Upgrade receiver for B&W CDM7 NTs?

Hello, and thanks in advance for your advice.
About 3 years ago, I upgraded from mass market speakers to two new B&W CDM7 NT speakers. They are terrific, as far as I can tell. The improvement in sound quality from my former system (with Sony 3 way floorstanding speakers, circa 1985) was dramatic.

Now I'm considering further improving my system. Apart from the two B&W's, it consists of mass market stuff -- a Sony SCD CE 595 SACD/CD changer, and a Sony STR DE 185 2-ch 100w receiver.

My objectives are to spend under $1K, and to get the most bang for my buck in terms of sound quality. I lack audio technical expertise. I listen to mostly classical music. I'd prefer a 2-ch. stereo receiver -- surround sound is not an interest at this time, ditto for home theater. Space, spousal considerations, and a preference for simplicity militate in favor of a receiver rather than separates.

I auditioned in-store a Marantz SR 4320 and a Rotel RX-1052. The Rotel sounded significantly better. I'm leaning strongly toward the Rotel. But it is difficult -- actually, impossible -- to get a sense of how the Rotel will sound in my system by hearing it in a store with different CD player, different speakers, and different room acoustics.

In view of my current setup, am I correct in thinking that upgrading my receiver to the Rotel will give me the most bang for my buck, or would I be better off going some other route? If so, what route?

Thanks.