My budget is @ 500.00. I have looked at Onkyo, Denon and Sony and the Pioneer has a few things that I need. Brand loyalty (I have owned many pioneer products and all have been stellar. Sony not so much), love the direct Ipod connectivity as all my music is from Ipod, need all new current audio, never need video upgrading as I am a digital only system (soley a Blu-Ray and Direct TV), 5.1 system now soon to be 7.1. Own a Velodyne 3750 sub and crappy surround speakers soon to be replaced by Paradigm 330. Room is 25Lx 14W with 12` of behind viewer space. The TV is a 47" JVC HD. Totally happy with my picture and not so much with sound. Current receiver is a HTIB Sony Blu-Ray receiver. I know that it will become the most expensive BR in the world as I have already kicked the micro speakers and sub to the curb (for cash mind you).
Any reason to look at something else?