I've been teeter-tottering on this issue for quite some time. Everything John has said regarding the sound of amps makes perfect sense to me. After all, isn't an amp an amp. But, recently, I decided to give that Pioneer 1014 everyone seems to be talking about a try. I did the microphone thing and was all set to be excited. I know many like it, but this thing left my m22s sounding neutered, dull and lifeless. I hooked up my old Yamaha, and the detail and clarity of the 22s had returned. I would take a Yamaha any day over a Pioneer. I can't tell anyone how Yamaha compares with HK, Denon or Marantz. I do have a suspicion that my Yamaha wouldn't be outclassed.
