Thanks, I thought it might be. Here is a comment made by Gordon of Innovative Audio from June of 2013, not long after I got my Pioneer SX-1980.
"If I may make a comment;
Having heard both the SX-1980 and the G-33000 I have to admit that the Pioneer simply sounds better - period. The G-33000 does have that sexy appeal of massive glittery chrome BUT fails to meet the same 'richness' the SX-1980 has.
We have had both of these units side by side on our benches for two days using multiple sources yet the SX-1980 still has a better sound quality. I do agree that the rareness of the G-33000 is alluring, but what good is having one except for bragging rights if something else sounds better? Again, I stress that this is my own opinion but feel that having the opportunity to review these units side by side for comparison should be shared.
Also, the SX-1980 we have on our floor (not the one used in this experiment)has been upgraded and now produces 340 watts per channel at 8 ohms @ 0.003% THD. In addition, it is also stable at 2 ohms. In short, it sounds friggin AWESOME!"
Mine is pictured on the rolling cart as I picked it up from IA.
Nando.