David, if the Denon and Pioneer had their tone controls etc. in neutral positions and the sound levels were matched to within 0.1dB there would be no sound differences. Competent and conscientious audio engineers design their units to amplify transparently when operated within their design limits. The major differences in frequency response that the "warm/bright" fantasies would require simply don't exist. Those who say that the Pioneers are a "little warmer" are uninformed or misinformed.
As to the features, this is what you should carefully study and decide what's most important to you.
