Murph that is what I think. Something is going on with the receiver. The Onkyo is 140 watts, so not that much difference. But I was listening last night with the Onkyo and I get go as loud as I can stand and no distortion. With the Pioneer it starts distorting what I would consider moderately high levels. So at some point I may need to replace the pioneer. I don't listen at those levels too much in the living room, but nice to be able to if I want.