Upstream or downstream? Good arguments for both. Personally, I find it harder to choose a good pair of speakers I like - their 'personalities' vary so much, where upstream the variances seem less pronounced. For me, getting the right speakers makes all the difference. The rest is much easier.
(Although I must admit your pioneer source is clearly the weak link for 2 channel music).
(Although I must admit your pioneer source is clearly the weak link for 2 channel music).