I'd ditch both Yamaha and Pioneer, and look into getting a refurb HK receiver from Harman Audio on eBay for whatever amount you're ready to pay for the first two. You get the full original manufacturer's warranty, which is rare for refurb items.
Ignore the watts per channel numbers, they're totally meaningless---the HKs will have much better sound especially for music.
I'd avoid buying Hk receivers. It's no wonder they have so many 'refurbs' up for sale. They arent exactly known for their reliability.
Gvenk
Unregistered guest
Posted on
They have 'refurbs' for sale because they have the logstics worked out to do so. And "refurbished" does not imply a failure.
Also says nothing about the failure rate of others where it is just thrown into the trash bin. Sometimes (and in the case of HK), the demand for refurbished units, the initial price and a generous return/repair policy is what makes the logistics worthwhile (e.g., Dyson vacuums for example do not fail any mor ethan other vacuums but you have a good secondary market for reconditioned Dysons).
Just so people aren't misled by uninformed opinions
If it were up to me, nobody would receiver a salary. Everyone should be on a pay for performance package People would waste less time and be much more productive that way.