Have to strongly disagree with Buckeye on the sound of the pioneer elite receivers. I own the vsx-54, and would never describe the sound as bright. the elites use mosfet amps instead of the more common push-pulls. Mosfets genereally have a characteristic sound described as "tube-like" by it's fans, and "the mosfet mist" by it's detractors. Generally the sound is warm, a little laid back. Speakers on the bright side of neutral (as some describe Axioms) sound awesome when paired with these receivers.
The power of these units is so smooth it is deceptive. I have an older pair of Monitor Audio MA 700 golds that can present some funky loads, and aren't too effecient. A little too rocking and they shut down my old Onkyo receiver. With the pioneer, I can keep cranking and they keep begging for more. Often I don't realize how loud I am listening until someone tries to talk to me. On the other hand, at night when the household goes to bed, I am amazed at the detail I hear between -50 & -40 db on the volume. As you can tell I am very happy with this receiver.
If you are interested in 2 channel music, you will find this receiver capable of delivering the goods. I didn't compare the Rotel and Cambridge as they were out of my range (heck I really wanted the 56, but it was out of my range as well), but did compare the Yammie and the Denon. I really prefered the sound of the Pioneer. If you want plug and play ease, then the Pioneer may very well be your solution. The i-link connection will be awesome with a universal player, the MCACC auto set-up is a breeze, and the 54 remote has a 1-button toggle between pure direct and "stereo" with the adjusted sound engaged. Both modes use the sub, though you can turn the feed to the sub off with a couple of button clicks. the 56 remote is more extensive than the 54.
Hope you enjoy, and I must admit I envy you the set-up you are getting. All the way around, excellent!
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