Note that the new Pio Elites are all class D amps. Don't assume that is a problem or concern for SQ, just so you are aware as some people don't care for class D. But read the HTM reviews.
I have Pio Elite VSX-82TXS, been running it for 5 years. Works fine, not the latest and greatest vid or codecs, but I don't need those anyway. Generally, it seems to be pretty good build qulaity, but I have never popped the cover off of it. One note on the Pio Elites, they can be notoriously difficult to get configured and all figured out. Now that I know mine very well, I am hesitant to upgrade it
Adam, did you find yours a bit difficult to get the hang of? And I know you don't wanna deal with it, but it would be possible to upgrade the transformers on those Emo POS. Probably not cheap, and transformer hum is pretty dang common.
I also have Emotiva USP-1 and XDA-1 in a separate rig. The build quality on the USP-1 is definitely a notch above your average mass market component.
In general, I say they are about the same. From a purely build quality aspect, the USP-1 does seem a little more robust. I'll put it like this: If the USP-1 goes south on me, it would be worth my time to pop it open and track down the problem (if outside of warranty) or get a friend to help me repair it. On the other hand, if my Pio Elite goes south, I would try to scrap the good parts out of it for future projects and just upgrade to a new, latest and greatest reciever.
So, it kind of depends on your needs and what is most important to you.