what amp under a grand?

Maybe none of the above Jughead,

If you are looking to improve the 2 channel sound with your VA Mozart Grands, why are you looking at the amp as the problem? Most likely it is the Marantz AVR that is holding you down. The 2 channel pre-amp sections in AVR's are merely an afterthought - AVR's are designed for multi-channel, digital reproduction first. That means movies and games.

You want better stereo, get a component designed to reproduce stereo!

I suggest you look at a good quality 2 channel integrated amp with a HT Bypass feature so you can use it full time in your surround sound system to drive your VA's. I had a ten plus year affair with HT that always left me wanting more from music reproduction. And my front three speakers are almost identical to yours. The amp wasn't the problem - it was using an AVR as a stereo pre-amp that was.

I finally replaced Parasound theater separates for a Marantz PM15S2 LE integrated and it has taken my 2 channel listening and my VA Bach Grands to new heights. Analog sources, vinyl and CD, are plugged directly into this integrated. Digital sources like cable and Blu-ray are plugged into my AVR. The Marantz drives the VA's all the time; the AVR takes care of the center and surrounds.

In your case, you could still use your Adcom amp to drive the center and surrounds. Hope this is food for thought.

Here are just a few integrateds with HT Bypass that come to mind...
Marantz PM8004, PM15S2, PM11S3.
Arcam A-28, A-38
Creek EVO 2, 5350 EVO, Destiny
Krell S-300i
Musical Fidelity M3i, M6i
Music Hall A70.2

There are probably a lot more than just the above list. Maybe some others can add to it. Another option is to consider a 2 channel pre-amp with HT Bypass and install it between your AVR and Adcom such as the new Parasound Halo P5. Same concept. Good luck to you.

Nice amp and built at the Marantz reference factory in Japan. Has the "Power Amp Direct" feature that essentially turns it into a power amp that you control with AVR's volume knob when listening to surround sources. Push the button to disengage and you control the volume with the integrated amps knob for 2 channel. It will match up well with your VA Mozart Grands. Let us know how it works out.

Unless you're filling up an auditorium with sound, no problem. Your Mozarts are the same as my Bachs - 4 Ohms with a sensitivity of 90 dbw. The PM8004 is a high current amp putting out a true 100 wpc into 4 Ohms. My PM15S2 puts out 140 wpc into 4 Ohms. The difference between 100 and 140 is negligible.

It will make your Mozarts sing with no problem.

Yes Granny, I agree with you that there is more to it than just getting loud. There is current and damming factors to be considered in order to really take control of a speaker and make it sing vs. than just getting it up there in volume. The 8004 has both and is not afraid to list them. IMO, the 8004 will do a great job in most listening rooms with his VA's. Again, my Bachs are identical in impedance and sensitivity and I drive them with a PM15S2 that is 90 wpc @ 8; 140 wpc @ 4 in a 13' x 17' room. Really not that much more in power. And this replaced a 185 wpc @ 4 Parasound power amp. And the Marantz makes my VA's sound better - I couldn't be happier. But that's my personal situation. I always respect an argument for a little more power Granny. That's never a bad thing either!

If you're more comfortable with higher power Jug, I can appreciate that. I wasn't trying to recommend an amp as much as was trying to point out that your muddiness problem most likely comes from using an AVR as a stereo pre-amp. As I mentioned in one of my other posts, you can even keep the Adcom and consider a stereo pre-amp with HT Bypass as an option. Whatever way you go, best of luck to you brother!

Glad to hear it worked out for you Jug. Yeah, that's what I said a few years ago when I broke up with the HT mistress.

I kinda thought your problem was using an AVR as a stereo pre-amp. Enjoy the music again brother!'

I agree with Tls49. Do not bridge the A23 with your VA's. Also, if you end up buying another one, you'll just wonder why you didn't get an A21 in the first place. Compromises in the HiFi can be very expensive.

Also, Tls49's suggestion is a good one. See if you can get a trial to find out if the A23 meets all your expectations. If not, return and get the A21 and call it a day.

I believe the A23 would be all you need but again that's me. I also know that not having what you really want can lead to nagging buyers remorse that as I said above, can get even more expensive. In the end, the thing that really matters is having the amp that makes you happy, not us. Best of luck brother!