I went to best buy 2 weeks ago, just to play around. I listened to a pair of floor standing speakers through the yamaha A1000 and the sc-25. I have to say, TO MY EARS, the yamaha sounded so alive, so crisp and clear, and the pioneer sounded like a boombox. This is on the same exact set of speakers, i was surprised....
So, the point of my post is, I'm not going to say which is better or worse. I will only note that there seemed to be a BIG difference in sound/character between the two. I think you will serve yourself best if you can listen and then decide for yourself...