I live in Canada and "B" Stock means AVR's that were floor models, customer returns, and refurbished units that come with a 3 yr. warranty. Currency wise, $2000 is approximately $1500 in U.S dollars, this is why I consider my budget to be tight.
I have considered both the Yamaha RX-A1080 and the Denon AVR-X4500H, but to be honest, I am a die hard, in regards to Pioneer Elite AVR's as my 2007 Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi has been my HT workhorse for 12 yrs.
This has been a very difficult decision making process with so many good AVR's with the latest technology on the market today. I listen to my AVR at modest to medium levels and rarely listen at reference levels as I live in an apartment building with shared walls.
The Denon X-4500H is available only as a "special order" in my area where I reside and I do not wish to order an AVR on the Internet because I'm a "hands on" consumer.
As for the Yamaha AVR RX-A1080, I have read that the Calibration program in the Yamaha is sub standard at best, whether this is true or not for 2018/19 model year, I am really unsure.
Bottom line, it brings me back to the Pioneer VSX or SC-LX series?
Thank you for any insights and opinions you may have, especially when it comes to the comparison between the Pioneer SC-LX701/801 and the Yamaha RX-A1080 AVR's.