Pioneer receivers - VSX-9040TXH vs VSX-23TXH

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hey guys, im still trying to save up money to upgrade my receiver.
currently i own a VSX-1016TXV receiver
and my speakers are psb image series t45, c40 and b15's

ok so Canada sells the Pioneer VSX-9040TXH ( ~800$ CAD)

http://www.pioneerusa.com/POCEN/Support/Home+Entertainment/A+V+Receivers/Pioneer+A+V+Receivers/VSX-9040TXH?tab=B

and US (and one store in Canada) sells (~1000$ CAD maybe can bargain)
Pioneer VSX-23TXH

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/ci.VSX-23TXH.Kuro?tab=B

besides the # of hdmi ports and the "look" of the front of the receiver.
is their any other difference?
is the elite better quality?

and lastly, why are the W different?
are they calculated differently?
the VSX-9040TXH is 150W x 7 and the VSX-23TXH is 110W x 7

please let me know what you guys think as im trying to make a decision between these 2, thanks

 

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also as a second question.

by upgrading from VSX-1016TXV to VSX-23TXH

am i getting better quality sound?
or more power (louder with less effort type of thing)?
or both?

 

[Eyecantcode]

Well, I haven't had a 9040 or 1016, but I do have a recently purchased VSX-21TXH and I must say it is bad azz. I originally thought I'd need an amplifier in addition to the VSX-21TXH, but I was very wrong. I haven't owned the 9040 or 1016 so I can't say that the VSX-23TXH is louder, what I can say is I like it loud and the VSX-21TXH gives me more than I need. I have a 5000 cube ft room and listening to movies at reference is deafening.