Marantz PM Ki Ruby and RME ADI 2 (Am I crazy?)


Hey guys,
My setup is node 2i > rme adi 2 dac > pm ki ruby > dynaudio special 40s.

All this while I’ve been using the RME as a dac and the marantz as pre and power.

while browsing some random stuff, I realised that the rme could also be used as a pre and the marantz just as a power amp. 

And of course, I tried.  But am I crazy to think that my system sounds better? The soundstage has widened , better imaging and overall improved sonics. Is this even possible or just my mind playing tricks? 
Please help, I’m losing it!! Lol
prashanth13485
Haha.. fair enough.  The fact that what’s mainly a dac, it’s pre amp somehow sounds better than the pre amp of what’s considered a higher end marantz amplifier . Just doesn’t make sense to me. 
not surprised at all

so long as the source have enough electrical drive into the power amp, it takes a very very nice linestage to sound better than no linestage at all... (and your marantz pre stage just ain’t that nice, i am sorry to say...)
Thanks guys.. I’m glad that I’m not imagining. 
Should I consider upgrading my marantz to a dedicated power amp? If so, any recommendations for the special 40s?
@jjss49 is the power amp of the marantz as good as they come for the price or should I consider upgrading? If latter, do you have any recommendations? Thank you, appreciate your inputs.