Help choosing Marantz integrated amp upgrade

Keep your electronics for now and just upgrade your speakers to a pair of Vandersteen Model 1's. Compared to this, your other options are tweaks. Its also a good idea to have your new speakers first, before you get a new amp.

"And not get suggestions from strangers on the internet about what speakers they already have or want to have. All being seldom the right speaker for you."

I get that, but looking at the other options presented here, I stand by my statement 100%. Of course you should demo first, but I can't imagine not upgrading from a pair of $325 Polk speakers that use plastic tweeters, to something like a Model , making a bigger difference. The Vandersteens are on a different plane of existience.

Not only that, there's no gaurentee electronics purchased now are going to matchup with new speakers purchased later on. To not recommend a speaker upgrade, in this instance, would be irresponsible.

"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."

"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. 

"For speakers, I suggest 3-way designs; 2-way designs are inherently compromised. For stand mount that are 3-way, the Wharfedale Jade 3 would be a good choice. Read the review at Stereophile."

Speakers that are not time and phase correct are inherently flawed. That's why a pair of 2-way Model 1's will make those things sound defective.

"Also, floor standing speakers are fundamentally flawed regarding bass response, because you cannot place the bass driver where it needs to be in the room. This is a major benefit subwoofers."

Mine aren't. You need to try something different. I've never seen anyone have as many problems as you. You come up with so many issues with simple stuff, its incredible. There's more to audio than those "white papers" from Harman International and Stereophile reviews. Just become someone does things different doesn't mean the design is wrong. My systems reconstruct details from recordings that you don't know exist. (That's not meant as an insult. Its a simple statement of face.) You're never going to get any good at this if you keep doing the same things over and over.

"I’m very happy with my Dynaudios, thank you. And unlike some posters, I am not so presumptuous as to recommend them to the OP or anyone else. Or any other brand for that matter. Do to so, is just being a shill without taking into account the OP's best interests and needs."

Either way, you'll get over it, or not. But I can see why you're so upset. Dynaudio. I have to agree with you in that if they were my speakers, I wouldn't recommend them to anyone either.

In case you're keeping track, I recommended another pair of Vandersteen 1's in a thread this morning. No doubt I'll recommend at least another pair before the days over.

"Keeping track? I wouldn’t have to even if I was so inclined. But I am not surprised. You might be vying for Vandersteen shill of the year award. Or trying to sell them and not doing a very good job. I just wonder if your doing Mr. Vandersteen any good though. "

You have been keeping track. Read your own post, I didn't bring it up, you did. As far as getting the shill of the year award, I'm trying. If I'm not number 1, definately 2 or 3. I bet I sell more speakers than some of his dealers.

"Remember, I never said a bad word about them. I even said they are very good speakers but may not be the right speaker for the OP."

Yes you did. I never suggested otherwise.

"Again, I would never recommend a brand of speaker to anyone as they are that subjective and I would never be that presumptuous to know what's best for someone in the confines of an internet forum. My own, yours or another brand. You seem to have no problem though."

Right again. I have no problem at all with it. The OP asked for opinions. Unlike you, I'm not cold hearted enough to leave the poor guy at the mercy of Stereophile and TAS.

"BTW, your posts would be much more coherent if you learned how to use the quote feature on this board. Its really simple - everybody knows how."

I'll make a deal with you. Learn how to build a system, and I'll try to become a better secretary like you.

"Still struggling with the quote feature, huh?"

I doubt it since that's the best reply you could come up with.