Brandan, as with just about any modern well-designed amplifier, including those in receivers, you can take it as a given that the amplification will be audibly transparent within the designed power limit. As far as that limit goes, anything in the area of 100-150 watts typical of modern units should be more than enough in the vast majority of uses and the amount of power shouldn't be a major factor in reaching a decision.
The Pioneer 1017 apparently doesn't have any published test results, although the preceding 1015 and 1016 were generally well-received. If the features and price suit you it's unlikely that you'd be disappointed.
If you can expand the receiver budget about $200 over what the 1017 runs, I'd bring your attention to the
Onkyo 705 factory refurb which has outstanding features, including the full Audyssey equalization system. About the same price as the 1017 is the Onkyo 605, which is sold out at the moment at A4L.
