Yamaha YHT 196/299 or Pioneer HTP 071/522?

[Hiteshvora]

I am looking for a good home theatre receiver. And having done some research I found pioneer htp 071 better in specs but found Yamaha yht 196 sound better. Same was with the other two. I want your opinion and preference.
Specifically between Yamaha YHT 196 or Pioneer HTP 071
OR
Yamaha YHT 299 or Pioneer HTP 522.