Nonoise - I like how your perspective shifted from the Marantz lacking the highs to it adding mid and bass. The change in perspective caused you to no longer think of it as not sounding as good as the NAD. Now that your assumption has changed for the Marantz, you will likely enjoy it rather than wish it sounded like the NAD. You may still prefer the NAD, but I am fascinated by how our brains work.
Will the sound quality deminish over the years?
I bought a set of used B&W 802N and see a lot of nice speakers for sale here. I wondered if the age of the speaker would cause the sound to degrade. Sure, I have heard people state how great their 40 yo speakers sound, but could that be like shocks on a car? You won't notice how much less they are until it is changed.Just a curious thought as to 10 - 20 years down the road, can I expect the speakers to sound as good, especially when laying out a lot of quag.