I know this response is going to sound a little pissy, but here goes.
I have recommened Pioneer a/v receivers to many friends and others on threads like this, but Pioneer's latest announcement on their business focus going forward is kind of scary. Basically, when they announced they were getting completely out of the Plasma HDTV business, they also mentioned in the "small print" that they were re-directing their audio business to the "automotive market".....whatever the hell that means. If they are not going to stay in the home audio market (and they have not clarified that yet) then go for the Yamaha. If the $300 price differential is a problem, look for a good sale on-line over the next several weeks. But I think going with a manufacturer who plans to continue supporting our hobby (or illness
) deserves our business.
I would not worry about that for buying a product now. Pioneer has been exceptionally good at supporting their older products. They even still sell the special speaker connectors used on some of their equipment from the late 1960's and early 1970's.
So, if they both have all the features and performance that CHRIS CREWS needs, saving $300 seems like a good idea to me.
On the other hand, I could be mistaken, but I believe the Yamaha has better video up-conversion, but as I say, I could be mistaken about that, and it isn't something that everyone needs (as, for example, anyone with a great up-converter in the TV, or with sources with great built-in up-converters or only HD sources). If you don't need it, that $300 could go to a fund for better speakers in the future.
And by the way, this advice is coming from someone who, for the last two AV receivers has gone with Yamaha, with no regrets.
