Alan from here at Axiom had originally steered me away from Pioneer, but that was when I was looking at their non-Elite line. One of his biggest comments was about getting a receiver that can drive speakers that have a < 8ohm rating (like the M80's)... Not a big issue since I was getting M60's...
Here is exactly what he said in response to my questions about M22's (pre-M60 decision) and my comment about getting a non-Elite Pioneer...
--------------------------
"Pioneer stuff is generally excellent, although lately I prefer Denon and Harman/Kardon for a/v receivers (they will drive even our 4-ohm M80 towers, whereas many other brands will not (sony, Onkyo, Kenwood, some Pioneer)."
-------------------------- Alan Lofft
So, no real help here, I know, but I think that you will find either receiver to be an excellent choice.
