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I would say that your speakers and the receiver are very weak spots in your system.
The Marantz PM 7005 is probably a very good choice.
For speakers, there are many good choices out there. Be sure to look hard at the sensitivity spec of the speakers. Speakers with a sensitivity lower than 88 db/watt will require a more powerful amplifier than the 7005 in order to perform well.
The Marantz has good power available at either 8 ohms or 4 ohms, so it should drive most speakers well, as long as the sensitivity is not too low.
I suggest that you look at PSB speakers, and Wharfedale and KEF for some good sound at reasonable prices.
If you spend some time looking at the review articles of speakers in the Recommended Components, it will be time very well spent.
commsysman, Thanks for your comments and advice, much appreciated.
So I am narrowing my selections down, and I wanted to ask about the KEF Q350..... I am seeing that their DB sensitivity being at 87DB. Would that be too low for the Marantz PM 7005 as you advised, or would that be within tolerance? Sorry I'm not smart on how DB Vs Watts effect the drive of the speakers.
For the record I was also looking at the Wharfedale Diamond 225's, and I am also considering the Denon PMA 1600NE (thats when I found the Denon/Marantz connection pointing me to the M 7005)....
Thanks Again...
Big fan of KEF! I own a pair of LS50.
KEF recommends an amp rated at 15-120W for the Q350. The PM 7005 is a 60w amp so it should drive them no problem.
KEF recommends 25-100W for the LS50, and I have them paired with a 75Wpc Hegel H80 which makes a pretty excellent pair.