After reading a couple dozen responses (not the full 100 or so responses) i note that you mention your variety of music tastes and that you have a Marantz 5014 A/V receiver.
Your audio system components make up a chain of sound reproduction, and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
The Marantz is a good mid-range receiver. It's most notable characteristic is a smooth overall tonal quality. It's rhythmic timing is, however, bettered by other components including the Denon AVR-X3600H. The Denon is also more detailed which clearly implies partnering with speakers which have a refined treble character.
If you only play in stereo there's an even better-sounding choice called the Cambridge Audio CXA81 amplifier. This one brings the music to life even better than the Denon and Marantz receivers.
Going back to the "chain" analogy please consider every link and how it enhances or detracts from the overall sound. For example, if your primary sound source for listening is .mp3 music cast from your smartphone via bluetooth to your receiver, then no amount of money spent on receiver or speakers will save the system because the music source is of low quality. As the old hi-fi saying goes, garbage in - garbage out. If, on the other hand, you primarily listen to 24-bit/192KHz streamed or downloaded music then you may certainly justify spending your money on good equipment.
So, the links in the chain are:
1. Music source - 24/192 FLAC or ALAC, 24/96 FLAC or ALAC, Vinyl, SACD, CD, .WAV, 320KB MP3 / 192KB MP3 / 128KB MP3, FM radio, Digital radio.
2. Player - Turntable, smartphone, FM tuner, PC / Laptop / Music server.
3. Transmission method - Good quality audio cables, Bluetooth, Wi-fi.
4. Amplifier/Receiver.
5. Speakers.
6. Room.
7. Your ears.
Consider optimizing links 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 before you finalize your speaker choice. I promise you will be happier with the overall results if you can attend to those links first.
Your audio system components make up a chain of sound reproduction, and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
The Marantz is a good mid-range receiver. It's most notable characteristic is a smooth overall tonal quality. It's rhythmic timing is, however, bettered by other components including the Denon AVR-X3600H. The Denon is also more detailed which clearly implies partnering with speakers which have a refined treble character.
If you only play in stereo there's an even better-sounding choice called the Cambridge Audio CXA81 amplifier. This one brings the music to life even better than the Denon and Marantz receivers.
Going back to the "chain" analogy please consider every link and how it enhances or detracts from the overall sound. For example, if your primary sound source for listening is .mp3 music cast from your smartphone via bluetooth to your receiver, then no amount of money spent on receiver or speakers will save the system because the music source is of low quality. As the old hi-fi saying goes, garbage in - garbage out. If, on the other hand, you primarily listen to 24-bit/192KHz streamed or downloaded music then you may certainly justify spending your money on good equipment.
So, the links in the chain are:
1. Music source - 24/192 FLAC or ALAC, 24/96 FLAC or ALAC, Vinyl, SACD, CD, .WAV, 320KB MP3 / 192KB MP3 / 128KB MP3, FM radio, Digital radio.
2. Player - Turntable, smartphone, FM tuner, PC / Laptop / Music server.
3. Transmission method - Good quality audio cables, Bluetooth, Wi-fi.
4. Amplifier/Receiver.
5. Speakers.
6. Room.
7. Your ears.
Consider optimizing links 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 before you finalize your speaker choice. I promise you will be happier with the overall results if you can attend to those links first.
