I should have clarified my earlier post (got lots of bad reputation points). My research included a search of this forum, avs.com, and amazon ratings. I've also owned yamaha on and off for 15 years and currently own a RX-V465. Yamaha has always provided high sound quality and I've had no problems in the units I've used.
Of note, I recently heard Dr. Geddes of Gedlee speakers uses a Pioneer VSX-919 AH. With this in mind, I might give Pioneer another look...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1099840&page=4