in quality was for a few years after.