Why did Zenith's cabinets get cheap, and why?

[Carmine]

Per radiotvnut, in another post...:

So far, I'm liking it real well. Will like it better once I get it going. I just wish the cabinet was real wood; not particle board and plastic. But; the chassis is built like a tank!

He is referencing a mid-70 Zenith console.

I have to say that I'd agree. Seems like Zenith's cabinets were at one time higher quality than most any other brand I've run across... (until the early 70s)

The older Zenith tops are usually solid wood, while most RCA's in the same price range are either veneer, or such a thin piece of wood that I fear a 70s VCR might have collapsed them! Then it seems like somebody flipped a switch and suddenly the Zenith cabinets relied too much on plastic details and particle board, even as the chassis remained 1st rate. Seems very out of character.

Your thoughts?

It seems that there is somewhat of a bias here against console sets. I do understand that the more elaborate consoles are space-eaters, but ultimately I prefer them... Much the same as I'd rather have an Imperial, vs. a Plymouth Valiant. Sadly, all my Zeniths have been bottom of the food chain. (Until I finally scored a diagnonal-dial colonial roundie last year) I keep the low-line sets around and working... secretly hoping to find that perfect Danish-modern roundie that has been gutted and waiting for an organ transplant!