I have used (and sold) Pioneer 2350ub and pioneer speakers.
In my opinion the sound is a bit irritating for your ears. I mean it sound is so sharp and in high frequency that it touches your listening threshold. I was very disappointed to hear my new system. I busted rs. 13000/ for pioneer speakers and cd player. The sound is so irritating that I cannot listen to songs for more than 15 min. I feel pain in my ears. (The problem is not in my ears as I expect many ppl will say)
I know many ppl at PW will disagree with me. Anyhow I am pretty disappointed from pioneer. I think sony sound is better because it is soft for your ears.