John S. wrote:

I think I understand the point you are trying to make. But clearly
there are selected portable receivers that will outperform selected
tabletops.

If you look really hard to find the crappiest tabletop receivers ever
built, then maybe. In general, though, if you want real performance, go
for the tabletops. And most of all, remember this cardinal rule of
receiver purchasing:

A $500 dollar portable is still just a portable. (It's also an
extremely bad deal, but that's a story for another time...)