I've taken my SongTower RT's over to a buddy's house (warpdrv) and run them using his ICEpowered modules. The ST's sounded great with 500 wpc running through their veins!
For what it's worth, if you are going to pay that much for a receiver. why not go with separates?
If I had more room to put all the gear, separates might be for me but for 14 plus tax I feel ok with this unit. I plan to get it from the B&M store rather than the net so I will pay some for that I know. I'm more concerned about warranty issues and returns with amps etc., as opposed to buying loudspeakers from Jim...with whom I felt totally at ease.
To be honest I haven't done a lot of research into separates. Is there is a pre with matching 7 channels of amplification with the Pioneers' features for that price? (video processing abilities are not as important)
The Yamaha DSP-A1 is a great integrated amplifier. Mine broke 4 weeks ago, due to a speaker short. I replaced 2 output transistors and now is as good as new. Total cost of the repair $12 and 40 min. soldering iron work. I also had to resolder the dot matrix display, some characters were missing.
I really like the A1 and planned to do without HD audio and keep it in my system a while longer, but I've upgraded my display, and of course bought some new Salks and can't seem to shake the upgrade fever. I plan to get it repaired...just wish I had the confidence to fix it myself. I will have a look at it soon, and if it obvious, like a broken post or wire I can do the soldering but that's about all.
So Bob, I guess your saying it isn't the best time to PM you about stopping by to hear the RTs ?. A thought, if your game - the port cone on the back is held on by 4 screws I think it was. If you pull that you should be check the post & see if there's a problem with the post connection.
Here's wishing a speedy resolution your woes. 
Hello JD - Been wondering if you were still interested? Feel free to send a PM. The fronts are working fine and that's all we care about anyway.
Bob