I don't know what you're experiencing from that description (how loud is it in terms of spl at what distance from the speakers?). Since the Pioneer has about half the power output than your Yamaha, hard to think power is the issue. I've still got old 2ch gear (separates, haven't had a 2ch receiver for about 40 years when I changed to separates), haven't found it particularly different like that with different electronics in general either, either the separates or modern avrs. I find new avrs to be quite good myself, altho I haven't had any Yamahas of my own, but a variety of other brands. Yamaha avrs tend to get very good reports, tho. I'd still think its mostly your speakers, tho.