Faux-wood was just everywhere at the time indeed. It was a mix of the materials getting affordable and a certain commodification of the hippie aesthetic. Electronics were more perceived as appliances back then, and it was a common trend to make appliances less sterile by adding “natural” materials such as wood.
I think they were trying to make it look like the stereo equipment of the day.
The 70s were big on wood paneling in general.
Faux-wood was just everywhere at the time indeed. It was a mix of the materials getting affordable and a certain commodification of the hippie aesthetic. Electronics were more perceived as appliances back then, and it was a common trend to make appliances less sterile by adding “natural” materials such as wood.