If you don't dig the 861 you won't like the 301.
I've owned the 301 and now for about a year the 861. The 301 and 861 are voice similar but the 861 is slightly more refined particularly in the mids and highs. I also consider the bass of the 861 more extend, detailed and robust. The 861 deserves high calibre components to take advantage of its sonic attributes. Before you let your 861 go I'd experiment with cabling and the mains you are feeding it. The 861 has a sophisticated power supply but like most components seems to benefit from good quality mains power. My 861 improved in sound quality when powering it through a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet using the 861's standard power cord and a non dedicated power mains outlet.
My system: 861>>Luxman C-7f preamp>>Jeff Rowland 201 amps>> B&W804 speakers.
I've owned the 301 and now for about a year the 861. The 301 and 861 are voice similar but the 861 is slightly more refined particularly in the mids and highs. I also consider the bass of the 861 more extend, detailed and robust. The 861 deserves high calibre components to take advantage of its sonic attributes. Before you let your 861 go I'd experiment with cabling and the mains you are feeding it. The 861 has a sophisticated power supply but like most components seems to benefit from good quality mains power. My 861 improved in sound quality when powering it through a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet using the 861's standard power cord and a non dedicated power mains outlet.
My system: 861>>Luxman C-7f preamp>>Jeff Rowland 201 amps>> B&W804 speakers.