Help choosing Marantz integrated amp upgrade

"I agree sfall, but why does it have to be your Vandersteen Model 1's?"

They're not mine. I own different models. However, one of the main reasons I recommend Vandersteen, is that they are so transparent.  You can make them sound however you like, so its easier to recover from a mistake. For someone that doesn't have a lot of experiance, this is critical. Too many people walk away from high end audio in frustration. If they at least get some of the system right, there's a much better chance they won't give up.

"Also, the OP said he is thinking about putting off the amp purchase and may concentrate on new speakers instead.

But to emphatically say...

Keep your electronics for now and just upgrade your speakers to a pair of Vandersteen Model 1's.

Leaves very little room to audition anything else."

That was my advice. I have no control over what the OP demos. The reality is, most people that visit this site, don't demo products before they but them, regardless of what they say.

"I am sure the Vandersteens are very nice speakers, but that doesn't mean they are the right speakers for the OP. He should audition as he can."

I agree, but looking at the other options presented, I wanted to imply there was no doubt I was telling him to do the right thing. Also, if a mistake was made somewhere, its fixable with a speaker like the Model 1's. Try and fix a system based on B&W's, Magnepan's, or any of the other countless train wreck designs on the market. It was a judgement call on my part meant to make the OP pause and consider other paths. Do you really see him running down to his local Vandersteen dealer and buy speakers without first consulting the forum? Its not likely. Besides, the OP asked for our input in no uncertain terms.

"Curious if anyone has input, suggestions, or, considering those three upgrade paths, if I should abandon this track."

Let’s not get carried away here guys. There’s a reason I never recommend speakers. That is because speakers are generally such a personal preference that you could definitely miss the boat of what the OP expects from a set of speakers.  Also, that there are a 100 different opinions on what the best speaker is. The OP did mention that he was going to look into Totem Acoustic, Wharfedale and Kef speakers. Let him listen to a number of speakers. Then, if he has a specific question on a speaker, I’m sure he’ll post it in the speaker subforum. I definitely have my own opinions on what I think is the best solution overall, but I answered the OP’s question as asked without trying to push another idea or brand on him.

OK sfall, whatever man. 
I know what I read in your post - you emphatically recommend only one speaker, a Vandersteen Model 1. 

Similar to auxinput's excellent advice above, I said he should understand a speakers needs (impedance & sensitivity) and how this relates to his current amp and future amp's output capabilities.  And above all, go out and audition them!

Speakers are so subjective that no one can make a meaningful recommendation other than offering advice on how a prospective buyer should seek one out on his own.

 


 

Focus on finding the right speakers for now. Once found start another thread with focus on electronics. Good luck in your quest!

"OK sfall, whatever man.
I know what I read in your post - you emphatically recommend only one speaker, a Vandersteen Model 1."

Not true. I also recommend the 2's and 3's as well. My reasons for doing so are stated above. In a situation like this, its a very safe recommendation. Why do you think the Model 2's are the best selling high end speaker on the markret? No other speaker even comes close. The simple answer is, its very easy to get good results. Can anyone gaurantee good results? Of course not. There's alyways some risk involved, but have a look at the listings. For a best selling speaker, you would expect to see quite a few listings. The opposite is true.

"Similar to auxinput's excellent advice above, I said he should understand a speakers needs (impedance & sensitivity) and how this relates to his current amp and future amp's output capabilities. And above all, go out and audition them!"

I agree. Its good advice. I've driven well over a thousand miles to audition components. I don't think you got the meaning of my previous comments. I wasn't trying to get the OP to buy a pair of Model 1's unheard.

I'm thinking you should buy a pair for yourself, as well. Get your system sounding right and you won't be so miserable.